Construction architecture combines creativity and technology
High jumper Heta Tuuri is in her fourth year of studying construction architecture at Metropolia UAS. The initial motivation behind her choice of field was the opportunity to combine many personal interests. The studies in this field include a wide range of courses on various themes, from renovation construction to the history of architecture, and from information modeling to material science and building design.
"I had been interested in construction and technology for a long time, and designing and creative solutions also seemed like exciting areas. Additionally, construction architecture as a field appeared to be international, meaning that after graduation, I would have the opportunity to work almost anywhere," Heta recalls.
When planning her higher education, Helsinki attracted her, while Metropolia's good reputation as a trainer of skilled construction industry experts drew her to the university. Heta's educational path has not been the most typical, as she studied architecture at the University of Minnesota from 2015 to 2019. As a member of the university's athletic team, competitive sports were a significant part of her daily life, and she has managed to balance competitive sports with her studies in Finland as well.
Studies progress with an analytical and developmental approach
The construction architecture program at Metropolia consists of both course-based teaching and solution-oriented project-based learning. The teaching takes place at the Myllypuro campus in Helsinki, and those aiming to complete the program in four years are generally required to study full-time. Heta appreciates that building architecture students have their own studio, accessible only to students of the main subject. The studies make extensive use of electronic materials and software. All necessary design programs are available on the computer, and most of the literature used in construction architecture studies can be borrowed from Metropolia's library.
"The implementation of the studies is versatile, and there is a lot of group work. Many projects start with joint activities, but each student completes their own coursework. For example, we might examine a part of a larger project together. Larger projects may also be done in pairs. For example, we have designed various buildings or studied the variables affecting their design. The most interesting part is when, after each project, everyone presents their unique coursework, and we learn from each other," Heta says with pride in her voice.
Studying building architecture is based on the solution-oriented management of phenomena studied through larger entities in concrete projects. Analytical, developmental, and independent work is emphasized throughout the studies. Experienced teachers also support learning. Heta mentions that in addition to the program's own teachers, lectures are also given by HVAC construction master teachers. Occasionally, they have also heard from visiting professionals from the industry, such as experts in building materials or design offices.
A degree in construction architecture opens up various career paths
So far, Heta is very satisfied with her choice of study. She has already completed one internship that provided insight into the daily work of a construction architect, and another internship is still to come towards the end of her studies.
"It strongly feels like this is my field. As my studies progress and through internships, my passion has only deepened. This also gives me more motivation to complete my studies and seek work at a design office," Heta says.
A degree in construction architecture opens doors to various career paths. Graduates work in design offices, public administration, construction companies, construction management offices, or as entrepreneurs. The job role may include tasks such as design or supervision in the construction industry, project management in building design, or planning for renovation construction. After gaining the required work experience, a building architect meets the qualifications required by law for demanding design tasks.
The world is constantly changing, and so are the skill requirements for construction architects. Today’s architect’s toolkit must include multidisciplinary skills in structural design, consturction services, engineering, construction economics, and construction production. For example, renovation construction, designing energy-efficient buildings, and information modeling are core competencies for future building architects.
Heta still has some time before graduation, but gradually her future plans are taking shape
"I would like to work in a design office for at least some time. Or perhaps I might do design work under my own name. There is a lot of variation, and working outside of Finland also interests me," Heta ponders with a smile.