What Are the Math Requirements for Architecture?

You might be interested in designing houses or buildings because of the artistic and aesthetic styles you can create as an architect.

On the other hand, perhaps you are fascinated by issues of structural design and engineering that involve physics, geometry, and calculus.

But to what degree do you need math in building design and planning? Does architecture have math requirements?

Architects, who practice a hybrid and interdisciplinary career that combines an aesthetic impulse with the science and technology of structural construction principles, need to be able to imagine and create solutions to both functional and aesthetic problems.

Yes, architecture math requirements do exist. In particular, architects need to have mastery of:

• Calculus
• Descriptive geometry
• Analytical geometry
• Applied mathematics
• Trigonometry

The Importance of Math and Technology for Architects

When many people think of architects, they envision someone at a drawing table drafting blueprints.

Such architectural design work requires an understanding of how to create three-dimensional space through the placement and shape of walls, windows, doors, arches, and other forms that relate closely to the mathematical concepts of geometry and not just the ability to draw lines.

According to Cambridge Assessments, architectural training has traditionally focused on Euclidean geometry for its design-oriented principles, although since the rise of modernism in architecture, its practitioners also apply principles from fractal and topological geometry.

Other significant aspects of architecture math requirements, training, and knowledge stem from both general mathematics, such as calculus and algebra, and applied mathematics.

Applied mathematics is essential as it relates to building design, engineering, and construction.

However, calculus is perhaps the most significant math skill set related to the design and construction of safe, stable buildings that can withstand strong forces.

The Central Role of Calculus for Architects

Calculus is essential knowledge for architects so that they can understand the forces that may act upon the structures they design.

Calculus is the mathematical study of the physical universe and how things change through cause and effect.

This mathematical field helps architects as they design and model systems and as they predict the effects of potential forces of change on those systems ?such as heat loss over time or the effect of strong winds upon buildings.

Architects need mathematical precision to ensure that their structures can safely withstand various internal and external change agents or threats if the structures are to remain stable and safe.

The Houston Chronicle (Chron.com) provides a good explanation for the importance of calculus:

'Since calculus is used for examining forces over time, it is the main reason buildings don't topple over in hurricanes and heating systems don't overload in the winter.'

While taking a class in calculus is not about how to design buildings per se, calculus gives architects a significant understanding of how to design structures that can retain their integrity despite the forces that work against them.

Why Are Math Courses Central to the Architecture Curriculum?

Architect Nicholas Renard recommends that aspiring architects challenge themselves by taking 'as much math as they can handle' (plus one course further than they can handle).

He emphasizes that the core role of architects is to be problem solvers: 'We use what we experience from history, art, physics, life, architecture (and yes, math) to influence our solutions to our problem's projects.'

What Degree Should I Get If I Want to Become an Architect?

The primary type of bachelor's degree in architecture today is a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree program.

This degree is considered a professional degree program as it prepares graduates for entry-level architectural roles or for pursuing graduate degrees.

The BArch degree will teach you about architectural history, design principles, and construction technology.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degrees Related to Architecture

Alternatively, you may decide to study for and earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in a field closely related to architecture but with a slightly different emphasis that might not qualify you for licensing as an architect but could prepare you for a collateral career role.

Some of these degree programs, such as engineering degrees, will require more advanced mathematics courses than others (such as architectural studies).

Some of these degree areas and their related careers include:

• Architectural Design: Architectural designer, concept developer, design consultant
• Architectural Engineering: Architectural engineer, structural engineer, construction project engineer
• Architectural Studies: Architectural research, writing, or academia
• Architectural Technology: Architectural technician, CAD specialist, building information modeling (BIM) coordinator
• Building Science: Building scientist, environmental consultant, construction materials researcher
• City and Regional Planning: Urban planner, regional planner, community development specialist
• Engineering professions: Civil engineering, construction engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering

Graduate Degrees

You can also earn a Master of Architecture (MArch) and a Doctor of Architecture (DArch) degree if you want to gain advanced training and credentials.

The MArch degree is generally a two to three-year program that may be required for state licensure.

It can provide more specialized training in niche areas of architecture.

The DArch degree, which takes an additional three to five years to earn, is less oriented to creating practicing architects and more geared to preparing graduates for academic, leadership, or research roles that will enable them to develop original and innovative contributions to the field.

Specializations Within Architecture

You will find many different specializations within the field of architecture, such as residential, commercial, environmental/green, industrial, interior, landscape, and so on.

These affect the day-to-day focus of an architect's work. Again, some of these are more math-intensive than others depending upon the nature of the work.

Earning a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and Becoming Licensed

In the United States, the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) is the only recognized accreditation agency for professional degree programs in architecture.

Currently, throughout the US and abroad, the NAAB accredits 175 degree programs offered by 139 institutions of higher learning.

Some of the country's top undergraduate architecture programs include:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Columbia University
• Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Calculus and Analytic Geometry
• NewSchool of Architecture and Design
• Temple University

Taking the Architect Registration Examination

The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is a nonprofit organization comprised of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All US architecture schools that receive NAAB accreditation meet the education requirement for NCARB registration.

Graduates of accredited schools must then pass the ARE (Architect Registration Examination), which tests their knowledge and skills prior to becoming licensed.

The ARE content areas include:

• Project Management
• Programming & Analysis
• Project Planning & Design
• Project Development & Documentation
• Construction & Evaluation

Note that while there is no separate math section, the exam will evaluate the math-related knowledge and skills learned throughout your college curriculum but in an applied context.

An example of a portion of the exam requiring strong applied math skills would be in the section titled 'Building Analysis & Programming,' which tests a candidate on their ability to:

• 4.1: Evaluate relevant qualitative and quantitative attributes of a new or existing building as they relate to the program (A/E)
• 4.2: Evaluate documentation, reports, assessments, and analyses to inform the building program (A/E)
• 4.3: Identify and prioritize components of the building program (A/E)
• 4.4: Assess spatial and functional relationships for the building program (A/E)
• 4.5: Recommend a preliminary project budget and schedule (U/A)
• 4.6: Identify alternatives for building and structural systems for given programmatic requirements, preliminary budget, and schedule (U/A)
• 4.7: Analyze graphical representations regarding building analysis and building programming (A/E).

Can You Be an Architect Without Being a Math Whiz?

Speaking about the math requirements when studying architecture, architect Jeremiah Russell said:

'Would-be architects should understand the principles and concepts of math ?mostly geometry, trigonometry, and basic physics. It is not necessary to be a math genius (we all have calculators) nor is it necessary to master or memorize complex load calculations and diagrams, etc. That's what reference materials are for. Ultimately do not be swayed if you are not strong in math. It's a body of knowledge that can be learned and should not be a source of stress.'

Learn More About Architecture Degree Programs Today

If the above information about architecture math requirements has sparked your interest in pursuing this fascinating profession, be sure to reach out to Learn.org to find out more about various undergraduate architecture schools and how you can apply.