The Architect Portfolio
One of the most important things for any artist is their portfolio. The architect portfolio not only illustrates the idea that an architect must be artistic and imaginative, but also can help the client in many different ways.
The architect portfolio is not just a good idea; it is really a necessary element for any successful architect. The portfolio is a collection of the works and designs of the architect and not only serves to give an example of what the architect has actually done, but also what he might be capable of doing in the future. Like an artist or a photographer, the architect portfolio is a glimpse into the imagination of the architect as well as a resume of their experience and past accomplishments.
The importance of the portfolio is such that college architecture programs have classes specifically concerned with portfolio design. This is considered to be an important part of the preparation of the architect. The architect almost always has to gain practical experience working in some type of intern or apprentice type of program. The total scope of what is involved in the building of a structure that meets all of the safety and environmental codes as well as has structural stability and then still is appealing to the eye is mind boggling. A person can not just step out of college and accomplish this alone without gaining much practice experience first.
The architect portfolio shows this experience gaining process in an orderly and visual manner. The view of the portfolio should be able to see at a glance the progress of the architect as they learn their trade. Obviously, the early works would be smaller in scope, perhaps even projects that the architect merely assisted with as they learned. As the portfolio unfolds, the work should be more the individual work of the architect. At the end, the portfolio might include some designs that show the possibilities and designs that illustrate the imagination and artistic ability of the architect. It might show what they can do if they were given the opportunity.
The viewer of the portfolio should be able to easily distinguish the past work from the future visions as well as understand the level of involvement of the architect in the project. Although design and visual appeal is an essential element of any good portfolio, it is the information that is the key. A portfolio must be an honest representation of the work of the architect. Although this honesty can be enhanced by thoughtful and imaginative presentation, it must be remembered that these are merely bells and whistles. It is the actual work that is the true engine of the architect’s experience.
The architect’s portfolio is something that is both practical and necessary. Yet, at the same time, it represents the artistic creations of an imaginative mind. An architect must understand much that is practical. It has always been thus since the beginning of time. Any structure is a physical representation of a dream that is born in the imagination of man. The ancient legend told us that men once had an idea that it would be possible to build a tower that would reach the heavens and allow man to confront God face to face. What they lacked was a good architect to explain to them about stress and material costs. If they had one, we would all still be speaking the same language. The architect's portfolio tells of visions that were practical and became reality.