How are Civil Engineering and Architecture different from each other?
Although Civil Engineering and Architecture appear the same due to their inseparable connection with real estate and infrastructure development, they are completely different but complementary professions when it comes to ground reality. The common ground in the knowledge base of both fields leads students to ponder on what to choose- civil engineering or architecture. Here is a comprehensive guide on the similarities and differences between civil engineering and architecture.
Architecture Engineering
The word Architecture is derived from the word “arkhitekton” which means ‘chief builder. While the origin of the word suggests that architects are builders, when it comes to a real-world definition it is more to do with blending art with science to construct buildings.
To become an architect one needs to integrate creative, as well as, analytical skills, thereby keeping an innovative approach in the career. Having artistic skills is also an important element to excel in the field of architecture as an architect utilizes every inch of the property for a specific purpose while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Strong leadership skills to lead a project are also required. An architect imagines the building based on the dreams, vision, need, and purpose of the client, therefore it is desirable that an architect has great communication skills.
Civil Engineering
It is through the principles of science that humans can achieve the formation, construction, and maintenance of bridges, roads, residential buildings, canals, and dams.
In other words, civil engineers design the structures that the architect has outlined. It is through the help of civil engineers that these structures get shape, strength, and durability. An engineer designs the building so that it can withstand the load, be it self-weight, imposed loads, or vibrations.
Civil Engineering emerges as a branch of engineering which would deal with everything non-military. That makes the field of Civil Engineering very vast. Ponder on your everyday life, you will notice every moment of it is either directly or indirectly linked with civil engineering.
Civil Engineering or Architecture: Basic Difference
Most of the formations around us are either a work of a civil engineer or an architect. We are surrounded by the modern marvels all around us and they are combined efforts of civil engineers and architects. Be it basic necessities like drainage systems or class-apart formations like skyscrapers.
The primary difference herein remains that while architects conceptualize the ideas and use their creativity to make the most out of limited space, civil engineers carry out the groundwork to integrate more analytical and quantitative aspects to these ideas.
Apart from this, civil engineers are the key functionaries in developing varied transport systems like a railway network, metro rail networks, new models of cars, and many other devices.
Civil Engineering or Architecture: Pedagogical Difference
Bachelor in architecture is a 5 year UG academic program that is offered at different architecture schools around the country. This remains the entry point into the field for students who are interested in making a career as an architect.
An architecture degree involves more of liberal arts approach in the classes and also includes a multidisciplinary curriculum.
If a student wants to carve a career in Civil Engineering, he/she can pursue two courses to enter the field. These course options are:
- B. Tech in Civil Engineering, a degree course of 4 years duration
- Short term diploma course in Civil Engineering
A degree in Civil Engineering involves more of an analytical approach, thus, it lacks the liberal arts approach of architecture degree.
Civil Engineering and Architecture: Difference in employment
One of the key aspects that makes the two professions different is the employment prospects and salary.
Architects usually get a job in different architectural firms, Town Planning Firms, River Front Development projects, Government planning projects, etc. Whereas Civil Engineering has a wider scope of work and a broader field of operations. Civil Engineers are employed in private government bodies and hired in the Indian Army, NAVY, and Air Force. They get job roles such as Structural Engineer, Field Engineer, Site Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Surveying, etc.
Also Read:- Career Opportunities in Civil Engineering
An entry-level Civil Engineer can land up an average package of 3 lakh per annum, whereas this can increase up to 12 lakh per annum after gaining an apt amount of experience.
An entry-level Architect can get a package worth 3.5 to 5 lakh per annum. This can go as high as 20 lakh per annum after gaining a due amount of experience.
Civil Engineering vs Architecture: Which is Better
In a nutshell, civil engineering and architecture are both lucrative career choices, the major difference remains in the aspect of creativity and analytical skills. If an individual is more quantitatively inclined and wants to focus on analytical skills then pursuing civil engineering is a good choice. Whereas, for creatively inclined ones, pursuing architecture is the best choice. While a degree in architecture can
