First off, it’s important to look at why we are asking this question. The debate over whether architecture is art or science is age old, but largely results in the same conclusion: It’s both.

Why the answer as to whether or not architecture is considered a STEM field is currently important because this designation is connected to substantial funding for architectural education.

Architecture is often viewed through the lens of art and design, but at its core, it also relies on principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In the day to day experience of the architect, how this breaks down varies. The romantic notion is that you spend most of your day designing and making things beautiful. The reality is that a great deal of time is spent on the nitty-gritty of making buildings work.

This isn’t a negative, by any means. It is the great responsibility of the architect to make buildings that function, that hold up over time, that are safe and efficient, and so on. On the other hand, designing buildings that people enjoy being in, that uplift and inspire, and that contribute to the greater community experience is also important. It’s a balance of opposites, and at the same time, the two sides are intimately connected.

How Is Architecture STEM?

Architecture is more than aesthetics and artistic expression. It involves complex problem-solving, material science, structural engineering, and understanding the latest technological innovations. All these elements tie architecture to the core aspects of STEM.

  • Science: Architects must understand physics, material science, and environmental factors to design structures that are safe, efficient, and hold up to the test of time. This includes knowledge of how forces act on a building and how materials perform under various conditions.
  • Technology: Technology plays a key role in modern architecture. From computer-aided design (CAD) software to advanced building information modeling (BIM) systems, architects rely on cutting-edge tools to create, analyze, and modify their designs.
  • Engineering: Buildings are engineered for performance, systems and structural integrity. While architects don’t do the engineering calculations themselves, they work closely with structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers to design systems for heating, cooling, electricity, lighting, and water, and have all these systems coordinate within the design. Architects should have a reasonable understanding of engineering principles in order to design size approximations for structural members and mechanical systems
  • Mathematics: Precision in measurement, calculation of loads, and the geometric layout of structures all require mathematical knowledge. Mathematics is vital for spatial planning, structural analysis, and calculating material quantities. Geometry and the use mathematical proportions can be a significant part of the design process. These visual forms of mathematics appeal to the left and right brain thinking that defines the architect’s daily workflow.

How Has Architecture Already Been Recognized as a STEM field?

The recognition of architecture as a STEM field has been steadily growing. In 2018, the U.S. Congress officially designated architecture as a STEM subject, emphasizing the critical role of scientific and technical skills in the profession. This recognition acknowledged the importance of architecture in solving complex societal challenges, such as urban and community development and the design of resilient infrastructure.

This official recognition has had several important implications:

  • Educational Programs: Many architecture programs now incorporate more STEM-focused curricula, emphasizing subjects like physics, environmental systems, and digital technologies.
  • Scholarship and Funding Opportunities: Architecture students are increasingly eligible for STEM-specific scholarships and grants, making the advanced degrees and training required to become and architect more attainable.
  • Career Prospects: With architecture now recognized as a STEM discipline, architects have greater access to resources and training to help with career advancement.

What STEM Skills Are Needed for a Career in Architecture?

Architecture requires a blend of creative and technical skills. While creativity is part of coming up with a design, a strong foundation in STEM skills ensures that those designs are functional, practical, and safe.

The creative part of design is fun, the sexy part of design. However, many hours of the architects day are spent going through the process of making the building real, figuring out how it will work and how it will be built.

Here are some key STEM skills needed for a career in architecture:

  • Mathematics: Architects use math to calculate dimensions, structural loads, and materials. Geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are commonly applied when designing floor plans, facades, and structural systems.
  • Physics: Understanding the principles of physics is important for architects in order to properly coordinate with their team of consultants and engineers. Architects must consider forces like gravity, wind, and seismic activity when designing structures.
  • Environmental Science: Modern architects need to integrate sustainable practices into their designs. Knowledge of environmental science helps architects design buildings that operate comfortably and efficiently, and create healthier indoor environments.
  • Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D modeling, and building information modeling (BIM) are common practice for creating and refining architectural plans. Advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR) are starting to show potential ways they influence the design process and the client experience.
  • Problem-Solving: Architects face complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Whether it’s finding ways to maximize space in a small urban plot or designing earthquake-resistant structures, problem-solving is a critical skill for success.

In addition to these STEM skills, architects must be able to work collaboratively with engineers, contractors, and other professionals to bring their designs to life.

Careers in Architecture

Architecture offers a diverse range of career paths that combine both STEM skills and creative design. Here are some of the specialized roles within the field:

Interior Design

Interior design includes a range of work on the interior of buildings. While it is often associated with decor and furnishings, interior design also involves:

  • Space planning: Maximizing the efficiency of space usage.
  • Material science: Understanding the properties of materials used in flooring, wall coverings, and furniture.
  • Lighting and acoustics: These are big parts of how we experience a space and can be underrated, acoustics especially. A space that isn’t lit well, or is harshly lit, or where the sound echoes, or there is too much noise from appliances or mechanical equipment can be annoying or uncomfortable. The architect, interior designer and engineers will be working together to coordinate lighting and acoustic elements to get the place to feel good.
  • Systems and structure: Similar to architects, interior designers need an understanding of building systems and structure to coordinate with consultants to get everything working together as it should.

Residential Architect

A residential architect specializes in designing homes, from single-family houses to multi-unit apartment complexes. Designing a home for someone is a big responsibility. It is not only a huge investment, but also serves as their sanctuary to live, grow, raise a family, entertain, work, recover, and so on. Residential architects need skills in:

  • Structural engineering: An understanding of sizing structural components (beams, walls, columns, joists, etc.) is necessary to the design of homes. This includes design for shear strength, wind and snow loads, seismic and more.
  • Energy efficiency: Designing homes that perform better.
  • Zoning laws: Understanding local regulations that impact where and how homes can be built.

Hospitality Architect

Hospitality architects focus on designing hotels, resorts, spas and restaurants. This area of architecture requires a unique blend of STEM skills and creativity to create spaces that are both functional for staff and enjoyable for guests. Key considerations include:

  • Space planning and flow: Guests can navigate spaces easily while optimizing operational efficiency for staff.
  • Structural integrity: Designing safe and resilient structures. This includes not only the larger structure of the building itself, but also may interior elements that need to be structurally sound.

In addition to technical expertise, hospitality architects architects are in the business of creating memorable experiences. This creative, artistic element is brought to reality by the STEM functions of the designer and their team.

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, yards, courtyards, and plazas, integrating natural elements with the built environment. STEM skills are particularly important in this field, as landscape architects must balance ecological concerns with human usage. Responsibilities include:

  • Urban planning: Understanding how outdoor spaces fit within larger urban settings.
  • Hydrology and soil science: Ensuring that water runoff is managed effectively to protect the buildings and to manage water drainage into the greater community, and that soil conditions support plant growth.

Conclusion

The eternal debate as to whether architecture is more art or more science will undoubtably go on. There is no question that architecture is a STEM discipline, encompassing a broad range of technical skills alongside its artistic components. By combining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with creativity, architects design structures that solve real-world problems, improve quality of life, and shape the future of our built environment.

With architecture now formally recognized as part of the STEM ecosystem, it offers numerous opportunities for innovation and career growth. Whether you are drawn to the technical or the creative aspects of architecture, you’ll be able to find opportunities that blend of both worlds to meet your interests.