How to Write Architecture Papers

Architecture is one of the most challenging and thrilling sciences anyone can master. It is a combination of art and engineering, requires accurate calculations and a creative approach. Architecture is more than modeling, evaluating, and building: it’s creating space and atmosphere, which collects stories of the people, who are somehow related to the place.

If you are taking architecture classes or even want to become an architect in the future, you probably know how challenging the process may be. Writing papers on architecture is one of the best ways to gain new knowledge but it surely is complicated and time-consuming.

We asked our experts to share a few tips on crafting architecture papers that would not only reflect the topic but would also conquer the hearts and minds of the audience. Here are the things we’re going to discuss today:

• Structure of the paper;
• The best tips from our architecture paper writers;
• 2020 topics and text’s example.

Structure of an architecture paper

As with any other assignments, an architecture essay or paper consists of three main elements:

1. The introductory section, which should familiarize the audience with the main question and the topic. Keep the introduction short. If talking about a building, just tell when and where it was built, by whom and for whom. If describing an architect, say when he or she was active and what his or her major contributions are;
2. Main paragraphs or analysis of the topic. This section is the heart of your architecture paper. Carefully guide the readers through the topic and let them understand why the subject is important and how your research contributes to the industry. Body paragraphs should always support the thesis you’ve indicated in the introduction;
3. Conclusion, which also relates to the main question and once again supports the thesis. Explain why you think that the topic is worth readers’ attention and if possible, make a prognosis for the future.

There are several architecture papers types, so if calculations or drawings are required, additional sections must be included in the text.

Writing tips from professionals

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to architecture writing or have already completed tens of papers: there will always be mistakes that you may unintentionally make. Luckily, we asked our writers to share their tips with you. Here is what you should keep in mind when working on the assignment.

Always start with an outline and a draft

This advice may seem boring and time-consuming but after creating an outline you’ll see that it is actually much better to stick to a plan. In such a way you will avoid losing track of the main idea and not being able to write a single line.

Outlines help to structure the ideas. There is no need to worry about grammar or punctuation errors because the outline won’t be included in the text. Focus on organization and main idea, and put on paper everything you want to discuss.

The next stage is crafting the first draft. Focus on the structure and sequence of data or events not paying much attention to perfect language or style. Remember, these mistakes can be easily fixed later. 

After finishing the first draft read it attentively and highlight all sentences or even sections that sound out of place. Fix the mistakes and rewrite passages that you don’t like. Don’t worry if you have to rewrite certain parts several times. This mostly concerns your introduction, where the big question and the thesis should be formulated in a clear and understandable manner.

Follow your language

You may think that architecture papers don’t need to be written in an academic language. However, you are wrong and any tutor will tell you that. Thus, we have made a separate list of the rules that will help to make your language professional and smart:

• Avoid generalizations. Don’t just tell that the building is beautiful and important. Show instead: use examples and demonstrate your thoughts with specific details. Common words just show that you haven’t understood the topic or haven’t conducted research;
• Use the active voice. It makes the text energetic and forceful. Passive voice must be used only if there is no way to avoid it;
• Remain positive. Leave negative sentences to other assignments: positive ones are much stronger and don’t confuse the audience. They also leave a nice aftertaste and the reader wants to learn more about your ideas;
• Be direct and clear;
• Always write 21st century, not 2000s or 19th century instead of 1800s;
• Stick to simple words. Don’t look for complex synonyms just to seem smarter;
• Don’t rely solely on spelling checkers because they are sometimes wrong and confuse words.

Several useful tips

One of the most important tips we can give is that you should always write the paper from scratch. Too many students are tempted to download a ready architecture essay and submit it. However, tutors always check the texts on plagiarism software, so you may get yourself into big troubles if the truth comes out.

Yes, you can use several sources and ideas of other authors but your text should be original and unique. Read examples of works online but always deliver your message in your own voice.

When your architecture paper is finished, don’t rush to submit it. Put it into your desk and go out to breathe fresh air or to grab a coffee with friends. In a few hours or even days return to the paper and read it aloud. You may find that some parts are out of place or should be replaced by simpler constructions.

A great idea will be asking a friend or a relative to read the assignment and make comments. We often don’t notice common mistakes in our own texts because we are used to them. And if you doubt that the people you know have solid language skills, you can always hire a professional editor or proofreader.

Architecture paper topics

Architecture is a broad sphere and it’s impossible to name all the topics that you can discuss. However, we have made a list of the most popular subjects that you may use for your 2020 architecture paper:

• Lightweight structures vs advanced architecture;
• Parametric design;
• Evaluating sustainability under modern urbanization conditions;
• Smart transport system approach;
• The role of cafes in urban revitalization;
• How to protect wildlife around urban areas;
• Effective planning of megapolises;
• Importance of conservation in protecting cultural places;
• Planning an educational facility in a remote area;
• Impact of uncontrolled building.

When choosing a topic, we always recommend considering not only the subject but also your own interests and expectations of the audience. For example, it’s really hard to create an A+ architecture paper if you write about Medieval architecture that you can’t stand. Or to expect interest of the reader, who lives in a village but has to read about skyscrapers in the middle of a megapolis.

Example of an architecture paper

Here is a brief example of an Environmentally Sustainable Design topic. 

The 1970 energy crisis gave a push to sustainable architecture emergence. At the moment, this theory has gained popularity across the world and has millions of fans and followers. Green buildings concept meets the problems of energy saving and the extinction of wildlife. Sustainable architecture has given birth to such new terms as eco-home, smart home, bioclimatic design, sustainable design, and others. Nowadays, ecology has even become one of the main criteria when giving out architectural prizes and rewards.

Green homes are designed as a combination of nature and urbanization to make the living comfortable, minimalistic, and undisturbed. The main idea is that a person is an integral part of the biosphere. Thus, the green architecture allows for optimizing urban planning and design.

With its help, people are able to improve the environment and climate. Heating, cooling, air conditioning, and even lighting also become a part of the design. Utilizing different architecture means and construction people are able to save the planet. By reducing energy consumption and pollution, the balance is achieved.

Green architecture is based on the latest technological and scientific instruments to research and create efficient models. All the sources are adapted to local landscapes, climate, and even characteristics of the local inhabitants.

Closing thoughts

If you are studying architecture and trying to write an architecture paper, you probably know that it takes long hours to come up with a topic, find relevant sources, craft a brand-new design, and to put all of the thoughts on paper. But what to do if you lack inspiration and can’t write a single line?

Our academic writing service is the best solution. We are ready to help you with crafting a perfect paper or essay and to assist with mastering the subject. Our writers and managers are available 24/7, so you just need to reach out and place an order. We guarantee that you’ll be amazed at how simple and fun it is to create an architecture paper.