Architecture is one of the most fascinating subjects students can enroll in, explored through different mediums, including written essays. However, college students need to understand that writing an essay on historical architecture slightly differs from academic writing in most other subjects. When writing an essay on historical architecture, understand that the subject goes well beyond laying beams and bricks. It entails any structure created by humans to fill a space. Over the years, the practice has undergone monumental changes, and students need to understand the context when writing about historical architecture. You need to know here when writing an essay about historical architecture.
Some Challenges Students Face When Writing Essays on Historical Architecture
A historical building is generally seen as a building or structure that contains some form of historic value. It allows people in the present to be connected to the past. The value of historical architecture warrants research and writing, meaning that it should be considered in planning decisions that may affect it.
Some common issues students face when writing essays on historical architecture include using technical language and terminologies. Students are expected to get facts right and accurately capture integral terminologies.
Understanding the style of the building can help with your description. Whether your writing is about Italianate structure, Richardsonian Romanesque, or Queen Anne, knowing the style of the building will allow you to search for the elements more efficiently.
Another challenge you may encounter in this writing line is integrating interdisciplinary information. You may also be expected to explore complex theories, design, and historical concepts in your writing. Other challenges that may not be particularly unique to architectural essays include originality and time management. Your essay will also need to be original and error-free. Of course, you could choose to work with an online essay writing service on your project.
Tips for Writing an Essay on Historical Architecture
There is no denying that writing about architecture can be one of the most demanding tasks a student can undertake, especially without sufficient knowledge of the subject. Students can address these challenges with constant practice and dedication. Here are a few tips to help you write great essays.
- Read the Instructions and Understand the Building Style
Make sure you read through the guidelines and clarify the expectations. What does your professor want you to do? How many sources should you use? What is the required writing and formatting style? Ask your professor to clarify issues you consider complex or ambiguous.
You should also research the historical architectural style you want to describe. You can find numerous architectural style guides online. However, understand that some of the terminology popularized by television is inappropriate for writing on historic architecture.
For instance, you should understand that the Victorian is not really an architectural style. The Victorian is an era, and there are numerous styles linked with the time period. The most common of these are the Queen Anne style homes. You should trust the terminology from the state and local historic preservation offices.
- Choose an Interesting Topic
Before you start writing, make sure you define the scope of your assignment and choose an interesting topic. The topic you choose for your assignment will determine, among other things, the scope and depth of your analysis. Experts recommend starting the topic selection process by going through the essay instructions. Choose a topic that responds to the essay question and addresses every element covered in the prompt. Also, consider your interests since you will spend days researching and writing the paper.
- Create an Outline
One of the most important elements of successful architectural writing is outlining. Many students ignore this vital element of academic writing for effective research and drafting academic papers. Outlining means planning out the sections and ideas of your document and indicating areas that require more evidence and support.
Outlining starts with a brainstorming session, where you go through the requirements and come up with ideas for your description. When brainstorming, write down what you already know about the building and do preliminary research. You can begin your verbal illustration once you find the right words to describe the building. Start your description from the primary façade of the building and describe its style before focusing on the architectural details.
- Research Widely
Once you have created an outline and planned your writing, gather evidence to support your ideas in readiness for the first draft. The best academic papers use varied evidence and examples to support arguments and suppositions. Research involves reading widely and gathering information on points in the outline.
You can find the information you need on the architectural topic from journals, books, reliable websites, and online databases. Consult primary and secondary sources, and record the information in a way that allows you to analyze issues and cite sources.
- Write Your First Draft
Once you have gathered the information you need to describe the historical architecture, it is time to start working on your first draft. Although the introduction is often the first part of your paper readers encounter, it is mostly written last. The introduction sets the stage for the presentation and tells readers what they can expect in the rest of your document. As you develop your architectural style vocabulary and the text, you can focus on key elements that will help you define the structure. What are the roofing style, window shape, building materials, and decorative details to assist with the description?
The Bottom Line
Writing an effective essay on historical architecture is a process that includes planning, research, writing, and editing. Make sure to include a thesis statement at the end of your introduction. Also, your paper must have a clear conclusion. Keep in mind to edit and proofread your draft before sending the final copy for assessment.
