The society runs events, lectures, socials, and an amazing formal each year. The society is run by architecture students for architecture students, so ideas are welcome from every front.

About the society

So far this year, there have been several fun events, as well as a lot to look forward to. Some highlights have been a Belfast scavenger hunt, the Peter Rice Lecture and the launch of our merchandise (more on this later)! Coming up before Christmas, we have lectures from two great tutors at Queen’s: Gary Boyd on ‘Making Ireland Modern’ and Fearghal Murray from MMAS Architects! In addition to this, we are definitely a social society – from a pub quiz to a pop-up shop and a Christmas party – we try not to have a boring week in architecture!

Lectures are a big part of the arcsoc – we have speakers to expand the world of architecture beyond the studio! This ranges from our tutors with their numerous accolades to up and coming firms from Ireland. Kerry Whelan is the lead lecture co-ordinator and has done a fantastic job of lining up a range of speakers who all specialise in a different area of architecture. From research to design proposals, commercial architecture to sustainability, the lecture series not only aims to inspire students of the craft but also to intrigue students from other disciplines, all over Queen’s.

A key aspect of our merchandise this year is that every design is handcrafted by the committee merchandiser, Alex Hughes! Combining a passion for the built environment with his passion for clothes has led to an incredibly personal and influential merchandise line this year, which has been openly welcomed.

^{Arcsoc merch!}

A special focus that the current committee have chosen is women in architecture. The merchandise this year is celebrating key female figures. The tote bags feature Zaha Hadid, an architect, artist and designer, recognised as a major figure in architecture of the late-20th and early-21st centuries. Our jumpers showcase Eileen Gray, an Irish architect and furniture designer who became a pioneer of the Modern Movement in architecture. Over her career, she was associated with many notable European artists of her era, including Kathleen Scott, Adrienne Gorska, and Le Corbusier.  Women are still majorly underrepresented in architecture and its canon. By using these images, we will remind people of the presence of women in architectural history and encourage conversations about their impact.

A typical day as an architecture student

As a society, we know that the life of an architecture student is well speculated over. We’ve been described as a club, a secret society, an invite only event. While this sounds whimsical and mysterious – the truth is much less mystical.

^{Find out more about Architecture at Queen's}

A typical day will usually consist of one lecture and a group meeting/tutorial. Architecture is split up into 3 core subject areas:

1. history and theory
2. technology and environment
3. design and communication.

While you do work in a group a lot of the time – most of your final work will be individual. This helps you decide what type of architecture you would like to pursue, as well as give you ample work for an incredible portfolio at the end of the year. At least one day a week will be dedicated entirely to design tutorials – this is essentially a deadline that you have weekly. The work you produce may be dictated by a set of outcomes or as work becomes more individual, this will be decided by you!

^{The Architecture course involves a lot of group work}

A social life is hard to keep up with but not impossible. A lot of students in architecture are able to keep up with a job, a hobby, a sport, and the degree! Due to the smaller and collaborative nature of the course, you’ll get to know course mates incredibly well.

And finally, Arcsoc is open to everyone with an interest in the built environment! The best way to keep up with us is through our Instagram: @qubarcsoc or by emailing us: arcsoc@qub.ac.uk.

Find out more

Clubs And Societies at Queen's

Study Architecture at Queen's

Queen's Architecture Society

Yashani Gohil BSc Architecture | Undergraduate Student | London, UK I’m a 20-year-old architecture student and treasurer of the Arcsoc. I’m also involved with Enactus (VPE). My hobbies include running, watching the F1 and learning all I can about architecture. Being at Queen’s has been an amazingly rewarding experience: fantastic friends, an amazing course and new opportunities everywhere.