How to Develop Architectural Awareness for the NATA

To take any career path, you need to have a strong interest in the field of work. Can you work a job that doesn’t interest you? Of course not. A strong interest and curiosity about a subject lead you to have questions, and these questions help you learn more deeply. For this same reason, it is necessary to develop architectural awareness for the NATA exam (National Aptitude Test for Architecture), the entrance exam for architecture. This article will highlight the importance of architectural awareness and its role in preparing you for your next NATA 2026 Exam.

What Do You Mean by Architectural Awareness?

In simple terms, it means to have good and thorough knowledge of the buildings around you. You must regularly question yourself about the building’s architecture, who designed it, which historical methodologies were used, what materials were used to build this monument, which techniques were used to make it long-lasting, etc. When you find answers to these questions, you develop an awareness of the architecture around you. This way, you build a basic knowledge of architecture. To develop a strong foundation in architectural awareness, it is highly recommended to join an excellent NATA coaching classes. Join BRDS for the NATA entrance exam 2026. We provide our students with high-quality NATA study materials, sample question papers, mock tests and expert faculty members. Contact us to move further with your admission. 

Tips to Develop Architectural Awareness

●  Famous Architects and Their Work

Research about renowned Indian and international architects. Make notes of their style of work, how they execute it and how they deal with errors. Reading and closely following these people will give you a rough outline of being an architect, as well as help you find your style.

●  Famous and Iconic Structures

Read about iconic buildings all around the world and make your notes about their structural design, materials used, time taken to build and purpose. Being a NATA student, you must have a deep knowledge of majestic structures like, Eiffel Tower, Sanchi Stupa, Lotus Temple, etc.

●  Styles and Period

To understand historical monuments, knowing their period is crucial. Study in detail about these buildings and their construction. Read legends from that period to understand the monument's importance. Try to gain more and more knowledge about them and find their style. For example: Indian, Gothic, Colonial, Mughal, Modern, etc.

●  Urban Planning

Research on the earliest cities like Mohenjo-Daro and the latest well-planned cities like Singapore and Chandigarh. Urban planning and spacing of these cities will help you compare and contrast designs, as well as help you understand the evolution of architecture over time. Try to take notes of the infrastructure, greenery and public spaces design.

Get used to reading newspapers, architecture magazines like Indian Architect and Builder, Domus India, etc. Read blogs posted by architectural firms to stay updated with recent developments on the ground. When it comes to preparing for  NATA 2026, join BRDS, the best NATA coaching. We provide our students with complete support, including study materials, well-curated detailed books, recorded video lectures, mock tests and faculty in preparing for the NATA 2026 exam. Call us for admissions.