Joining architecture school has been a rite of passage for me; from deciding to pursue architecture as a career choice at the very last minute, to dreaming and loving the idea of being a creator and making a difference in people’s lives to actually realizing what architecture life has in store for me; coping with hectic schedules and sleepless nights, the journey throughout has been about constant highs and lows.
Amongst all this, I did realize that I was not the only person going through it and how it was normal to feel that way. We were all just a bunch of clueless kids making their way through the semester, trying to make most of it in some way or another. In fact, the highlights of my first year of college were, going on a study tour where we had to document a temple complex at Sawantwadi, working on an installation for the college fest, participating in workshops, basically everything where we had to work together as a team.
I think that was my first hint that I really enjoyed collaborative work; apart from making memories that I will always cherish, there is always so much to learn from each other. But these were all just extra-curricular activities I was still lost academically.
A new beginning
Honestly, I just finished off my first year of college for the sake of it, constantly doubting if I had even made the right choice but at the same time, I was not someone who would give up easily at the sight of few difficulties. I just figured that eventually, I will find my way through. With this hope, I started with my second year of architecture. I remember hearing from our seniors that the second year of college is comparatively easier and less hectic or maybe we just become accustomed to it by then. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore something new, I just had no idea where to start.
The feeling of being lost continued for a while until one day, the brief of the annual Nasa design competition was posted on the class group. Soon enough, my peers started adding their names to the list of students interested in participating, I guess I wasn’t the only one who wanted to attempt something different. Despite being given a chance to break out of my shell, I still wasn’t sure if participating in a competition was the right thing to do when I was still struggling with academics.
Exploring new boundaries
I remember it was just another day, we had finally got a break after a long theory class when one of the seniors came in and gave a list where everyone interested in participating in ANDC had to decide what part of work they would do in a team; sketching, software or analysis. The second lecture was just about to start when I overheard one of my classmates say how there was hardly anyone willing to do analysis work while the other two categories were overflowing with names. I don’t know what came into my mind but I casually said that I would do it. Just like that, without getting a chance to overthink, my name was added.
Starting from the very next day, we stayed back after college hours, were divided into teams, and began with the design brief discussion. For the next few days, the routine continued; waiting back after college, having discussions, finding potential sites, going on site-visits, the overall process was exhilarating. Although I cannot say it was a complete cakewalk; from managing academic submissions to spending extra hours after college to traveling across the city scouting for sites, we would get completely worn out by the end of the day.
Turning point
Even after spending days searching for a site, we were barely close to finalizing one. We were already behind schedule when one of my teammates asked if we knew that there existed a sixty-six-million-year-old geological monument called Gilbert hill, right in the middle of the bustling city of Mumbai. We quickly looked it up on google maps and decided to visit it on the spur of the moment. When we reached Andheri station, we didn’t know where to find it exactly so we tried asking a few auto and cab drivers but to our surprise, none of them knew about it. So, we finally decided to walk the distance, not knowing what to expect.
As we walked amidst the slums, the road got narrower and soon enough we were walking on an unpaved road, unsure whether we were on the right path since there was no sight of the hill yet. After a long, tiring walk, almost on the verge of losing hope, we saw a glimpse of Gilbert hill, standing resolute despite its detrimental surrounding.
For some reason, we weren’t tired anymore and walked to the top of it. It was like a metaphor for our lives, that it is okay to be lost, eventually, you will find your way through. The next few weeks went in persistent working coupled with several sleepless nights and vigorous debates but I think I had finally found a purpose.
This was the story of the first architecture competition I participated in and I haven’t looked back ever since. Working in an environment where everyone is so focused and passionate about work is really stimulating and inspiring. The overall experience of participating in competitions has made me realize that it not only pushes you to become a better version of yourself but also changes your perspective and widens your horizon. Trying out new things can be terrifying but it is equally rewarding, you never know what may come out of it.
