From young, I have always viewed Architects as serious due to the nature of their job scope. They are responsible for creating large-scale projects like skyscrapers and are involved in all design-related decisions to bring about their future vision for the community. I am always amazed at how famous starchitects such as Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando and Zaha Hadid create their masterpieces and I always wanted to impact other people’s lives with my design, hence it inspired me to pursue my education in architecture.
As I was researching through the Internet about what to expect in my future architectural studies, I was mentally prepared to face the upcoming changes to my life: Sleepless nights, wounded hands, pressure from deadlines and an endless thirst for perfection. However, after I completed my first two years as an undergraduate student, I realized that the lecturers and students at the school of architecture are not as dull as I imagined them to be. Instead, they are friendly and interesting. As I recall about my studying experiences, their touch of humor during our daily interactions makes my architectural journey even more memorable.
At this point, I would like to admit that I am not a very humorous person, but I did witness a few events that I found unique to the architectural course! Therefore, without further ado, let me share with you some of those funny experiences I had from my architecture college.
My Second home: The Studio
When I entered the studio for the first time in my life, I would never imagine that this 50-meter square area would be my second home. In my first year, my friends and I would finish our lessons, have our takeaway dinner, and work in the studio until the security guards chased us home. The security guards would stand by the doors, arms crossed and will not buckle at our attempts to stay longer as they are required to lock up the studio to ensure campus safety. My friends and I would hastily stuff our recyclable tote bags with our laptop, roll up our drawings and balance our models in both our arms as we rush to exit the studio while being under constant pressure from the guards. As we often stayed up late in the studio, the guards started showing us their friendly sides by giving us an extra 15 minutes to pack our stations, looking at what we were doing, and even striking a short conversation with us. Even though we are unable to negotiate for later closing time, it was an exhilarating experience that allowed us to form new friendships with the campus personnel.
Studying architecture does not mean it was all work and no play, the studio also a place where we could relax especially when there are no deadlines. We would play music through the speakers and watch movies on the large LED screen that are usually used for our lessons. We would order delivery and bond as a class. Of course, we made sure that we left the studio clean and empty the studio before the closing time so that we will not trouble the guards and cleaners the next day!
Blood, Sweat and Snooze
During my year two, we got shifted into a 24 hours studio. Once, I entered my studio in the morning and found my colleagues resting their heads on the tables. After greeting them, they told me that they have been working in the studio for the past three days! They even joked bringing a camping tent into the studio just to rest. I was truly astonished at their determination to complete their work to perfection. In the same studio, one of my colleagues had a large bandage on his finger. He explained that he accidentally cut his finger the night before while pointing at a brown splatter on the floor below his seat. He told us that it was the evidence of his mishap yesterday. The cut was deep enough that the campus guards were called in to provide first-aid and he was sent to the A&E Department for treatment. After hearing how serious that incident was, I was bewildered at how he was able to brush off his pain and continue with his work at the studio after his hospital visit. But after getting cut carelessly by myself multiple times, I have also reached an epiphany where I could also proudly say that these cuts are my battle scars for each design project I have completed.
The Final Presentation
My family and friends would know when I will be preparing for my Final Presentation. Messy bun, dark eye circles, and missed messages indicate that I am busy completing my design projects. As I treat each project with the utmost importance, I would often try to squeeze all my ideas into the given 10 minutes presentation. This often results in a “rap” which my tutors hold their breath and stare at me in awe. The comments I received were also well-curated by my tutors with their twist of humor. The most unforgettable comment was about my proposed sustainable building during my first year. My tutor looked into my eyes and said that my design was like “a Vegan wearing leather”.
I wondered how she formulated that statement as it was funny yet straight to the point. She explained further that some features of my design cause more destruction than protection to the environment. She encouraged me to do more research regarding green buildings. Because of that phase, I learnt to do more research and not adopt a certain design strategy by their face value. I should understand the theory behind it and analyse the feasibility of implementing it for each different brief.
Well, this is just the start of my architectural journey and I cannot wait for more adventures to come. Feel free to share funny stories you have experienced during your architecture journey.
