Every day, every moment, we as human beings are mastering an art of weaving stories in our mind that becomes the tale of our life. Stories – are at the core of our existence and each earthling is blessed by Humor. (Keep Calm – And be humorous!)
An architecture student travels to a destination full of wonder and excitement. There’s new architecture to admire, new food to taste, new activities to explore, new people to meet – everything is new. Well not always! This article will take you to a humorous ride as to how a study tour became the most embarrassing experience of life. (Not to mention, thrilling also!)
But, before you just scroll down to the story I would recommend grabbing a cup of coffee (Caffeine = creativity, that’s how this article came up! Shshhh! It’s an architect’s secret.)
Setting the scene!
Let’s step back in time, it was summer 2009, after completing high school I was excited enough to start the undergrad school (but soon that excitement was about to shatter). Freshman year started with a kick and then what followed was a journey (or struggle) of becoming an Architect. From the summit of Delight to the valleys of Distress, soon came the realization that an architecture student’s journey is no less than a roller coaster ride, striking and thrilling both at the same time, but it is worth holding on and excelling. That 5-year long course consisted of many – many stories to treasure on, but the one below still makes me think about.
The third semester of sophomore year was slowly coming to an end and I could feel it. As a part of the Architecture curriculum, we were supposed to go on a related study program (RSP)during fall which becomes the site of our fourth semester “contextual studio”. The RSP took us through a 4-day long architecture exploration of the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan – Jaipur. Also known as the pink city due to the presiding color scheme of the historical monuments. Heritage sites like Hawamahal, Amer fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Albert hall museum.
As a typical Gujju, the struggle was real with the native dialect of the Marwari language, although Hindi was comforting at times. As we checked in to the hotel at midnight, we quickly moved to our allotted room and just lay flat to sleep due to the long rail journey. At the crack of dawn, we got ready and settled on the bus to reach our first architectural monument for measure drawing- Amber Palace. Our professor gave us a brief about the palace and allotted the spaces we were supposed to sketch, measure and document in a bunch of groups. However, our weapons of drafting (parallel, elephant size board, set squares and portfolio, Bags, cameras) seemed more deadly than the one’s the king Jai Singh II of Jaipur possessed.
The moment!
One of our faculty arranged a tie and dye workshop at the most famous and talented artisan of Jaipur. Upon reaching the destination, an introduction about what is tie and dye was given. After a demonstration by the artisan it was time to give it a try, (now known as DIY-Do it yourself!)
Soon each student started the trial with the piece of cloth; colors to be used were selected. I tied the cloth in accordance with the pattern I wanted on it. Dipped in two different colors and TADA! My own tie and dye cloth were ready which I left to let it dry. Slowly each one of us started hanging their respective clothes to dry. What followed next was a laughter riot. I just turned around to see what happened and to my surprise said- What Happened? Well, does anyone remember the deadly drafting weapons! Yes, my parallel somehow intertwined with the string that was used by all to dry their dyed clothes.
The clothes fell into the containers full of colors, with a jerk the container fell off on the floor, which resulted in two of my classmates slipping on their faces. To further worsen they hit the storage unit where all our bags were kept that just fell like hell. Each one was affected by the tragedy either by getting dyed completely to let the camera, sheets, or books take the dye on. Oh! I forgot to mention, the artisan was about to faint. And all credit goes to the sole culprit – “me”.
Towards Somewhere!
The RSP incident left a mark, but somehow I moved on. With each passing year, the urge doubled to become the greatest Architect who ever lived in the universe! (Well just kidding! This may come true though!) What worse than ending up on a comment from the professor – “Your Design is a Disaster”- But as always – An Architect always has a plan! I finally graduated with a B.Arch Degree, Huh! But the adverse circumstances were yet to begin.
Over a period of time Architecture gradually yet dramatically altered my perception of my surrounding context making me an alien in the normal world-people. Going crazy for the Building while walking, feeling the texture and going mad over it, or being flattered by perfection in measurement. Passing through phrases of Embarrassment of being asked by relatives – are you Architecture? From clients asking to design out of the box! Like literally asking to plan a ropeway from the terrace to the moon and not worry about the budget! How? In what world this happens? Sadly, all these are the perks of being an Architect and coping with an unjust world.
Humor has a special place in the Architect’s life. (At least I have with embarrassment)I believe Architects are the elusive humans god created for the betterment of humanity. And stories! You can expect tons from them.
