Introduction:
As I studied in a very historical place my journey through architecture college was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of the discipline. From the first year to graduation, my presumptions about architecture underwent significant changes, and I acquired crucial technical skills that are integral to the profession.
Let me have some time to talk about the place where I studied. A historical place which has lasted centuries since the city was built and was the capital residence of the kings of the country, I am talking about Gondar city which is found in Northern Ethiopia.
Gonder was the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 to 1855, and it has the remains of castles and palaces constructed by a series of emperors from Fasilides (reigned 1632–67) to Iyasu II (1730–55). The ruins of these structures stand within a walled imperial enclosure. The most important buildings are the castle of Fasilides and the palace of Iyasu the Great (reigned 1682–1706). The architectural style of these stone buildings displays a prominent Portuguese influence, along with connections to the Aksumite empire’s palaces and the mosques of Saudi Arabia. Only a few of the 44 churches reputed to have existed in Gonder in the 18th century survive, but the city is still an important center of the Ethiopian Orthodox church; its beautifully decorated 17th-century Debre Berhan Selassie Church is still in use. Gonder suffered greatly during the period of the civil wars (1750–1890) in Ethiopia, but, after the British conquest of the Sudan (1899), the town resumed its trade with the Blue Nile region. The city’s inhabitants are mainly Christians, but some Muslims live in the locality.”
First Year Presumptions:
In the early days of architecture college, my presumptions about the field were largely influenced by popular architects. I envisioned architects as individuals solely engaged in sketching aesthetically pleasing structures. However, as the coursework unfolded, I quickly realized that architecture is a multifaceted discipline that combines creativity with a profound understanding of technical aspects and societal needs.
The scribble that came to form Gehry’s seminal project — and (kaskeys, n.d., #) one of the most iconic works of the 20th Century — echoes the finished building’s sinuous silhouette with an amazing degree of accuracy. Most importantly, the sketch encapsulates the sense of movement that the architect sought to bring to the river’s edge in Bilbao — with a quick flo (kaskeys, n.d., #)urish of his pen, Gehry brought to mind aqueous metaphors of fish, windblown sails and water, all of which remain pertinent within the completed museum.
The desire to further these technologies stems from Gehry’s perpetual experiments with curvaceous, fragmented volumes, now famous around the world for their theatrical fluidity. However, before the digital journey begins for each project, Gehry uses far more traditional mediums to help him visualize the formal possibilities of a building. As well as models — a 3D collage of crumpled card and all manner of inanimate objects — the architect’s sketches have become synonymous with the dramatic aesthetics of his completed structures.
Changing Perspectives:
The first major shift in my perspective occurred when I began to appreciate the importance of functionality in design. It became evident that architectural creations must not only be visually
appealing but also practical and responsive to the needs of the users. Collaborative projects and critiques helped me understand the significance of user-centric design and the impact it has on the success of a project.
As I progressed through the curriculum, my perception of architecture evolved from a purely artistic endeavor to a dynamic discipline that involves problem-solving, environmental considerations, and social responsibility. Sustainable design, in particular, emerged as a crucial aspect that I had initially underestimated. The realization that architects play a pivotal role in creating environmentally conscious and energy-efficient spaces marked a turning point in my architectural philosophy.
Designed by Ole Scheeren, partner of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), The Interlace breaks away from Singapore’s standard typology of isolated, vertical apartment towers and instead explores a dramatically different approach to tropical living: an expansive interconnected network of living and communal spaces integrated with the natural environment. Thirty-one apartment blocks, each six-stories tall and identical in length, are stacked in a hexagonal arrangement to form eight large-scale open and permeable courtyards. The interlocking blocks form a vertical village with cascading sky gardens and both private and public roof terraces.
The design capitalizes on the generous size of the site and further maximizes the presence of nature by introducing extensive roof gardens, landscaped sky terraces and cascading balconies. Above- ground vehicular circulation is minimized, liberating large green areas within the development. The Interlace incorporates sustainability features through careful environmental analysis of sun, wind, and micro-climate conditions on site and the integration of low-impact passive energy strategies.
Crucial Technical Skills:
Architectural education provided me with a robust foundation in technical skills that are essential for professional practice. Some of the crucial technical skills I acquired include:
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Proficiency in CAD software became a cornerstone of my technical skill set. Learning to translate conceptual ideas into detailed, precise drawings allowed me to communicate effectively with other professionals involved in the construction process.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): The integration of BIM tools revolutionized the way I approached architectural projects. BIM not only enhanced collaboration among project stakeholders but also facilitated the analysis of various design parameters, leading to more informed decision-making.\
- Structural Analysis: Understanding the principles of structural engineering became imperative in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound. This knowledge proved essential in ensuring the safety and longevity of architectural creations.
- Environmental Systems: Learning about HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, lighting design, and other environmental considerations equipped me with the skills to design spaces that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable.
Conclusion:
Summarizing my journey through architecture college, it is seen that my assumptions about the field have significant changes. As I studied in a very historical place I have seen the discipline is not confined to only artistic expression but encompasses a comprehensive understanding of functionality, sustainability, and social impact. The learning of crucial technical skills has empowered me to navigate the complexities of architectural practice through different ways, helping me to contribute meaningful impact to the built environment. As I enter the professional realm, I carry with me a clear perspective and a diverse skill set that goes with the evolving demands of the architectural profession through time.
