When we enter the world of Architecture as a student there are so many new things happening around us. We are so fascinated by the changing world around us and busy adapting to the changes in our life and lifestyle that in that moment of transformation we don’t even realise the incidents that keep happening with us as a student of Architecture. With each changing year, there are a series of events that are a daily part of the routine. Let’s try to relive those moments!
One of the things that define this journey is an all-nighter. The starting days of all-nighter are like real struggles. Those swollen red eyes after doing sheet work the whole night with a constant attempt not to spoil the sheet at any cost (even your own life sometimes). The next thing is reaching college with sheet boxes, models, portfolios, bags, and whatnot and of course on time. The most nerve wracking situation is when the professor is already there in the class before you reach and few of your classmates are also present, it’s when you start wondering how do they do this?
The first two years of architecture student life is like going back to your primary years of education. The most relatable part of which learning how to hold your pencil correctly, the art of sharpening it, and then lastly the lettering (Alphabet) sheet, the later years are more about group works or studies, roaming around for the different types of case studies/ Studios/ volunteer works, etc. The most interesting part about teamwork is the distribution of work which many times relate to the National Association for Students of Architecture (NASA), India work is done by us in our first, second and third year of college and not to mention the works of seniors and their constant dominance. Once the work is distributed by the group leader then starts the actual fun of discussing with each other and getting the work done and it sometimes happens that only one and two people out of complete group work and the rest are sitting back and enjoying.
After that in the final year is the first encounter with the practical world is the Architectural Internship. Well, the position itself makes it clear that you as an intern are going to be at the bottom of the Pyramid of office work. We are very enthusiastic and eager to learn in the internship that we lose ourselves in the work completely and come out as a person with some insight into the actual life as an Architect. Some are fascinated by it and some have the fear that how or will they be able to do such work or not and many more questions, thoughts, and doubts keep coming. Everybody has their own experiences in this journey and then they finally reach the final step “The Thesis”.
A thesis is such a memorable time in everybody’s life as a student. There are mixed feelings you feel like going out and working on real projects as you miss your training days in the office. On the other hand, you also realise that this is the last year of your bachelor’s degree so you start being nostalgic and emotional sometimes. Also by this time you realise that all the software has feelings and when you are in a hurry it either hangs or does not respond. The printer also creates havoc and then you feel better about the days of hand drafting. But with all these challenges once you complete the work you are the happiest person on earth.
After you are done with the thesis you have such a sense of achievement like scaling a mountain. After that, you get busy making your own identity as an Architect in this society and forget all these bittersweet moments and beautiful struggles that shape you as an Architect. When we look behind after a certain time at these moments when then realise the unknown humour in them. Hope you had a fun and nostalgic ride reading this. Happy reading to all!
