Each year I meet with my second year studio for one last wrap-up class at the end of the Spring Semester. This cohort of students is completing their final design studio at COD, and many are moving on to continue their architectural education at various University programs in the Fall.
So each year I give a kind of "final lecture" that includes parting thoughts and advice for the future.
This year, for the first time, I wrote it down.
LOOKING FORWARD (To Next Year and Beyond)
or, the 15 things I tried to teach you this year…....
Q. What did you learn that you can take with you to your next studio?
01. (remember to) Enjoy the process (you have learned a strong design process) You have developed a solid foundation of process, design thinking, and work ethic that will position you well for future success.
02. Think conceptually / think poetically / think spatially / think formally / respond to the site / address social context / and create memorable architectural experiences.
03. Learn from precedents (look at precedents)
04. Build physical study models (it’s the best way to test ideas and learn to see 3-dimensionally)
05. Sketch, a lot.
06. Develop your design work. Don’t get stuck on the first idea. Test ideas / explore creative alternatives / question your initial assumptions / don’t pre-determine.
07. Value the critique (Have work for your professor to critique each studio class)
08. Design in section / consider detail and scale
09. Remember the importance of Process – This may not be forced in the future. Architecture school becomes more self-driven as you move upward / with higher expectations and consequences.
10. Learn from and be open to critiques. Learn from your mentors. Listen / Embrace uncomfortable challenges. (be a sponge)
11. Be self-critical! You may not receive as much feedback as you want in the future / Your process should become more independent. Have confidence in your work, BUT… have a critical eye too. Learn to develop your work without feedback.
12. Be self-motivated! / You might have limited GRADE opportunities in the future. Manage your time (my 2 week rule = accomplish something weekly / accomplish something substantial every two weeks) Do this for the entire semester.
13. Be your own advocate (in life too). You are responsible for your own education.
14. Present quality / developed work. You have limited opportunities to really create a great portfolio. (You will apply to grad school in just three semesters)
15. Document everything. Document your work and your design process. Archive everything. (Build your portfolio and “network” of advocates for grad school and beyond)
Thank you! For all of your hard work and a successful year. Keep in touch and best of luck!
Send me updates / Accomplishments / and future graduation
photos!
