Is this Architecture?
Having just completed my first design studio, and thinking about all that I have gained from it, I thought it was apt that some self-evaluation be shared with the rest of you. I got to learn a great deal about myself from this subject and also learnt a whole lot of new skills (e.g improving my drawing skills, learning how to “design”, SketchUp, Unreal…). Some major points of interest I have gathered from this subject are the following:
- My attention to detail is probably a bit excessive (e.g trying to get everything line up exactly) at the expense of time. I strive for perfection, but perfection is unachievable.
- I find the quality of models produced in this subject is outstanding. I would only consider mine as average. Am I not dedicating enough time? Too slow? Or just plain crap? Some peoples models are SO complex that I am amazed at the time and effort they have put in.
- After learning from EXP1 and EXP2 my intention for EXP3 was to work consistently. Although I held firm to this commitment undoubtedly there was a huge rush at the end (last three nights went to sleep at 1am, 3am, and 6am with an exam on Friday!), which proved costly. I didn’t even go to work or play sport for a solid two weeks in a bid to churn out my best work, but still, there was a rush to the end. But hey this is university, this is what it’s all about, learning.
- More to this point, I think the execution of my ideas is some what lacking. Sometimes even I am impressed with the ideas I conceive (through some intense idea exploration) but somehow they never come to fruition (e.g for EXP3, a catwalk that approaches the audience, and a moving building, not elevator).
- However, something positive I have gathered about myself is that my belief in the motto “quality is better than quantity” holds true. Not to blow my own horn or anything, but I found some models to be too vast with no coercion. It seems people were creating random spaces for no reason at all. Although relatively simple I wanted to create spaces that held meaning and had ideas behind them without overcrowding the model.
- Sitting at a computer all day long does not catch my fancy, doing dozens of (arduous) drawings does not catch my fancy. I’ve learnt that I greatly enjoy working in groups, where everyone’s special talents would be used effectively (I’d be the ideas man!).
- Physical degradation – I think my body has taken a real pounding this semester, thanks in part to this subject. Weakened posture, ruining whatever significance my body clock once had for days at a time, sleep deprivation, RSI, craving any sugary foods when the “sleepy wave” hits and continually biting myself can all be attributed to my design work.
If this is Architecture… then I say “give me more”, although not too enthusiastically atm!
The sharp head of the table symbolising the decision-making power rested here is shared between two, centralised around the catwalk’s podium. The “banks” are there to seat the entourage of assistants. 
Steve Job’s is in an extremely high position of power. No one can see him in his office, but he can see all, the world around him and his workers beneath him.
