Archinect : News : Gabby Uvidia is the winner of Archinect's "Why are you studying Architecture?" contest

Thanks to everyone who submitted answers to our "Why are you studying Architecture?" contest. We (myself and Barry Lehrman) were both impressed by Gabby Uvidia's response, addressing the issue that architecture, while difficult to find work in close to home, is actually more in demand now than ever before with rising housing crises around the world.

So Gabby...

Because i understand that this statement is false. Bad pay?according to whom? architecture is rather extremely rewarding not only cause we can get money to do what we love but also cause w/ our knowledge we can help others to have a home. Few jobs?? again I seem to find infinite amount of people w/out a shelter.Is time fo...r architecture students like myself to look across the borders and into the 3rd world countries where people live in sugar cane shacks, have no water and live under terrible sanitation conditions. Uncertain Future?? i strongly believe that there's a wide and prosperous future for all of us! we all can make a difference with our talents and passions and yes, of course 1 person can make a difference and if no one else I'll be honored to be the first.

Architecture is more than a passion is a life style, so the question should really be, why would you NOT want to be an architect? - Gabby Uvidia

I was blown away by how Gabby gave a damn about bigger issues for all the right reasons, and that her optimism was contagious enough to get the job done.

Lots of other strong entries that showed architecture students with soul and aren't just in the game for their egos (but there were lots of those folks too).

- barry lehrman, Nov 03, 09 | 7:04 am

In the tradition of questioning the question rather than just providing an answer, Gabby shows the non-traditional thinking we need in this profession. Congratulations.

- liberty bell, Nov 03, 09 | 8:17 am

Yes the passion of youth is abundant here. Unfortunately, the people living in sugar cane shacks won't pay your student loans, feed your own children, keep the lights on, the fridge full, put gas in your car, your own house in repair.... And we can't all work for NGO's that "make a difference." Someone has to pay the taxes that governments contribute to these NGO's and make direct donations to their causes. Helping the world's impoverished is a noble cause and I doubt any of us would turn away such an enterprise. Unfortunately, real life is real life. We need to work and keep our economy humming so well.........we don't become the people living in sugar cane shacks.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and may get flamed for it but, architects can't save the world. Nor should we ever think we alone have more ability to change the world than any other one person. We can't go it alone. We need everyone to pull together to make big change.

That said, congratulations gabby! Keep the passion into your proffesional life and be an activist to supplement your day job. You'll need to eat!!!

- tobi wan, Nov 03, 09 | 8:30 am

tobi wan,
I think your definition of 'real life' is interesting:
-student loans
-a full fridge
-gas in your car
-your own house in repair (keeping up with the jones'?)

Perhaps if we can differentiate the things we want from the things we need - it'd be a little different.
The world's definition of rich (based on population) is having a roof over your head, enough food for the day, and two pairs of clothes.
Comparatively, your standard of living is probably through the roof.

The more you wait for EVERYONE to make change together (rather than initiating personal change first and setting the trend) the longer EVERYONE else is going to be waiting on you to change. Sounds like perpetuating non-action.

- awkeytect, Nov 03, 09 | 9:25 am

I stumbled across this on my computer today: a quote from long-missing Archinect member newstreamlinedmodel on why he became an architect:

Didn't like world. Figured I'd try to rig up a new one out of some of this stuff we've got laying around.  

Can't sleep anyway.

- liberty bell, Nov 03, 09 | 6:01 pm

Hi everyone!
I wanna thank you guys for the support and I'm truly content that my statement has arouse something for many of us to think about and even debate,but we ought to remember that it is not the difference of our personal opinion that runs the world but simply acting towards change.

Tobi your point of view is blunt and in a sense realistic, and you're right...not everyone has the heart nor the mindfulness to look beyond their bubble and actually sacrifice time, money or personal comfort, and please do understand that my purpose is not to convince you or anyone else out there to abandon their dreams and the stuff that you've worked so hard to pile up in the garage.

I want you to feel like you're one of those people that didn't get the opportunity to be were you are right now, to have what you do right now, to enjoy the life style and the blessings that this country has given you!!

I do wanna clarify to you that "YOU WONT HAVE TO GO ON THIS JOURNEY ALONE" and if you think that we as architects and humans CAN NOT change the world, then how about changing someONE'S WORLD?!?

Tobi, we'll always have barriers and meaningless excuses that will try to stop us from helping others. However I'm quite sure that if you change your state of mind to a more positive one and actually do something more that point out all the stuff that you don't have and focus on what you DO have..YOU! yes Tobi..I mean YOU can change MANY WORLDS and maybe even leave a legacy too.

you're right!!!... I will need to eat now and in the future but I will NOT lack any sleep ever!! =)

-Gabby Uvidia

- xseed_in_lif, Nov 05, 09 | 8:37 pm