Hey Cal. I was a member of the first masterclass back in 2001. I think many of the questions you are asking are rather subjective and will differ significantly between people. But I will attempt to respond to them personally and also direct others that have attended toward this forum to share their experiences.

1. Completed the masterclass months after completing my graduate studies (M.Arch). I found it to be eye-opening and invaluable

2. The learning aspect of the masterclass had as much to do with the instruction and tutelage, as it did with the environment. The tutors collective years of teaching experience was far more than I could count, and showed it's value at every sit down, every critique, every discussions. The candor and openness was priceless. The shortfall perhaps if any, is that the tutors practice almost exclusively in the tropical oceania region and their regionalist approaches were unable to be translated.

3. I also practice in a tropical locale and I found that the masterclass gave me a sense of confidence and knowledge in a design-centric means of mitigating the environment. Much of this has been inputted into practice, as our office continues to be forward thinking in the development of a contemporary tropical expression - something that I can attribute directly to my experience at the GMMC. 

I agree with David, that what you ge out of the GMMC is different for everyone. That said, I have found it to be very very worthwhile. My first exposure to the tutors on the GMMC was at the 2008 NZ master class (led by GMMC tutors Lindsay Johnston, Peter Stutchbury, and Richard Leplastrier). It was a good enough experience that I signed up to attend the 2010 GMMC. The experience in 2010 was rich enough that I still fee I'm just scratching the surface of what these great teachers have to offer. The experiences completely transformed the way I see a site, what I value as a professional, what my career goals are, and much much more. That sounds pretty glowing, and it is. The tutors (Richard, Peter and Lindsay, plus Brit Andresen, Glenn Murcutt, and others who visit from year to year) are suprisingly approachable, humble, and genuinely care about the people in the class. They are very very passionate about sharing what they know. If there is a shortfall, it is easy during the course of the class-long project not to simply accept the critique offered lock stock and barrel. You need to retain a critical eye, and guard against accepting without understanding. For any new designer, this is a difficult task, but it is even more so with such a formidable group of tutors. it's really no fault of theirs, but it happens as a byproduct of the class structure. The other issues that comes up are the more expected/ typical problems of group dynamics. You work in small groups 3-5, which are usually a mix of culture, gender and experience. This is incredibly rewarding, as the classmates are often as insightful as the tutors (I still quote a classmate, Wim Goes, in lectures with my students now)... But it's a challenge and breakdowns in communication do occur. The tours offered as a part of the class are outstanding, unique, and plentiful. You will go places that are only available for visit through the GMMC, will be taken around projects by glenn, the other tutors, and the owners themselves. I learned a lot about the potential for positive, mutually beneficial, client/ architect partnerships on these tours. I use what I learned at t GMMC everyday I teach at the university, and, in fact I credit my decision to teach full-time to conversations I had with the tutors. Glenn and the other tutors represent the pinnacle of teaching, especially when it comes to architecture that is humble, and respective of its environmental and cultural context. More than that, though, they offer insight into a way of practicing that is, for me, quite admirable. If you get the chance go. Of course it's not perfect, but it's the best educational experience I've ever had. -Scott

A lot has been said and I couldn't agree more with my colleagues. I have attended it last year and it has been a true life changing experience. I have expected from Glenn nothing less. But other tutors have been a complete surprise to me - a positive one - and I benefited from them no less than from Glenn himself.

One more aspect should also be mentioned - GMMC Alumni. Beside tutors, I have meet and get to know a gang of wonderful people, colleagues architects, mates, with whom I am still maintaining contact. And being an alumni enabled me to connect with some guys from previous years too.

So, think no further. Apply. It is a must!

Matej

Thanks, David and Scott. It is pragmatic and unromantic, but your responses are helpful when I'm deciding whether to spend thousands of dollars for this course. I know GMMC would've shaped educators - I was recommended to the Master Class by a former professor and he inculcated us with bits of what he learned from it.