I am in graduate school preparing for the next semester and it's time to choose my electives and studio projects.
Whilst the school usually presents us with a variety of interesting studio options, this semester it seems that the available options are somewhat less inspiring.
I have carefully reviewed every option and have decided that I wouldn't enjoy any of them. This has either to do with the studio theme or teacher in charge. Unfortunately, I have to select one in order to complete the required credits and I don't see any opportunity to create a project that could subsequently go into my portfolio.
I am aware that some people on here might argue that 'school is of no importance' but I take my education seriously and always approach my academic work in a very careful and thorough manner. Therefore, I would appreciate the input of like-minded people.
How would you approach this issue?
tduds
Dec 7, 20 7:08 pm
School is as important as you make it. Let this be a learning opportunity. Choose your options based on instructors. Do your homework on their backgrounds and teaching style. Think about what you might be able to glean from their instruction, regardless of what the project is. Then go make the most of it. Worst case scenario you have one fewer page in your portfolio, which might be a plus in the long run. Best case scenario you find you like what you've taken on, or you find a mentor in a new instructor.
There are lots of possibilities, many of which you won't be able to predict. Don't let your preconceived path get in the way.
thisisnotmyname
Dec 7, 20 7:22 pm
This perhaps totally contradicts what I wrote below, but I connected with two of the best teachers I ever had through courses that were far from my first choice and I went in expecting very little.
thisisnotmyname
Dec 7, 20 7:15 pm
Figure out which of the shitty options will require the least amount of your time and do that one. Use the extra time to use the school environment/resources for something meaningful to you and your career. Maybe add an independent study or elective class that speaks to you interests. A quality part-time job with an architect might be a good option as well.
Jaetten
Dec 8, 20 4:33 pm
Choose the project you’d either enjoy least or find most difficult.
randomised
Dec 8, 20 4:55 pm
you get out of it what you put into it...
Non Sequitur
Dec 8, 20 5:00 pm
Take the one you find the least interesting and make it happen. You'll likely learn something.
midlander
Dec 8, 20 11:15 pm
keep in mind that finding interesting possibilities in ordinary projects for mediocre clients is the essence of what even very successful architects do. this is a good chance to practice it ;)
midlander
Dec 8, 20 11:17 pm
also i agree with tduds, look for an instructor you can like personally - that will matter much more than the project topic towards helping you develop as an architect and find future opportunities.
Sitting Duck
Dec 9, 20 1:14 am
The lesser of two evils is to go with a professor that is organized, professional, and delivers on their curriculum promises even if you don't see eye to eye design wise. Having a solid studio professor will positively impact your peripheral classes. Try to think long term, hopefully one of the studios will be a new type of project in your portfolio not currently in your selected work. Even if you don't see it now, there is no telling come job application season.
I honestly don't think you need a professor to like "personally" ... I think that is highly subjective and mercurial. Too many professors just fixate on younger versions of themselves. One of my most successful studios in graduate school I was the professor's least favorite student.
gual
Dec 9, 20 2:33 pm
Some terms are duds. It happens. I would pick the most organized prof and the most structured studio. No surprises, straightforward term, do other things with my time.
tduds
Dec 10, 20 1:52 pm
Hey I resemble that remark!
Peter Normand
Dec 11, 20 3:46 pm
Can you do a design competition as an independent study/studio with an instructor you like? I did this for the Urban Land Institute, bonus you have a chance to win some cash as well.
You will only know if it is or is not possible if you ask if you don't ask you will never know if it was possible. just don't tell them the studios are not good as a reason for an independent study.
I am in graduate school preparing for the next semester and it's time to choose my electives and studio projects.
Whilst the school usually presents us with a variety of interesting studio options, this semester it seems that the available options are somewhat less inspiring.
I have carefully reviewed every option and have decided that I wouldn't enjoy any of them. This has either to do with the studio theme or teacher in charge. Unfortunately, I have to select one in order to complete the required credits and I don't see any opportunity to create a project that could subsequently go into my portfolio.
I am aware that some people on here might argue that 'school is of no importance' but I take my education seriously and always approach my academic work in a very careful and thorough manner. Therefore, I would appreciate the input of like-minded people.
How would you approach this issue?
School is as important as you make it. Let this be a learning opportunity. Choose your options based on instructors. Do your homework on their backgrounds and teaching style. Think about what you might be able to glean from their instruction, regardless of what the project is. Then go make the most of it. Worst case scenario you have one fewer page in your portfolio, which might be a plus in the long run. Best case scenario you find you like what you've taken on, or you find a mentor in a new instructor.
There are lots of possibilities, many of which you won't be able to predict. Don't let your preconceived path get in the way.
This perhaps totally contradicts what I wrote below, but I connected with two of the best teachers I ever had through courses that were far from my first choice and I went in expecting very little.
Figure out which of the shitty options will require the least amount of your time and do that one. Use the extra time to use the school environment/resources for something meaningful to you and your career. Maybe add an independent study or elective class that speaks to you interests. A quality part-time job with an architect might be a good option as well.
Choose the project you’d either enjoy least or find most difficult.
you get out of it what you put into it...
Take the one you find the least interesting and make it happen. You'll likely learn something.
keep in mind that finding interesting possibilities in ordinary projects for mediocre clients is the essence of what even very successful architects do. this is a good chance to practice it ;)
also i agree with tduds, look for an instructor you can like personally - that will matter much more than the project topic towards helping you develop as an architect and find future opportunities.
The lesser of two evils is to go with a professor that is organized, professional, and delivers on their curriculum promises even if you don't see eye to eye design wise. Having a solid studio professor will positively impact your peripheral classes. Try to think long term, hopefully one of the studios will be a new type of project in your portfolio not currently in your selected work. Even if you don't see it now, there is no telling come job application season.
I honestly don't think you need a professor to like "personally" ... I think that is highly subjective and mercurial. Too many professors just fixate on younger versions of themselves. One of my most successful studios in graduate school I was the professor's least favorite student.
Some terms are duds. It happens. I would pick the most organized prof and the most structured studio. No surprises, straightforward term, do other things with my time.
Hey I resemble that remark!
Can you do a design competition as an independent study/studio with an instructor you like? I did this for the Urban Land Institute, bonus you have a chance to win some cash as well.
You will only know if it is or is not possible if you ask if you don't ask you will never know if it was possible. just don't tell them the studios are not good as a reason for an independent study.
Over and OUT
Peter N