The start, progress and end of a journey has different effects on a human's learning. For some the end will be when they reach their destination and for some it will be when they can pursue the journey no longer and for some it all happens even in their mind. For me, I have realized my journey in Architecture has no destination but an endless road with a bunch of parallel roads, U turns, roundabouts and even cul de sacs.
The things I learnt about myself: Throughout my masters education, this was the first opportunity I accepted to work with another team member. I was always uncomfortable with the idea of compatibility. In a group more than two, I was more confident but not just two. This was the first time I was ready to take the leap of faith, I was ready to listen, I let go of my preconceived thoughts. Xianchao Wang was a great team mate work with and he gave me confidence to pursue this further even in my professional experience.
I am the type of person who is shy at first and I had to improve my skill of making conversations and ultimately helping me to make connections with a lot of professional contacts who were helping us through this semester.
Another important habit I have developed is I no more say 'I think' (for the most part), thanks to Professor William Worn. This has improved my conversations with professional connections and during design reviews. The conversations are crisp and to the point that does not allow the awkward silence or the dialogue that goes nowhere.
The things I learnt about the field and society: Born and brought up in a strong cultural town in India, I always assumed that communities around the world interacted in similar ways as great as my neighborhood was. This belief did not change even after I moved to the metropolitan Chennai for my education and work. However, crossing borders and oceans to pursue master's education has modified that belief. My subconscious mind was well aware that the culture that shaped these different communities on each ends of the earth was influenced by the history that the countries went through. Working with Houseal Lavigne Associates this semester as an intern and being in the health care studio I have realised that Architecture is sharing techniques and processes like community engagement, from Urban planning and there by looking at the bigger picture while keeping the scope of interest at the same scale.
Chicago neighborhoods have an interesting pattern and it was a great experience to study some of them this semester. Being in Chicago this spring for the Health and the City studio allowed some explorations more deeper than just the lake shore and downtown. Neighborhoods like Little village and Pilsen reminds me of street squares of India with food, colors and people. However, not all neighborhoods reflect the same image. Even the most vibrant neighborhood sometimes lacks the third place and keeps neighbors behind closed doors and minds sometimes. Like Architects Patricia Natke, Jeanne Gang and many other firms who are revolutionizing the industry by listening to people, I hope for more initiatives to start from our neighborhoods by resurrecting them.
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