AU Architecture Program Part II

As we have already seen, architecture is a very exciting discipline to be studying! But it goes without saying that one must put in a lot of time and effort to get the most out of their education in architecture. In a quest to explore our program's strengths and address any shortcomings, I initiated a dialogue with some of my peers to gain a deeper understanding of what they appreciate about their education here and what improvements they believe are needed.

What are the strengths of the AU architecture program?

Definitely the amount of drawing the students have to go through, instead of immediately resorting to computers. Guillermo Acevedo (senior, architecture)

I like how involved the program encourages interaction between underclassmen and upperclassmen because sometimes we go on field trips together and learn from each other. Janeth Banuelos (junior, architecture)

It has guided me to further recognize my design audience and context so that I can create ideas that resonate with each project, building, and community. The program also succeeds at creating wonderful job opportunities and interactions and simulates real world teamwork in the classroom. Jadon Hardon (sophomore, architecture)

The AU SAID curriculum is meticulously organized for students to understand architecture. The studios provided a smooth transition from learning classical architectural detail and designing smaller homes to designing more complex multi-story buildings and urban-scale team projects, teaching us how to communicate our design intent through sketches and developing various design methods. Architectural lecture classes and studios complement each other. Moreover, the architecture program at Andrews offers a professional degree (M. Arch) in five and a half years, which can be an advantage for students who want to pursue a career in architecture. Halim Im (graduate, architecture)

The professors were great for the most part, and they communicate as best as they are able. The professors are nice and not hard to talk to, and they respond fast to problems and help us. Some of the professors have experience in the working environment, and their knowledge is a benefit. The library has good resources. The open floor plan is good because it encourages interaction between lower classmen and upper classmen. Students feel comfortable to ask others for help. Matthew Merrill (graduate, architecture)

I think our teachers are kind and always willing to help. I don't see them having an authoritarian approach to students. Our program can be very demanding and intense and I feel overwhelmed, so for me it is very important to get sufficient advice and knowledge from our teachers. Kensuke Okawara (senior, architecture)

What can be improved in the program?

The program should be more integrated with other school programs (i.e. joint projects with the engineering department) either for projects so that students can gain real life experience, or for mission trips. Guillermo Acevedo (senior, architecture)

Speaking more about the real life business aspect of architecture is very important. There was a lot I learned through an internship that I wish I was more prepared for that had to do with the business world, not even having to do with software or designing or materials. Janeth Banuelos (junior, architecture)

Although I enjoyed my time at AU SAID, there are a few areas where the program could be improved. Providing students with an easier transition to the architectural profession by establishing more connections with alumni and competent architectural firms could help students gain valuable experience and insights and better prepare them for their future careers. Additionally, while the architecture program at Andrews provides opportunities for students to learn about different scales and types of architecture, a wider variety of in-depth elective classes would enable students to explore their interests and strengths further. Halim Im (graduate, architecture)

Communication between professors could be improved. As far as the architecture building goes, it is difficult to change but the layout could be improved: more light in the interior. The curriculum could be improved, especially for fifth years. In my opinion, the tiny house project we are currently working on for the design-build studio is more so a project that the third years, not fifth years, should be working on. The type of work we are doing is the interior, as the exterior was already done by last year’s graduate class. I feel like as a class we’re under utilizing our skills. Matthew Merrill (graduate, architecture)

I wish we had more time to learn computer programs such as Adobe step by step. Last semester our professor made tutorials on how to use sketchup and that was very helpful for me. I also think facilities are always a challenge. For example the computer lab gets packed during busy times and oftentimes there are some that's not working well. We need more shared spaces with sufficient equipment. Kensuke Okawara (senior, architecture)

Field trips are necessary for a learning experience outside the classroom. What did you like about them, and what would you change?

Field trips are the best hands-on experience. They really help us gauge our environment in which we will build, as well as gain inspiration. Guillermo Acevedo (senior, architecture)

I am more of a visual learner and being able to see what my teachers have been teaching me through lectures allows me to retain information better, and it makes a bigger impact on me. I wish they had them more often. Janeth Banuelos (junior, architecture)

I found every field trip was essential and special as site visits helped me to comprehend the site and context of each project, and field trips from lecture classes let me visualize what I had learned in a lecture room. Being in that moment and space, you can feel and understand. I wish there were more frequent field trips, considering their significance for architecture students. Halim Im (graduate, architecture)

I enjoyed the field trip to Chicago with my fourth year studio. We got to see the site for our project. I think it could be beneficial to incorporate more interaction with the public to see what they would actually want to see with a new building. Matthew Merrill (graduate, architecture)

It was a great experience for me to visit the historic sites and buildings this summer in Europe. Physically being there is an invaluable experience. Throughout the day and from day to day, a place’s beauty changes and captivates people's interest. We had to team up with [three] or more people to walk around the cities. I understand the school's high standard for safety but for me being a bit older than others it was inconvenient. Kensuke Okawara (senior, architecture)

How well do you think the program has prepared you to become an architect?

Haha, this is a tough question because I am just an architecture student. Overall, I appreciate that I could learn architecture in AU SAID, which places great emphasis on shaping places that serve people and gaining a comprehensive understanding of architecture. This has helped me to be a more confident and empathetic architectural designer. However, I have also learned that the experience and outcome of education vary greatly depending on how much I take the initiative to learn and acquire opportunities to be better prepared for the profession. Halim Im (graduate, architecture)

I think that in architecture school we design with the mindset that we paint a pretty picture instead of actually looking at the real world, cost of materials, client desires, how that compares to cost, sustainability, how long the building will last, etc. The department does a good job of networking and preparing us for the mindset of architecture but I think it happens too late that we are introduced to building code. Incorporating a mindset of following building codes and design for a purpose earlier would be helpful. It’s good that we look at the building code in fourth year but I think that should happen earlier. Matthew Merrill (graduate, architecture)

A lot of times our teachers encourage us to think and design as architects. I tend to be laid-back and just see our surrounding environments as they are, but we are encouraged to think how we can make changes to help our society and people's wellbeing. The program is very practical and relevant to working as architects in the real world. Kensuke Okawara (senior, architecture)

To create meaningful architecture, we must embody stewardship by using the gifts bestowed upon us to care for ourselves, others, the earth, and honor God. While humanity collectively has a calling to create art, each of us is uniquely called to discover and pursue our divine purpose. Through our actions, words, and interactions, we can be artists who reflect the innate desire for beauty instilled in us by God. I believe God has gifted me with creativity and artistic talent, which I aim to utilize to the fullest extent in glorifying Him.

I encourage you to persevere and keep doing your best in whatever field you eventually choose to pursue. And know that studying architecture at Andrews is always an option, so feel free to talk to any people in the department to learn more about it! If you’re just starting out, don’t hesitate to talk to professors and upperclassmen because they can be very helpful and offer good advice. And for those who have already discovered their gifts, I wish you the best in your future, wherever it may lead.