STUDENT‘S REFLECTIONS

Student 1

In 2022, I learnt a lot and got exposed to different topics such that I got to accept myself and my past, and actually putting every emotion to my work. 2nd Year for me was an experience of self-discovery, and finally feeling alive once again.

Construction I fell in love with it, and wondered how everything is connected. Design was a hard one for me, but the moment I started relating every brief to myself, I started to see the light.

ID was one looking for something that’s already in my hands, my own style, and thankfully gain strength to show my signature. AND MOSTLY NARRATING!!!

Do more workshops, they really help with understanding the brief/s more Be more direct on crits (what I mean is don’t sugarcoat things)

Student 2

I personally think that I have learned a lot this year, in various aspects and courses. From the work we have been exposed to I have definitely been inspired and challenged by them. All of this pushed me to work harder and try harder. The work material exposed to us definitely inspired me creatively and allowed me to think differently. And this allowed me to improve myself, as well as better myself.

I think more workshops should be done, as they really do help me progress with the briefs, and give me an idea of what to do.I also think although the readings were insightful and it was interesting to hear other people’s opinions on certain topics. I think we needed perhaps 1 or 2 with the whole class would be fine.

Student 3

My experience has been great. I’m only doing one major module, but was able to learn a lot from the other I wasn’t doing. My favourite module was definitely Interdisciplinary Design (ID), I learnt how to see architecture broadly. My advice to the staff, is just to keep doing the amazing job that they are doing.

Student 5

I had a great experience. This year enabled me to think more broadly and opened my eyes to abstract concepts. The lecturers were passionate, which is really contagious. We were exposed to external professionals, which was really insightful

This year had been really successful. I appreciated the relationship the lecturers had with students, strict but caring. I would recommend to not compare students with each other, or previous years.

STUDENT 4

My experience of the 2022 year has been quite a difficult journey if I am to be honest. The year began on quite an interesting note, the lexicon, mapping, etc. I think where things got tough was when the integration was introduced in Second Semester, on top of the theme of Queer Politics.

I think my advice would be to “up the anti” on the amount or interactions between lecturer and students. But other than that one, I don’t think anything should stop or be added on.

What advice do you have for the next cohort of second year students?

Stay on time

Don’t “sleep” on models

Do the best you can

Your lecturers are your guides

Don’t trust yourself to do difficult things

WE ASKED OUR STUDENTS TO DESCRIBE THIER EXPERIENCE OF 2022 AND TO OFFER ADVISE TO THE TUTORS AND 2023 STUDENT COHORT AND THESE ARE SOME OF THIER RESPONCES:

Student 6

This 2022 has really been an experience. A lot has happened and a lot has been learned. Firstly, the appreciation goes to the 2022 second year lecturers, for going all out in making sure that there is no stone that is left unturned. The design typology has been eye opening in terms of designing with reasons and consideration, thus strengthening the narrative yes, this list goes on and on.

Student 7

The 2022 academic year was rather challenging, in a good and bad way. Good in the sense that it helped change my thinking around navigating spaces and designing spaces- helping to design spaces that are cognisant of other people (and) experiences +design spaces that cater to people that may not have the privilege as me! It was bad in the sense that it was a lot at one time. At times I questioned whether or not I was enough or worthy or whether or not I was doing the right thing- which isn’t the greatest at times because for me personally it doesn’t push me to want to do better but rather stay stagnant and not do anything.

Student 8

I was exposed to many new things, for all 3 courses, and through the year itself, I grew in terms of the graphical representation and technical aspects in conjunction to it.

What advice do you have for the staff in their preparations for the 2023 academic year? Do more, or stop this and try this?

I would definitely recommend that workshops/ lectures that are with regards to a certain topic are done before the assignment. Lecturers were presumptuous, in terms of everyone knowing how to do certain things, etc..

What advice do you have for the next cohort of second year students? Keep at it!

In preparation for 2023 I advise you to give the learners grace and time for each brief to settle. The year went by relatively fast, and I understand the need to be fast paced (sic) and briefs done to move onto the next however, it can be really overwhelming. Overwhelming to show up as well. Overwhelming to keep up, so keep that in mind. Other than that, the direction of the second semester and the first was very intentional and great in the sense that it gave space for the learners to think and to step out of their comfort zones. The program should be kept as is.

It is relatively easy to drop the ball, especially when you think you aren’t. Give yourself grace! At every opportunity you have. You are not doing half as bad as you think you are. Just breathe and take each day as is