Zafirah Sadiq, Class of 2021

Despite a disrupted second year due to Covid-19, Zafirah loved her time at Trinity and has gone on to pursue a degree in architecture at Newcastle University. She talks here about how her experience at Trinity prepared her for her degree, the teachers who had most influence on her, the projects she is particularly proud of and her plans for the future in the field of disaster relief.

What were your most memorable experiences at Trinity?

My time at Trinity was unfortunately shorter than I had hoped due to my second year being cut short by the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. When I reflect on my time there, it is filled with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude to all the staff members who played a significant role in my personal and academic growth during those two years. I gained academic confidence, something I previously lacked, which pushed me to achieve things I didn’t think were possible. The most valuable lesson I learned was to have confidence in my own abilities, and this transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the teachers who provided the support and guidance.

Were there any particular teachers who had a significant impact on your academic and career development in the field of architecture?

It’s hard to narrow down those who had a significant impact because it wasn’t just one so I’m going to mention as many as I can! My art teacher, Mr Strange, gave so much meaning to the work I produced during my A levels – he pushed me to think in a way in which I had never been encouraged to do so before. It allowed me to create work that was rich in meaning and, to this day, still influences the work I do. Mr Aldridge gave me so much of his valuable time and advice, helping with the process of applying to schools of architecture. My form tutor, Dr Asquith, always started our form times in the best possible way by getting our brains geared up in the mornings (arguably too early!) with thought provoking debates.

How did your time at Trinity prepare you for your studies at Newcastle University and your future career in architecture?

I don’t honestly think anything can quite prepare you for an architecture degree! However, there are important lessons and skills that aid the transition period that I learnt during my time at Trinity. One of the most important is time management: balancing the time and effort requirements of four A levels has helped me cope with the demands of multiple architecture modules without ever feeling out of my depth.

What influenced your decision to pursue a degree in Architecture at Newcastle University? Were there any specific aspects of the program or university that attracted you?

I always knew that I wanted to pursue a creative career and was torn between fine art and architecture. I loved sculpture and during my art A level I realised that I could approach architecture from this angle: I loved the idea of creating huge sculptures that could be inhabitable. The course at Newcastle is especially creative, focusing heavily on experimental design processes ranging from 3D clay printed massing models to hanging sculptural site maps. A lot of courses can be very engineering based, which wasn’t the route I wanted, so it was perfect that I could go down the architecture route while maintaining artistic flair.

Could you share some insights into your experience at Newcastle so far? How has the transition from school to university been for you?

Right now, I couldn’t be happier in Newcastle, but I didn’t always feel this way. I found the transition from school to university to be quite taxing. Being so far from home felt quite isolating. The working days were intense, right from the start – not quite how I imagined my first week to be! Looking back, I’m actually grateful that it wasn’t easy or plain sailing – the discomfort of feeling out of my depth pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to strive for better.

Which university projects or achievements are you particularly proud of?

I have found technology projects to be particularly demanding, although they have yielded the best outcomes. These projects allow me to explore niche areas of design technology, such as my experiment with naturally weathering steel to create Corten steel. I took immense pride in an essay that I wrote on the significance of the pyramids of Giza and the glorification of life after death memorialised. These experiences allowed me to delve into broader aspects of architecture beyond design, enhancing my awareness and knowledge.

What challenges have you faced while studying architecture, and how have you overcome them?

Studying architecture comes with its fair share of challenges, with time management being a significant one. Balancing a heavy workload was initially overwhelming, but I learned to adapt and develop a higher threshold for work. It is essential to stay focused and not get stressed, as the work must be completed regardless. Over time, you naturally adjust to the workload and become more efficient in managing your time.

What are your plans in the field of architecture? Do you have any specific career goals or aspirations you’d like to share?

Looking ahead to my future in architecture, I plan to complete a year in industry after graduation and then pursue a master’s degree abroad. I am still highly motivated by the goal that inspired me to become an architect: to specialise in the field of disaster relief architecture. This involves designing structures that can withstand natural and manmade disasters, which is a critical area of need in today’s world.

What wisdom would you impart to others who may be considering studying architecture or pursuing a similar career path?

First and foremost, realise that you are capable: self-confidence and self-belief are crucial. Embrace failure as a positive aspect of growth. It is important to be kind to yourself, as a career in architecture is very demanding but the hard work and dedication required are genuinely rewarding and the journey is well worth the effort.