I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking blog post that resonated with my own reflections on the principles of Post-War Reconstruction and inspired me to write a similar piece. The blog was written by Lebbeus Woods and it is titled, “War and Architecture.” Who is Lebbeus… Read More »Architectural Insights: Exploring Lebbeus Woods’ Principles of Post-War Reconstruction
There is an indispensable connection between architecture, war and memory. Memory is defined as, “the ability to acquire, process, store and retain information.” It is indispensable for learning, adaptation and survival. It is also what ties us to our sense of place, our cultures and… Read More »Architecture, War and Memory: Exploring the Indispensable Connection
People say summer in Blacksburg is delightful, a sentiment often shared by professors and administrative staff who each summer eagerly anticipate a couple of peaceful months without students. As the semester ends, families seem to appear out of hiding, a semester’s long hibernation to enjoy… Read More »Summer in Blacksburg
I am constantly thinking about thesis. It is a persisting presence, taking up a tiny portion of my mind. I don’t want to go into the fall semester without a clear focus, wasting that first half like so many of my friends before me, directionless,… Read More »Thinking about Thesis: The Unpredictable Journey Ahead
It is amazing how quickly time moves when you reflect on what has passed. I have now finished two out of 3.5 years of my architectural education. This summer marks the half-of-year, but there will be no internship opportunity for me. We have an integrated… Read More »Two Years Down: Reflections on an Architectural Education
Making an architectural model is difficult. It’s also not cheap and requires a significant amount of time. Our current professor is the king of models. Before we had him, you could tell which and where his studio was in the building based on the large… Read More »In The Nature of Making: An Architectural Model
Another year, another Big Event. The Big Event is a student-run day of community service that has grown into the largest event of its kind in the nation (from its website). It’s also the day when the University schedules its incoming freshman orientation. Coincidence?I think… Read More »The Big Event, Again
I never imagined I’d go to Kentucky. From Wednesday the 22nd to Saturday the 25th of February, I was in Lexington, Kentucky for an architectural field trip to explore its architectural treasures. I haven’t been on a field trip since I was in middle school and… Read More »Exploring Kentucky’s Architectural Treasures
Two weekends ago was the AIA (American Institute for Architects) yearly Virginia weekend competition. It is a weekend competition that starts at 5pm on Friday and is due by 9am on Monday. It’s between four Universities: Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Hampton Roads of VCU,… Read More »AIA Weekend Competition
If last year moved at a glacier speed, this semester moved at the speed at which glaciers are melting. Like a sprinter right after the gun goes off, the semester didn’t slow down until the end. Design, deliverables and deadlines. In studio, within the first two… Read More »Design, Deliverables and Deadlines: The Sprint of a Semester