Thinking about Thesis: The Unpredictable Journey Ahead

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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, like a rudderless boat.

In a month and a half, I’ll be starting my last year of graduate school, which will be dedicated to a thesis. We are constantly reminded by our summer studio professor as he references what is to come, starting sentences like, “you all will be doing your thesis soon…” and tries to share insight and tidbits of advice that he thinks might help us. Until recently, we had the constant presence of a thesis student in our studio space, working to complete his. I don’t know how he has remained on campus this long after graduation. Even though it is an unpredictable journey ahead, my goal is to have my defense before graduation and my book finished by it. That way, after graduation, I can focus on moving out and hopefully preparing for the trip I will have planned.

Thinking about thesis

In an earlier blog post, I mentioned my interest in adaptive reuse, and that hasn’t changed. My last semester’s professor cautioned me against it, claiming it may not make for a compelling thesis, but it hold potential for a great career. According to him, the intricacies of adaptive reuse don’t translate well unless experienced first hand, or through photos. While he may me right, it’s just one perspective. Another professor believes it can be challenging, but suggests that finding a building with existing elements to work with can help guide the decision-making process. Professors will always have different opinions, shaped by their unique personalities and experiences. I think it’s important to not dismiss any of them because they offer valuable perspectives.

My current thoughts

My current thoughts revolve around focusing my thesis on the intersection of war and architecture, specifically exploring the impact ruined structures within a city have on the displaced population and what could be done from it. Unlike Sir Norman Foster and the “god” approach of redesigning a with a master plan and the wave of a magic wand, I think it’s better to focus on a bottom up approach, perhaps within the realm of tactile urbanism and the community-oriented design process employed by Francis Keré in Burkina Faso. I wonder if a similar approach could be applied in war-affected areas.

Thesis is a long journey and unpredictable journey, and it’s possible that my focus and ideas will evolve along the way. I can’t predict where the process will lead me, but I’m genuinely interested in this topic and I’m excited about the possibilities it holds.