Archemist Blog
This is a space for my own architectural related musings. Sometimes it is about a movie, a book, a show, or even something that I’ve come across online. Happy reading!
I Thought Architect Barbie Was Just Barbie...
Although it can be argued that because we are rather proud of what we do, it wouldn’t be surprising that many would attack Barbie’s outfit. It may seem harmless, yet it is a reflection on how society (and our industry) views women in architecture. Must she always wear black? Just because she’s wearing a dress and carrying a helmet doesn’t mean that we can assume that it will be her official outfit for a site visit! These comments, initially said with humour can quickly become detrimental if spoken in a professional environment.
Words of Affirmation : Identity Crisis
Happy New Year everyone! I hope all of you have had a lovely start to 2020.
Currently sitting here with my trusty pen and paper (this has been typed up!), I have already learned a few new things about myself, and I hope that after the exciting countdown, the fireworks and festivities, we have found some kind of light at the end of our own tunnels.
Just for Laughs: Job Hunting Be Like This Sometimes
In light of my rather glum entry about unemployment, I decided to put a lighter note to this.
After speaking to my mentor on the importance of networking, I illustrated some of my experiences and feelings of job hunting*. Due to the unfortunate events of the market as of late, the competition of finding a job increased, and it’s not making it easier.
Architecture of the Media : When One Issue Unconsciously Buries Another
Comedian Anna Akana’s video ‘You can’t care about everything’ was also ironically released that day, explaining on the issue of compassion fatigue. The timing couldn’t be more perfect when I stumbled across the video in which she explained the overwhelming feeling of the constant broadcasting of crisis and issues happening at every nation. There was a sense of relieve when she consolidated the issues and that it is okay to have your beliefs – so long as we understand and separate ourselves what we want to put value on and work towards it, that’s okay also.
How will we live together? Part II : Are We Trying To Build A Utopia At Venice Biennale?
As an avid Y.A. fiction reader, I have read enough books to understand the general rule of thumb that utopia is a mask of dystopic nature. As architects (or in my case, architecture graduate), wanting to create a harmonious community can be disguised in the forms of renders – but because we lack the ability to communicate with every possible user to understand and predict how their physicality and mentality will evolve over time, the idea of utopia can only reach so far in time.
I want to believe that we are somewhat living together, we all breathe the same air, share the same sun, ocean, etc. in the poetic sense. However, when we have such a complex mind and emotions becomes involved – it is very hard to define an on point solution to understanding the future of sharing this space together.
How will we live together? Part I : On Overthinking the Venice Biennale
Last month, expression of interest for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2020 was released to the architecture community. Under the theme of ‘How will we live together?’, it was an extremely enticing and straightforward topic. Albeit, having entered a few competitions now – the level of depth and overthinking of the conversation is challenging but exciting.
We can look at this philosophically, pragmatically, utopically, optimistically otherwise realistic perspective. Following from this year’s announcement for Venice Architecture Biennale’s main brief “How will we live together?” has made me raise eyebrows at the sentence. In many ways – although not religious, I can’t help but think of the scene where Jesus feeds the five thousand. There is some irony to the thought of questioning how architecture or through architecture how do we demonstrate the possibility of everyone living together.
How to ask the right questions? Get a non-architect to do so!
Alright, alright, I understand that you need a professional to address the serious questions when it comes to designing architecture - we need to know whether the building can hold itself up well, whether it is structurally sound, and whether it is capable of evacuating people safely in case of a fire…