Without fail as the academic year would come to an end I would always write a long note to myself for the things I wish I had done and should do in the following academic year. Now although I couldn’t tell you what they were exactly as I flick through my old notes, this moment of reflection was crucial for me to get better over the years. In the space of three years you can learn a lot especially when you begin to understand what really works for you especially as you vividly look back over the year and pick up some of the gaps of learning you still have yet to accomplish. Even after architecture school the learning continues, that part never really stops as life will teach you. But you might as well pay attention and take some notes. Looking back, as you begin to mould yourself as a creative, a designer and a problem solver, you begin to see the importance role your habits played in the confidence or lack thereof in your abilities to produce your best outcomes. So in light of this, here are some habits I wished I formed at architecture school.
Always ask for help when you need it
If you want to learn quickly this is the best way forward. Often we shy away from asking for help, whether it is the fear of looking dumb or incompetent or both, it is an image you must rid yourself of quickly. Regardless of where you are academically there is no reason not to seek the assistance that not only are you paying for but that will save you so much time and effort in all kinds of tasks. Whether it is for using a software or understanding a new design process, asking hurts nobody. This will push you to develop the communication skills that you will always need to have as a designer. Besides you are there to learn, no question or struggle is too small to be insignificant unless you make it that way. Understanding that it is normal to struggle to begin with is important but not addressing it first will hinder you in the long run.
Planning your work day and rest
Being organised can help you more than you think. Juggling model making with CAD work, laundry with lectures can all seem exciting to take on until you simply cannot. Prioritising your time and being realistic with the time you give yourself to be a student but also a human too is a must. Planning your workload can be tricky to begin with when you aren’t so sure on how long you will actually take versus how long a specific task will take. This is where you should test out what works for you. But always have a plan before you start your day. Whether it is a studio day or lecture/reading heavy day work around those tasks so that each day is dedicated to one module/component of your course. Whether it is a detailed plan or one that is flexible, there really isn’t a perfect way to plan your day, just a method that works for you. And just as you would schedule yourself in for a workshop or appointment don’t forget to schedule in time for breaks and rest away from your work. When you start your day or week with a plan (even if it changes, which it should every once in a while) you’ll be able to keep track of how much time you really give yourself and it will allow you to find a routine that will allow you to be as focused as you possibly can be.
Take physical notes and not pictures/recordings with your phone
With a combination of teaching styles and resources that are offered during your studies especially during this pandemic it can be easy to passively record information. I say passively because the moment you’ve decided to take pictures of a diagram instead of drawing it or marking it down isn’t an action you take if you are fully immersed in the learning you are doing. Whether it is an early start to the day or an aspect of the workshop that isn’t as interesting by actively using as many of your senses as you can will help you recall information better than if you didn’t. Besides I don’t remember ever going back to those pictures/recordings unless I had to find my storage on my phone, and I’m sure it isn’t any different to you. There are tonnes of ways to record your notes whether it’s typing or handwritten. I find that having a notebook dedicated for all the workshops and tutorials you have will allow you to go back to specific information as and when you need it. I prefer handwritten notes when first starting out but as always do what helps you stay on top of the information you need to keep hold of.
Sketch more, sketch often
Sketching is a design process that can help you visualise your problems and their solutions. The idea that a sketchbook has to be neat or organised in the same way that your portfolio would be is a false expectation you are placing on yourself. Think of your sketchbook in the same way as you would a notebook, a collection of notes and thoughts of things you are learning about. There is no wrong way to sketch, you are working things out and a sketchbook is a great place to store it all in. It is for your drafts and initial ideas so keep documenting the things that are stuck in your head that you simply don’t know where else to place. An A5 sketchbook seems to work best and if you are anything like me, anything bigger makes you think that you need to fill up your page entirely. Experiment on the pages of your sketchbook first and you’ll see how much freedom and clarity you receive in return when you can explain your thoughts in a combination or diagrams and annotations. Documenting in your sketchbook will allow you to think visually and come to aid when you are trying to voice your ideas but don’t completely have the confidence to know how to do it.