Name
Jorge Herrera
School
University of Texas at Arlington
Degree Program
Architecture
Year in School
3rd
Describe your studio culture:
Studio culture at UTA is very collaborative and open to different perspectives. More importantly, as a student body we recognize the variety of strengths that professor’s studios offer. There is a constant dialogue about different ideologies expressed in each studio. This communication enhances the architecture student body as a whole. Generally, this dialogue of processes allows all of us to advance faster and like in any other evolution process we advance in multitudes instead of linearly.
Give one tip that has helped you succeed in your studio: The most important thing that has helped me succeed in studio is not succeeding in studio. In other words pushing ideas forward and allowing myself to learn where the threshold for success is between design and what is asked of me. Testing ideas while you’re still learning and getting feedback every other day is a privilege not to be taken for granted.
What motivates you to work hard in studio?
The idea that I might discover something new or authentic. In this world of materialism that is hard to come by. Ultimately to apply that to architecture to advance its current ideologies.
What aspect of your studio experience do you think will help you get a job?
Emphasizing on the importance of establishing your own ideas about architecture and making sure they provide something that adds to the current dialogue in the real world. As well as the emphasis on designing things to build your own understanding and showcasing it in your portfolio rather than for a grade.
What can professors do to create a helpful and supportive studio culture?
Promoting dialogue between the students even when there isn’t any group projects. One of the best experiences, I’ve had with a studio is collaborating on a class site model. This is great because it forces the whole studio to have a dialogue about the best way to be efficient while maintaining proper craft. Therefore, there is much learning going on even if you’re learning what not to do.
What should a high school student understand about studio at your university?
The boundary between work and play can blur and you will find yourself enlightened.
What can AIAS do to help improve your studio experience?
AIAS is always a helping hand with studio experience like bringing students together who otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths. Even simply hosting events where students can go to get a much needed break and refuel helps. I think the only other thing is exposing the students to things which aren’t talked about in studio as much as they should like the importance of your portfolio.
What would be in your ideal studio care package?
A coffee machine, a mini freezer, snacks, chipboard, foam board, glue, a cool lamp, some plants, a sketch book and many pens/pencils
Complete this sentence: I love studio because…
it’s where new ideas and memories are made.
