EXTRAS - SUBJECT FUTURES WEEK

Two submissions checked off the list for the new year and a welcoming breath of fresh air and optimism is sorely needed ... Thank goodness it's subject futures week!

We kicked off the day with two guests who in fact used to teach on my course a year ago, Anthony Herring - Architect and Gordon Cole - Architectural Technologist.

They delivered a reflective talk about their practices demonstrating the type of commissions they receive, the workload and how we could if we applied ourselves correctly, achieve this in the near future. The main aspect that sung out to me is that you have to have passion, a fire, a love for what you do to ever succeed in this style of career.

Next a short interlude followed by a talk from a CIAT Director, James Banks. We were given a similar talk in 1st year but I had missed out on this opportunity... Luckily I was in today and all the queries of what the accreditation stands for and how to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist is clear to me! ... Lets not forget the free pens!

After this it was a change of scene... No worries it was only across the hall for only the coolest thing I have witnessed in a long time! It was an interesting talk and demonstration from a company called Dee Three who specialise in 3D printers, augmented reality and physical models. I found everything they had to say and show fascinating as I love model making, however it was the demonstration of augmented reality that really got me thinking. I've heard of this application before but have never seen it up close and personal ... It is a very cool gadget to say the least ... A few hours have passed and I'm still thinking about it!

You can imagine by now a lunch break is overdue, unfortunately there wasn't one scheduled in for today so I had to compromise by missing a talk otherwise my belly would have taken over the talk and started its own agenda!

Refreshed, happy and a full belly later I went to the last talk of the day which was delivered by Dr Nick Dunn, a Professor of Urban Design at Lancaster University. His presentation was about 3D assets and digital fabrication. An intriguing point was when he mentioned that, 'by all means, do not think you can succeed in this business without making something with your hands'. I think he hit the nail on the head for a few students but everyone has their preferences, lucky for me I really enjoy making things and getting stuck in. Nevertheless he was very clear that 3D software and how you apply the technology is the future and that we've still got a long way to go ... So jump on the band wagon whilst you can!

A bit of a long one from me today ... However it was an inspiring day and well worth the effort of brushing my hair!