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Architectural Education | Off the Record

Architectural Education | Off the Record

By Vincent Hui

This podcast is a candid series of discussions and interviews on all things related to architectural education.
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Back in the Swing of Things

Architectural Education | Off the RecordOct 14, 2020

00:00
01:19:55
Guest Interview | Court Sin
May 09, 202101:13:35
Graduate School Applications

Graduate School Applications

Just as the academic term draws to an end and students begin recovering from deadlines and exams, another issue continues to simmer in the background – graduate school applications. In this episode we are joined by several students set to embark upon their Master of Architecture degrees at institutions near and far. Discussing everything from the challenges of proper preparation (hint: it’s not just a portfolio) for application through to factors that weigh in on making a decision, this episode covers a range of facets many students face in considering continuing their architectural education. With insights from Sophie, Monika, Shengnan, Lena, Tanya, and Liane, this is an episode loaded with tips that helped them get into their programs. It is never too early to start!

May 02, 202101:42:18
Time Management and Learning Supports
Apr 10, 202101:30:19
High School Q&A

High School Q&A

In response to the flurry of inquiries from applicants and high school students about the Department of Architectural Science, we determined that it was about time to bring the voices to the same table. In this episode we are joined by high school students, Connor and Fatima, who pose questions to a panel of current and past DAS students including Tamoy, Tabitha, and Mariah. Applicants are receiving offers and we are delivering answers - hear the various perspectives on getting in and through the program!

Ryerson Admissions Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/WhyRyerson
Ryerson Admissions Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/WhyRyerson/
Ryerson Admissions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhyRyerson

Apr 03, 202101:03:57
Guest Interview | Jason Fung
Mar 27, 202101:23:25
Faculty Discussion

Faculty Discussion

If we think back to our education, we can all remember the best and worst instructors and how they impacted our perspectives on topics. We also know that they are (for better or worse) unforgettable. The Department of Architectural Science is currently conducting an extremely ambitious hiring search for three new faculty members, each reflecting one of the facets of the program (Architecture, Building Science, and Project Management). In this episode we are joined by Clare, Christopher, and Heba who share their perspectives on what they would want to see in a new faculty members as well as get an insight on the three major duties faculty have to undertake.

Mar 11, 202101:13:01
Guest Interview | Peter Marshall

Guest Interview | Peter Marshall

Ever thought about taking your architectural education into other industries like visualization, game design, or theme park design? Ever wondered what happens if you take a bit longer to complete your studies? Well, you're in luck with this podcast episode where we have an extensive chat with Peter Marshall, Creative Director at Forrec Ltd. From translating his acumen with visualization in architecture school into a lighting designer role at Rockstar Games Inc. to creating theme parks around the world and bringing properties to life, Peter's career reinforces a core facet for success in many industries, most notably architecture - the role of narrative. Join us in this episode as we chat about everything from shutting down campus' computer mainframes for renderings to translating John Wick into a ride.

Peter Marshall's Instagram: @peterabmarshall
Peter's perspectives on design innovations:
https://www.forrec.com/blog/the-theme-park-of-the-future-how-current-design-innovations-inform-provocative-predictions/
Forrec's Twitter: @forrecdesigns
The upcoming John Wick Ride:
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/john-wick-now-you-see-me-lionsgate-roller-coasters-1234809174/ 

Feb 28, 202101:33:24
Curricular Comparison

Curricular Comparison

It's that time of year again where applicants are starting to receive offers of admission into postsecondary programs. Though we don't go explicitly talk about other programs, we take a moment to round out our ongoing series for first year applicants specifically looking at what the Department of Architectural Science curriculum offers its students. All accredited programs are good and provide their students with a solid education in architecture; however they are not all the same. In this episode we are joined by Jayna, from first year, and Eileen, currently finishing her fourth year, as they discuss their perspectives on the curricular differentiators of the program including concentrations, technical knowledge, and professional preparation... as well as random, virtual snowball fights and bad decisions made at 3 AM...

Feb 25, 202101:00:26
Guest Interview | Daniel Hall

Guest Interview | Daniel Hall

In this episode we are joined by Daniel Hall from The Architect Builders Collective Inc., a progressive architecture firm in Toronto specializing in affordable, healthy green design. With a career marked with hands-on experience, from carpentry through to leading-edge digital fabrication, Daniel has infused TABC with a sensitivity to the diversity of facets that are involved in creating the built environment. Join us in hearing Daniel's perspectives on a range of topics from design education through to emergent design challenges such as sustainability and laneway housing.

The Architect Builders Collective Inc. Website:
https://www.tabc.ca/

TABC Centre for Social Innovation Entry:
https://www.tabc.ca/pages/healthy-green-workspaces/accessibility-ramp-and-stairs-centre-for-social-innovation 

Toronto Laneway Suites Website:
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/changing-lanes-the-city-of-torontos-review-of-laneway-suites/ 


Feb 18, 202101:07:38
Revisiting Online Architectural Education

Revisiting Online Architectural Education

Almost a year into the pandemic there have been various shifts and changes to teaching architecture in an online environment. From students readily jumping into online collaboration tools to faculty learning how to run video lectures, everyone has had ample time to adjust to the new normal in architectural education.  Over the past month we have been inundated with requests on information from prospective students about the nature of online studio and courses so what better way to get an insight than getting the opinions of students. In this episode we are joined by Milo, Khushi, Horia, and Oscar as they share their experiences from their online Fall term.

Feb 16, 202101:02:39
Guest Interview | Andrea Ling

Guest Interview | Andrea Ling

Architecture is not always just about buildings - it is a design discipline that has a legacy of inter- and multidisciplinary activity. Design researchers are constantly examining new materials and methods in creating the built environment. Join us as we interview distinguished artist, researcher, and architect Andrea Ling on her award-winning work and collaborations that bridge a range of other disciplines including fashion, biology, and obscure fairy tales. With an education drawn from science through to MIT's Media Lab and currently working at ETH Zurich, Andrea's knowledge and experience reaffirms the convergent mandate of architecture.

Andrea's Website:
http://andreasling.com/

The Girl in the Wood Frock
http://andreasling.com/the-girl-in-the-wood-frock/ 

Aguahoja
https://mediatedmattergroup.com/aguahoja

Feb 09, 202155:37
Application Anxiety

Application Anxiety

It's that time of year again when applicants to architecture programs start asking questions... lots of questions. Though official university websites offer glossy imagery and official procedures on how to apply, it is always reassuring to know that everyone gets a bit anxious when going through the various hurdles to get into an architecture program. From grades and portfolios to drawing and writing tests, sometimes getting into an architecture program is best compared to a reality television show. In this episode we are joined by Aanshi and Si Jia as they recount their application experience and offer comfort to all those who are applying to architecture programs.

Feb 05, 202156:50
Guest Interview | Pierre-Alexandre Le Lay

Guest Interview | Pierre-Alexandre Le Lay

An accomplished young architect and educator, Pierre-Alexandre Le Lay has an assortment of academic and professional distinctions that epitomize what many students aspire for. While he has established himself as an architect with RAW Design, some might be surprised to discover that he didn't embark on an architectural education when entering university. Join us as we interview Pierre-Alexandre and follow his emergent career including a science degree, questionable research accommodations, and his secret language skills...

RAW Design Profile
https://rawdesign.ca/team/pierre-alexandre-le-lay/ 


Feb 01, 202155:53
Guest Interview | Diana Brecher

Guest Interview | Diana Brecher

It's that time of year again - no, not the holiday season (that's still about a month away),  we're talking about the end of year studio deadlines!  While many students typically find themselves getting less sleep, less food, and generally less hygienic,  they also are getting more anxious, stressed, and fatigued. With the pandemic and isolation only compounding these challenges, it is unsurprising that students this year are more stressed than usual. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Diana Brecher, Clinical Psychologist, faculty member, and Scholar-in-Residence, Positive Psychology for the Thrive RU program in Student Affairs. She shares with us recent findings about the state of mental health in the university, mitigation strategies, and other resources that can prove to be useful to students in the program. From taking her SSH102 Learning and Development Strategies (imagine getting credit for a course on learning minimizing stress while learning!) to her 20-second hack on getting stuff done, Dr. Brecher gives a range of tips for students to survive this term and to succeed in the next.

Diana Brecher Bio:

https://experts.ryerson.ca/diana-brecher#:~:text=Bio%2FResearch,-Dr.&text=Dr.-,Diana%20Brecher%20is%20the%20Scholar%2Din%2DResidence%20for%20Positive%20Psychology,a%20counsellor%2C%20supervisor%20and%20director.

NCHA data on Ryerson Students can be found at:
https://www.ryerson.ca/student-wellbeing/healthpromotion/data/

The Ryerson report on Student Wellbeing:
https://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/student-wellbeing/health-promotion/documents/NCHA-II-SPRING-2019-RYERSON-UNIVERSITY-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY.pdf

Thriving in Action can be found here tia.ryerson.ca

The ThriveRU website, which includes resources such as the Cultivate Your Happiness workbook - https://www.ryerson.ca/thriveru/

The TED talk Dr. Brecher mention on sleep:
 https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_sleep_is_your_superpower/up-next?language=en

Dr. Brecher's course, SSH102 Learning and Development Strategies  (the for-credit version of Thriving in action) is an open elective and can be found here:

https://www.ryerson.ca/calendar/2020-2021/courses/social-science-and-humanities/SSH/102/

Dec 05, 202052:15
Guest Interview | Philip Hastings

Guest Interview | Philip Hastings

As a recipient of numerous architecture distinctions for nearly twenty years and a key player in literally building Ryerson University's Department of Architectural Science, Gow Hastings Architects is a well-known architecture firm among the student population.   How did the firm come about? How did it become so successful? We were fortunate to have Gow Hastings co-founder, Philip Hastings, join us as we delve into his past and gain insights on how he succeeded in the industry. We also learn his perspective on "good times", working abroad, dating classmates, and other tips for architecture students.

Gow Hastings Architects
http://gowhastings.com/ 

Paul H. Cocker Architecture Gallery (ArchDaily)
https://www.archdaily.com/487338/paul-h-cocker-architecture-gallery-gow-hastings-architects 

Ryerson University Student ServiceHub (Archello)
https://archello.com/project/ryerson-university-student-servicehub 

Odeyto Indigenous Centre: Honorable Mention (The Architecture Master Prize)
https://architectureprize.com/winners/winner.php?id=852&mode=hm&compID=12789 

Niagara College (Interior Design)
https://www.interiordesign.net/projects/18558-gow-hastings-architects-creates-contemporary-student-hub-for-niagara-college-in-canada/ 


Nov 23, 202001:00:02
Guest Interview | Camille Mitchell

Guest Interview | Camille Mitchell

Camille Mitchell has been a prominent voice in the Canadian design industry advocating for greater equity and diversity in architecture through her roles on BAIDA and BEAT. She is also a student from the past who is always willing to share a moment to provide insights to future design professionals. In this episode Camille shares her experiences and memories from the profession and in architectural education. List as she also suggests (occasionally contentious) tips for young architects...

A FEW ARTICLES ON CAMILLE
CBC HERstory
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/herstory-camille-mitchell-1.3987279
Working From Home with Camille Mitchell
https://designto.org/blog/work-from-home-with-camille-mitchell/

Follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ms_camillemitchell/

BEAT
http://www.beatoronto.com/ 

BAIDA
https://www.baida.ca/ 

Black Lives Matter Episode
https://anchor.fm/vincent--hui/episodes/Black-Perspectives-on-Architectural-Education-ef9v5a

Nov 18, 202001:17:45
Halloween Stories 2020

Halloween Stories 2020

In the spirit of Halloween, this episode is a quick recounting of a few spooky stories in architecture both near and far.

Ryerson Theatre School
https://theeyeopener.com/2018/10/the-haunting-of-ryersons-old-theatre-school/

Winchester Mansion
https://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/sarahs-story/

Taliesin
https://www.taliesinpreservation.org/

Oct 31, 202026:23
Social Media and Community

Social Media and Community

While social media is a ubiquitous component in daily life, it has a special value for architecture students as it is a font of inspirational imagery, headlines on new architectural works, and insights into what is currently on architects' minds. At a more pragmatic level, social media is about connecting people, whether in a localized community like school or on a larger scale for public outreach. In this episode we hear from Noah, Saroash, and Evan about their experience with social media as DAS students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oct 28, 202001:15:12
Concentration Conversation: Architecture

Concentration Conversation: Architecture

Within Ryerson Architectural Science, the core fourth year concentration in Architecture is the most popular. With a great degree of flexibility, conceptual thinking, diversity of emergent architectural issues, and ability to serve as a transition into both industry and graduate studies. Joined by Joana and Kevin, DAS graduates both recent and long ago, we discuss their experiences with the Architecture option and how it laid the groundwork for their nascent careers. 

Apologies for the terrible audio - the microphone situation didn't pan out!

Architectural Science Options:
https://www.ryerson.ca/architectural-science/undergraduate/courses/ 

Project Management Option Podcast Episode:
https://anchor.fm/vincent--hui/episodes/Concentration-Conversation-Project-Management-ecu3bb

Building Science Option Podcast Episode
https://anchor.fm/vincent--hui/episodes/Concentration-Conversation-Building-Science-ef0tn9

Oct 23, 202045:11
Back in the Swing of Things

Back in the Swing of Things

We have been preparing for it for the past few months and undertaking small trials over the summer on what the best practices for course delivery and oversight on studios could be. A month into the new term and it's worth taking a moment to see how we are doing. Join us as we speak with four undergraduate students, Kateryna, Venessa, Matt, and Shengnan as we get an impression on how the new school year is proceeding. While the three upper year students offer sage advice and insights on how to survive online studios and courses, our first year student doesn't hold back at the end as she puts each upper year on the hot seat.

Oct 14, 202001:19:55
Guest Interview | Paul Floerke

Guest Interview | Paul Floerke

Paul Floerke has been a professor with the Department of Architectural Science in the undergraduate program, primarily in third year studio, and in the Master of Architecture studio.  Over the past few years he has overseen the mobility program within the Department that has grown to inculcate global perspectives in the education of its students. From Canada to Germany and back again, Paul joins us as he looks into the new academic year.

Website: http://www.paulfloerke.com/ 

Faculty Profile: https://www.ryerson.ca/architectural-science/people/faculty/paul-floerke/

Detailing Architecture Book: https://gumroad.com/l/detailingarchitecture

Sep 09, 202058:12
Getting to Know DAS Student Societies
Sep 01, 202001:06:49
Guest Interview | Andrea Ridgley
Sep 01, 202001:05:25
First Year Orientation

First Year Orientation

As the Fall 2020 term ramps up, first years are anxious and eager to start the new year. In this episode we have a candid chat with incoming first years, Jake, Amanda, and Daniel and try to bust myths about architectural education.

Aug 30, 202001:19:02
Guest Interview | Mark Tholen
Aug 12, 202001:02:53
Student Tips for the New Academic Year

Student Tips for the New Academic Year

While the global pandemic has made many of us lose track of time, the new school year is coming about sooner than later. In this episode we are joined by students from first year through to recent graduates who offer perspectives on each year in the DAS Architectural Science curriculum, tips on what to prepare for, and of course how to succeed. Faye, Alyssa, Lena, and Keanu offer insights that help students and faculty alike on how to prepare for the new school year - from locking down team members to growing from crits, they offer suggestions on not simply how to survive, but succeed in the program. 

Aug 08, 202001:15:56
Guest Interview | Albert Smith

Guest Interview | Albert Smith

Having taught students all across North America in various schools of architecture, Albert Smith has been a fixture for generations of undergraduate students, particularly in entering first year. In this episode, Al shares his global perspective on architecture, ideas on representation in architecture, and experiences teaching first year students. We also find out how he regrets quoting certain people in his books and architecture student pranks that seem like too much work...

Aug 04, 202001:06:48
325 Magazine
Jul 22, 202001:02:21
Guest Interview | Miljana Horvat
Jul 13, 202057:29
COVID Convocation - congratulations!

COVID Convocation - congratulations!

Where the end of June usually marks the official completion of many students as they graduate with their degrees, the COVID-19 Pandemic has unfortunately forced many convocations to be cancelled or at the very least postponed into subsequent terms. In this episode we take a moment with Bernadette, Jeanette, and Adam, all students who were set to graduate this year, and hear them reminisce about the highs, lows, and funny parts of their undergraduate architectural careers. We get their perspectives on some of the profs that made an impact on their development and also get some tips for students still in the program.

Jul 07, 202001:10:04
Guest Interview | Masha Etkind
Jun 26, 202001:25:22
Working in a Pandemic
Jun 21, 202001:00:04
Guest Interview | Garth Norbraten
Jun 14, 202001:08:27
Black Perspectives on Architectural Education
Jun 11, 202001:40:03
Guest Interview | Justin Perdue
Jun 08, 202053:00
Concentration Conversation: Building Science
Jun 05, 202001:12:51
Guest Interview | Marco Polo
Jun 03, 202001:10:25
Working While Studying Architecture
May 31, 202001:00:07
Guest Interview | Drew Adams
May 28, 202056:45
Architectural Science Camps

Architectural Science Camps

Like cellphone ownership, online shopping, and makeup use (okay maybe not that last one), architectural education is starting earlier and earlier. Summer often marks a bit of a break in the academic calendar, but not so much with architecture; it just simply means institutions have an ability to offer architecture-related programming for elementary and high school students. In this episode past Architectural Science camp counsellors Mutwashukh and Semeen explain what the programs are all about, what they taught, and what they learned... 

May 25, 202051:56
Guest Interview | Leila Farah
May 23, 202046:44
Architectural Computing: A Student Perspective
May 20, 202001:04:43
Guest Interview | Colin Ripley
May 18, 202058:10
Architecture Life: A View From a Commuter Campus

Architecture Life: A View From a Commuter Campus

There actually is life outside of architecture - after all, you technically eat, sleep, and shower elsewhere. While a great deal of time is spent on architectural studies with classmates in the studio, sometimes students need a break from being surrounded by architecture students... or do they? In this episode we are joined by Liane, Nick, and Raya as they discuss the ways architecture students live beyond the Architecture building. We learn the pros and cons of commuting, living off-campus, architecture roommates, and eating locally. We also delve into inventive ways to meal prep, strike up conversations with mall cops, and deal with inconsiderate roommates... 

May 16, 202001:01:13
Guest Interview | Hayley Isaacs

Guest Interview | Hayley Isaacs

Trying hard to forget that time when you designed a building that looked incredible but your professor told you it broke fundamental laws of physics? Or fighting off cringing when you presented a futuristic design that was criticized for being futile? Resist no more.  Have no fear - there's hope for you! In this episode we interview Hayley Isaacs, a set designer with a background in architecture, who has worked on productions from Degrassi through to Star Trek.

May 12, 202001:14:46
The Crit: A Platform for Stress or Success?

The Crit: A Platform for Stress or Success?

Feedback is essential in developing  and refining ideas, especially in architectural education. Like a reality television show, studio culture challenges students to produce something with limited resources in a stress-inducing time frame only to be presented, critiqued, and judged by colleagues and superiors. In this episode we are joined by Sakeenah, Kristyan and Carolina who share tips from their own experience on how to best prepare for and receive critical feedback. Reviewers are not "out to get" students - they just want to provide feedback to get students better... because they are approachable.

May 09, 202001:20:40
Guest Interview | Arthur Wrigglesworth
May 06, 202001:28:09
Online Architectural Education

Online Architectural Education

Nowadays it seems like we're on our computers all the time, wearing sweatpants (if at all), and going to sleep at odd hours of the day... just like a studio deadline. With the COVID-19 Pandemic mandating "work-from-home" and online productivity, how have architecture students responded? What are the best practices and how do we get around "virtually" working in studio? Join Patricia, Ely, and Melina as we discuss their experiences and suggestions for how to teach architecture online.

May 04, 202001:05:42
Guest Interview | Terri Peters
May 01, 202054:02
What's the Deal With Structures?

What's the Deal With Structures?

Technical courses, specifically structures, can either be a bird course or the bane of an architecture student's existence. Is it a matter of difficulty, preparation, time management, integration, or simply a function of priorities? For those who face challenges in the technical courses, take solace in the fact that it gets better. We are joined by upper year students, Madina and Arash, who share their experiences and tips on structures success. We also learn about one of the reasons why Vince doesn't teach structures any longer...

Apr 29, 202059:04