Matthew Patryga -
podcast #41 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
In the latest episode of the "Foundations" podcast, we talk with Mateusz Pietryga, studying architecture at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design - one of the most respected architecture universities in Europe. This is a story about a very different approach to design education, about studying in an international environment, and about what architecture looks like when shaped in direct dialogue with climate, technology and social reality.
why Oslo?
The choice of university was not accidental. Matthew was looking for a place that would allow him to look at architecture from a new perspective. Scandinavia turned out to be the perfect destination - both because of its strong design traditions and the way education is delivered.The university is taught by practitioners from renowned design offices, including Snøhetta, and students regularly work with experts in a wide range of fields - from ecology and engineering to computer simulation and business. Importantly, the university maintains a small scale. Intimate project groups allow for intensive collaboration with instructors and a highly individualized approach to student development.
education that starts with questions
The study program differs significantly from what we know from many universities in Poland. Students independently choose a design studio, which becomes the pivot of the semester - and alongside it a complementary course that develops selected competencies. The design process is not just about drawing a concept. It is a complex system of analysis, research and experimentation. The study begins with theory, manifestos and reflections on the role of architecture, to later move on to practice - often on a 1:1 scale, through the construction of prototypes or pavilions. Each project is preceded by a so-called study trip - a research trip to the site of the project. Students learn about the context, environment and local conditions not from maps, but from direct experience.
architecture in the face of climate change
One of the most distinctive elements of the education is the strong connection between design and the real challenges of today. In one semester, Matthew and his team worked on architecture in extreme conditions, conducting research in the Spitsbergen region of the Arctic. Designing in such an environment means understanding climatic processes, material properties and the impact of construction on the environment. There is a strong emphasis on circular economy, sustainable technologies and minimizing the ecological footprint. Architecture here is not just a form - it is a response to real world processes.
Studying like working in an architectural office
One of the biggest differences is the way students and instructors relate to each other. The structure resembles a professional environment rather than a traditional university. Small teams, constant contact with professors, consultations with almost no restrictions - all this promotes an intense exchange of ideas and rapid development of projects. Students have 24-hour access to the university, workshops and laboratories. They can work in production halls, material labs or computer studios equipped with specialized software. Design here is a physical, experimental and collaborative process.
Inspiring environment and study culture
The university's atmosphere is strongly oriented toward creativity and collaboration. There are regular lectures by invited guests, conferences and presentations of student projects. At the same time, great emphasis is placed on work-life balance. Students work mainly at the university - when they leave, they leave their projects and rest. This approach reflects the Scandinavian work culture - intense, but balanced.
career prospects
Architects in Scandinavian countries enjoy a high social status, and the number of architecture graduates is relatively small. As a result, young designers are in demand on the job market. Students leave university with a broad set of competencies - from working with materials to advanced simulation tools that allow them to make design decisions even before consulting engineers. It's preparation for real professional practice Matthew's story shows that studying architecture abroad is not just about education, but above all about changing the way we think about design. It's learning how to collaborate across disciplines, how to consciously respond to climate change and how to design in dialogue with reality.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Patrycja Malak
Listen also to other podcasts
From the "Foundations" series
34.Studying Architecture in Valencia. Mikolaj Zajda on Erasmus, Spanish education and student life
35.Studying architecture and urban planning in Sweden. Marcin Zebrowski's experience
36.From Spain and the Netherlands to working for Helmut Jahn. Mikolaj Zajda about internships abroad
37.Architecture in Swedish. Kinga Zemla about studying in Stockholm.
40. architecture in Switzerland - Zuzanna Lesik about her internship in Zurich.
