Diana Komorowicz, Marika Lejczak -.
podcast #44 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 learn the perspective of two architecture students from Poznan. Diana Komorowicz and Marika Lejczak, studying at the Faculty of Architecture at the Poznan University of Technology, talk about what the path to studying architecture looks like, what surprises you most during your studies, and what competencies turn out to be crucial in the design process.
Where does the decision to study architecture come from?
For many people, an interest in architecture begins when they are still young. This was also the case for Diana Komorowicz, who recalls that already as a teenager she derived great joy from designing her own space and observing the process of creating interiors or buildings. Over time, this fascination turned into a conscious decision to study architecture.
Marika Lejczak, on the other hand, emphasizes that her interest in architecture stemmed from her passion for design and space. Over time, however, she discovered that architecture is much more than aesthetics or interior design. It is first and foremost a responsibility to the users of space and an awareness of the impact of architecture on people's daily lives.
Recruiting for architecture - a demanding path
The road to studying architecture can be demanding and often involves years of preparation. Candidates not only have to pass the baccalaureate exam well, but also prepare for drawing exams or create a portfolio showcasing their skills.
Diana Komorowicz recalls that it took her about two years of intensive drawing work to prepare for recruitment. Marika Lejczak, on the other hand, spent up to three years developing her artistic and design skills before she decided to apply to study architecture.
Although this stage can be stressful, in retrospect it turns out to be an important experience that teaches you to be systematic and determined.
what surprises most about studying architecture?
One of the biggest surprises for many students is the range of competencies that an architect must possess. During the course of study, it turns out that design requires knowledge of many disciplines - from construction and building technology to graphic design, space analysis or even the basics of botany in landscape design.
Studying architecture is also very intensive and time-consuming. Semester projects often require many hours of work on drawings, mock-ups or visualizations. Over time, however, students learn to organize their work and use tools that allow them to work more efficiently.
At the same time, Diana and Marika stress that architecture is a field where collaboration plays a huge role. Although individual projects dominate at the beginning of their studies, teamwork is crucial in professional practice.
what subjects turn out to be the most important?
The most important element of architectural studies remains design. It is in design classes that students learn to analyze space, create concepts and develop their own way of thinking about architecture.
However, technical subjects, such as construction or building, prove to be equally important. Thanks to them, a project ceases to be just a vision and begins to have a real basis for implementation.
Marika also notes the importance of classes related to the theory of composition, which teach the conscious shaping of architectural form and develop design creativity.
advice for future architecture students
At the end of the conversation, Diana Komorowicz and Marika Lejczak share tips for those considering studying architecture. One of the most important is to become familiar with computer programs used in design as early as possible.
The second important point is to organize your time well. Studying architecture requires a lot of commitment, so the ability to plan work and respect one's own time proves extremely valuable.
No less important is also openness to criticism. Public presentations of projects and discussions with instructors are a regular part of architectural education and help develop the ability to argue one's own design decisions.
architecture as responsibility
The conversation in the Foundations podcast shows that studying architecture can quickly verify initial perceptions of the profession. At the same time, they allow you to discover its true dimension - designing spaces for people and co-creating the environment in which everyday life takes place.
The story of Diana Komorowicz and Marika Lejczak shows that architecture is a demanding, but also extremely developing direction. It combines aesthetic sensitivity, technical knowledge and social responsibility, which makes design more than just the creation of form.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Patrycja Malak
Listen also to other podcasts
From the series "Foundations"
37.Architecture in Swedish. Kinga Zemla on studying in Stockholm.
40. architecture in Switzerland - Zuzanna Lesik about her internship in Zurich.
41 Architecture the Scandinavian way. Studying in Oslo through the eyes of Mateusz Pietryga.
42 Architecture begins with action. Habitat Now and student agency
