Julianna Masalska -
podcast #56 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
In the next episode of the "Foundations" podcast, we meet Julianna Masalska - a third-year architecture student at Bialystok Technical University. Julianna talks about her path to choosing a major, her first educational decisions, and what the everyday life of studying architecture looks like as seen from the perspective of several years of experience.
© Julianna Masalska
why architecture?
From an early age, Julianna was involved in drawing and creative activities. As she says, all manual and artistic activities always came naturally to her and gave her the greatest satisfaction. In parallel, a huge role was played by joint activities with her dad - tinkering, building and creating small projects, which over time began to shape her way of thinking about space.
At some point there was a need to combine the two worlds: artistic and technical. Architecture turned out to be the answer - a direction that combines creativity with precision and logical thinking. From that decision, everything began to fall into place naturally.
© Julianna Masalska
the road to college
Preparations for college were intense and multi-stage. A drawing course, a high school diploma in mathematics, physics and Polish, plus additional extended languages "so that it wasn't too easy". - as Julianna herself recalls.
It was a time of great effort, but also a time of gradual familiarization with what architecture is in practice and how demanding the admissions process and subsequent study can be.
first years of study
Studying quickly showed that architecture is not only about creativity, but also a lot of work and time. Projects can take up entire nights, and when several of them overlap, time organization becomes a key skill.
Over time, however, there is more than just responsibilities - the way of looking at the world changes. Everyday space begins to be analyzed differently: through the prism of light, proportions, materials and the emotions it evokes. The city and its surroundings cease to be a neutral background and become a consciously read structure.
© Julianna Masalska
design process and development
As Julianna emphasizes, architectural studies teach patience and humility. Designs are constantly revised, consulted and changed. This cycle - of drawing, revising and redesigning - can be demanding, but at the same time extremely developing.
Over time, one begins to understand that a design is never fully "finished," and that revisions are not a failure, but a natural part of the creative process.
© Julianna Masalska
architect's responsibility
An important thread in Julianna's experience is a growing awareness of the architect's responsibility. Architecture is not just about buildings - it is first and foremost about people and their daily functioning.
Space can affect mood, concentration and emotions. Light, greenery, proportions or room layout have a real impact on the quality of life. That's why an architect doesn't just design the form, but also the user experience.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Listen also to other podcasts
From the series "Foundations"
49. is it worth studying architecture in Switzerland? About Marta Lata's experience
50. Erasmus or studying in Poland? Architecture through the eyes of Krzysztof Jędrzejewski.
51. studying in Berlin or in Poland? Architecture through the eyes of Karolina Gula
52 Does architecture begin with an idea? Experiences of Wiktoria Sitko
53 How international experiences change architects and female architects?
54 Between sketch and screen. What does studying architecture really look like?
55. what is the work of a young architect abroad? Emilia Plichta on life and design in Tirana
