The Wharf

Prompt: If you were completely released from the constraints of the 'architecture school' program, what would you do architecturally, artistically, bodily, lyrically, etc that would still have an impact on your environment. Describe a real or imagined place which might allow you to do this. Explore through images and text.

Without the constraints of the architecture school program, I would learn about everything that architecture classes don't allow me to learn about. I would take lots of math, science (especially physics), music, English, German, psychology, art history, film, linguistics, philosophy and engineering courses, and probably a bunch more as well. I would learn about acoustics, Buddhism, theatre, binary code, materials science, photography, computer programming, cooking, screen printing, patents, knitting, string theory, music, Islam, optics, the stock market, LEDs, grammar and all of the other things I'm interested in.

I would stop worrying about how I am going to stay in Marching Band, Hockey Band and Basketball Band until I graduate, because architecture classes would stop interfering. I would have more tea parties and also fly more kites.

I would spend more time making stuff. I have this defunct futon in my room right now waiting to be made into a sweet table and it's been there all semester because I just haven't had time to deal with it. I would finally get around to becoming an origami master, and also making lots of fabric containers, because they're neat. I would also make lots of lamps, because I like making lamps, and also jewelry, even though I don't wear any because I'm too lazy for that when I get up in the morning. Unless watches count, because I wear one every day. I've never understood why the watch business is dying. Seriously, I don't know how people can live without a watch. It's horrible not knowing what time it is.

I would also do loads of research, because I love research. I would do lots of research on architecture of the Big Ten, because educational architecture is fascinating, and the Big Ten is the best ever. I would also like to research Islamic/Middle Eastern art/architecture/culture because it's wonderful. I went to Bosnia one time and now I have these Muslim prayer beads and they're about my favorite thing ever. I also like it because it's so different from here and I like differences and changes.

I would spend way more time volunteering places and organizing and planning things and helping out generally, because I really don't have enough time for it right now. I have lots of ideas, but no time to implement. Too bad.

I would also travel a lot, money permitting, of course, because going places, seeing stuff, doing things and meeting people is without a doubt the best thing a person can ever do. So much to learn. Marvelous. I would currently very much like to go to Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and/or Turkey.

I think that the best place to do all of this is right here at the University of Minnesota, because it's my favorite place in the whole world. Every time I leave and come back I love it more. I would be able to take loads of great classes, do lots of research with interesting professors, and all kinds of things. There are a million opportunities and cool things happening. And so many excellent adventures to go on.

:)