The Studio Files II

I've started another blog--well vlog this time--about studio. The Studio Files II is a video log of random occurrences in studio. It will take a few weeks, but I'm starting to upload the video clips from first year to this blog. Click on the title of this entry to access the new blog. I'm mostly starting this new vlog because the video uploader for facebook is ridiculously slow--this will be a much more efficient way to share live studio moments! (be forewarned, some language used in the videos is considered offensive). ...carolyn

First Year Design Studio 1 is Complete

I have successfully completed my first year of Architecture Design Studio. Because I enjoyed the year and learned so much I wouldn't say that I am relieved to be finished. Honestly, it doesn't feel over yet; my mental concept of time hasn't quite caught up with reality. I don't leave for home until next Saturday so I have time to recoup.

The final crunch to finish our projects was not nearly as stressful as fall semester. Though a few people didn't complete their projects it seemed that everyone was much more calm about the final. Maybe it's because our studio experience has increased or maybe it's simply the end of the year and the prospect of summer is so near a freak out wouldn't even be worth the trouble.

It will be strange not to be in Kent for three months...the absence of studio will be even stranger. I think I'll be fine; though I'll miss seeing my friends here every day I will be busy at home with work, family, summer projects, other friends, and the city! I look forward to sharing the stories of my first year of college adventures and experiences with my family. Inspired by my fall semester studio prof Lauren, I'd like to compile a photo book officially documenting my first year at Kent. It will be a challenge but after this entire year I know that I enjoy those and can be successful when approached by one.

Thank you to my amazingly supportive and caring family (yes--everyone!) for living six hours away but always making me feel like I was still only a few minutes away. Thank you to my new friends of the Kent State Architecture Program for being so damn cool--you guys are some of the most interesting people I've met thus far and I'm excited to share more studio time with you in the next few years.

I hope summer is a lot of fun for everyone. Maybe I'll get to show some of you my city over the next three months but if not, I look forward to the fall semester of our second year of architecture at Kent.

...carolyn

Almost Finished

It's Sunday. The air outside is heavy with grumpy gray clouds that loom around Kent and promise rain. I am taking a breather from studio to reorganize my thoughts and concentration but in a few minutes I will once again enter the realm of crunch time and hair-splitting intensity surrounding the fourth floor of Taylor Hall.

For tomorrow, Stauffer requested that we have our 1/16" model finished (the 1/32" model was due Friday). Next week we will work on final drawings. The entire final project is to be completed by the upcoming Friday. As things wind closer and closer to the end I feel relatively comfortable with the end-of-the-semester studio work load. There is more work than last semester but it all feels manageable. Now, if only I didn't have any work due or finals to study for in my other classes!

Alas, the next week will be very busy for me and my classmates. The plus side of this for me is that I don't have time to anticipate returning to Chicago; I won't have any last minute homesickness to deal with because I have too many other things on my mind.

The week will go by incredibly quickly: things will wrap up nicely (thought not without some stress) and I will be back in my favorite home and city in two weeks! Now, it's back to work again.

...carolyn