What does it mean to be an architect? Recently, students at College of the Sequoias were able to experience just that. The architecture program at COS recently took part in Design Village, an architectural competition hosted by California Polytechnic State University. Sending two teams of architecture majors to compete the goal of the competition is for participants to gain experience and learn more about the process of architecture through designing and building a structure that fits the theme of the competition.
Interviewing one of the team leaders from COS’ architecture program, Jamie Rambur, gave insight into the perspective of a student entering the competition. This year’s theme was modular, and when questioned how she and her team came up with their concept, she said, “We kind of just brainstormed, everyone thought on their own with what they could come up with. The concept we come up with as a team is not necessarily modular but it is based in “modular” as theme. Our idea was a lotus flower.”
She continued, “The thing about modular is that it is the loosest definition ever. Design Village had a textbook definition of it: ‘Consisting of separate parts, when combined, form a complete whole.” As a team, we decided to expand on that. We thought of it as multi–purpose, one thing can be used for multiple purposes. We also thought about the recombination of pieces and how no matter how you combine it, it goes back to being a whole, an element of customization.”
Rambur explained that through this competition she was able to grasp the space of architecture as a whole, noting the importance of sustainability and the strive to make the future of architecture eco-friendly. While Rambur’s team didn’t win an award, she expressed how interesting and informative it was to talk to other architecture students sand see other people’s methods to complete their projects. She comments, “I feel really confident in myself and my abilities, but it was really disheartening coming out empty handed. Trying to shift your mindset from ‘aw man we got robbed’ to ‘“what can I do to improve’ isn’t easy. The entire experience was a lot of fun. It makes me feel positive toward architecture even though it didn’t come out how I wanted, and I know continuing down architecture is something I am going to continue to do.”
Architecture Professor Rolondo Gonzalez also left an encouraging comment about COS’ competing teams: “Both team leaders exhibited outstanding leadership qualities. They had to lead their respective teams through both the design and construction process. Both projects conveyed the concept of “modular” perfectly. The designs were both innovative and creative. The craftsmanship topnotch. The designs were also interactive causing outside viewers to be drawn in.”
If you want to learn more about the College of the Sequoias Architecture programs, visit:
COS | Architecture
Architecture is an academic discipline concerned with the study of design, visual communication, history & theory, and construction technology
Or, if you want to learn more about Design Village or are interested in seeing when the next event is happening, visit:
Design Village | Architecture
Design Village is a competition hosted by Cal Poly’s Architecture program. The Design Village competition has a long history and has become one of the most anticipated events of the year for the College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED).
