Architecture requires extremely hardworking people. Thus, Architects work all the time, day and night. All Architects have and will have exhausting and sleepless nights. So, the best way to deal with it and make the process easier is to find spaces reflection. Every single Architect need’s space, where he/she can forget everything other than the project, focus on it and complete the project successfully. If an Architect does not have space where he/she be relaxed, comfortable and focus on the work, it will be extremely challenging to keep up the good work. For example: about several weeks ago, I had to do project in my Architecture class. The task was to draw base plan, sections and elevations of given building. It was very challenging for me to be focused on my work, because of the destructions (loud noises, tv sounds and others) that was happening in my house. That day is wished I had my own place where would be no loud noises or any unnecessary distractions. That day I realized how match better work I could do if would have spaces for reflection. I always wanted place where there would be no destructions and loud noises, a place where I could be with myself and study peacefully. After months of studying architecture I realized that thousands of architects (and not only architects) have the same problem. I have asked myself: in what spaces of reflection you can find yourself productive? What changes do you need to make in your room? What are some tips that will improve your productivity? As an Architecture student I am very interested to research and find some answers for my questions.

 

Ariana Zilliacus. “13 Changes to Your Work Space That Could Improve Your Productivity (And Your Life)”. 21 Jun 2019. ArchDaily. ( https://www.archdaily.com/796231/13-changes-to-your-work-space-that-could-improve-your-productivity-and-your-life )

After reading “13 Changes to Your Work Space That Could Improve Your Productivity (And Your Life)”, I understood that writer describes the ways that will help you improve your productivity, improve your work space, improve your work quality, save huge amount of time and many others. Author explains how important is where do you seat, learn how to reduce eyestrain, use comfortable keyboards, how important is lighting, how healthy snacks win you time, that massiness could be useful and others.

My reflection on this source is that I agree on almost everything that author provides. Only two of them are strange for me and I have never tried them. Author said that lighting and snacking plays tremendous role to improve your productivity. Author explains, how lighting effects on your productivity. She explains that “Most workplaces seem to use harsh lightning that is often wat too bright and feels cold. Ambient and indirect lightnings are both cozier and much better for eyes”. I have never tried using Ambient lightning and I don’t know if it really effects on your productivity, but I will try to use Ambient lighting for sure. The second tip that I have never tried is to have well stocked healthy snacks (Almonds, fruits) close to your desktop. Having a well-stocked snack close to your desktop will make it easier for you to avoid the desire to get up and wander around in search for an unhealthy snack. I think author could be right. I have that bad eating habit. When I start working on my projects, I get little hungry after wile and I start to search for unhealthy snack. I will research more about both tips that author provided. I will listen to both advise and try them on myself.

After reading the source I came to conclusion that this source was very interesting and productive. I learned may tips that will help me to become more productive. After reading this source I will change may things around me (lightings, colors for computer, I will stock snacks, I will buy better chair and others). The most shocking thing about this source was that lighting effects on you. I could never in my life think that lighting could, effect on my productivity. This source was extremely important for me because I need to improve my space reflection and this source led me what to start with. I Think it is useful for everyone who is currently studying or working from home.                                                                                                             

 

 

Bob Borson. “Life of an Architect: Do you have what it takes to be an architect” Bob Borson, October 2, 2013.( https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-an-architect/ )

After reading “do you have what it takes to be an architect”, I understood that writer explains what, do you need to become an architect. In the beginning he tells us about how students are asking him if they should become an architect or no. Author explains to them that before they decide to become an architect, they need to know that, to become successful architect they “have to be smart”, they “have to work hard and demonstrate dedication to the craft” and they “have to be social and likable person”. He explains that this is what every architect needs to be successful. In the end of the story he also explains that if you don’t have these skills it will be very hard to became, a good architect, but it is possible.

My reflection on this source is that I agree with the author. I agree that every architect should be “smart”, “that they have to work hard and demonstrate dedication to the craft” and “they have to be social and likable person”. Every profession requires smart and hard-working people, but architecture is different. Architecture requires, “sociable and likable” people and it is very hard to success without this skill. There are many different important details, that every good architect need, to have, but author explained one of the most important. The only thing that I would tell/ask author is to, show some examples how to be a sociable and likable person. He explains what you need to be an architect, but he does not explain what to do to achieve it. I will show you examples from what I learned: when costumer purchases Architectural service, architect must understand costumer’s wants and help them chose the best options for costumers and himself combined. Architect must be friendly, productive, helpful and kind. These are some examples of what to do to become a sociable and likable person, which Author does not explain.

After reading the source I came to conclusion that this source was productive. It did remind me important skills that I need to be an architect. I already, had red many productive sources before reading this, so I had many information about the skills author explained in this source. It was not something new for me, but it was still very helpful and fun. I think this source will be very important and interesting for students that do not have information about this topic yet.

 

 

Kathryn Petrauskas. “how to survive (and thrive) in Architecture school” 18 Oct 2015( https://www.ncarb.org/blog/how-survive-and-thrive-architecture-school )

After reading “how to survive in Architecture school” I understood that writer explains ten ways to keep up, don’t lose motivation and obtain degree. In the beginning author tells us managing time and normal sleep schedule are most important thing that you need to be focused and have enough energy to last whole year. Without good sleep you will wake up tire and you will go to sleep tired, which is unacceptable if you want to keep up the good work. After that she tells us that stay caffeinated is also important, it will provide you with extra energy or energy that you need to focus. She also mentions to use opportunity to rise you GPA with non-Architectural classes, learn Architectural vocabulary and be relentless.

My reflection on that source is that I agree on everything exepte one. I strongly agree where she says that “manage your time wisely” and “stick to a normal sleep schedule”. Before I started my freshman year, I used to manage my time very badly. After school I used to go out with my friends for whole day and didn’t think about finishing my homework first. Over time I changed my bad habit and now I try to manage my time wisely and I think I am doing well. I always do my work first and then if I have time I go out or do something else. I also used to go to sleep very late, but in last couple of moths I managed to go to sleep early and wake up early. I save huge amount of energy by doing this. Other than that Vocabulary is tremendously important. Without vocabulary you won’t be able to understand the terminology and details about buildings, which will make your learning process even harder.

After reading this source, I came to conclusion that how important change I have made in my life. I used to be lazy kid with bad grades and now I am very motivated person with goal. I think my sleeping schedule and time management played huge role. I always used to don’t do my homework’s because I was always too tired but now, I always have energy and I always do my work on time. As I said down below there was one thing that I do not agree with one part: “stay caffeinated”. Author said that you will need to consume large amount of caffein until you get your degree. I think consuming large amount of caffein will affect very poorly on your body and it is very unhealthy. And who knows how long you need to graduate, you need at least four years to graduate and after that you can continue your education journey and get master degree. That’s a lot of years and if you will consume large amount of caffein, you will have serious health issues. Other than that, everything about this source was helpful and I think all Architecture students should read this source.

 

 

Monica Cirstea. “10 ways to find your motivation as an architecture student” 12 September, 2017 ( https://dreamsofanarchitect.com/10-ways-to-find-your-motivation-as-an-architecture-student/ )

After reading “10 ways to find your motivation as an architecture student” I understood that writer explains what we need to do and remember to keep your motivation to become an architect. Author says that we should “remember our initial motivation for choosing architecture”. We need to remember long preparation process, all those moments spent sketching and studying, all the satisfaction of seeing your drawing evolution over time. Author says that we need to take break over time, read information about books, write and poot your ideas on paper so you can use it in the future, take notes pf the interesting quotes you find in books, visit beautiful places (places that inspire you), communicate, learn new things and others.

My reflection on this source is that I agree with author. I think all of these activities will keep you motivate. Visiting places that inspire you is the best way to motivate yourself. You can visit and see any historical or modern buildings (whichever you are inspired with), take a good look at the building and imagine that you will build something like that in future. Imagine how proud you and your loved ones will be. Taking a break is the best way to recharge your motivation. After long and hard year of studying, you deserve to relax, meditate and clear your mind. It will help you to come back stronger, more focused and relaxed. Or you can take short breaks, you could make one day a week for relaxing and meditating. I think author wrote this to help students their best way to be motivated. Authors writing style is motivating and interesting.

After reading the source I came to a conclusion that I have learn new ways to keep myself motivated. Whenever I will get exhausted and I will think non giving up I will remember the long preparation process, all the moments spent sketching and studying, I will remember how I could not wait for the next semester to take new classes in architecture and explore new things that I did not know. If that won’t help, I will take a break, go outside and relax. That way I will recharge my energies. The most surprising thing in this source was that, visiting places can inspire you and give you motivation. Before I took Architecture as my profession, I have visited many museums and famous buildings, but I never looked at it as an architect. Now it is changed forever. When I see building, I don’t just look at it anymore, I imagine how it was built, constructed, how architects drew: blueprint, base plans (floor plans), elevations, sections and every single detail. What I learned in this source was very important, because it explained how to be motivated and never give up. I highly recommend this source to all the beginner architects.