Architecture school is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and demanding environment. For many aspiring architects, it’s a crucible where dreams are forged, but also where self-doubt can creep in. One architect’s experience in Vienna vividly illustrates this challenging yet transformative journey, revealing how initial failure can pave the way for ultimate success in the field of architecture, and highlighting the importance of resilience in navigating the demanding world of Bika and architectural education.
From Confidence to Confrontation: The First Year Reality Check
“I was a very confident and slightly eccentric teenager,” she recalls, reflecting on her mindset before entering architecture school. However, the initial experience was far from smooth sailing. “When I started architecture school, my ego broke down into little pieces.” The demanding nature of the program was immediately apparent. “Architecture school was the first time I had tried really hard at something and first failed miserably.” This harsh introduction to architectural studies led to a stark outcome. “After the first year, I was actually asked to leave from the school. This is how the system was, very brutal – they asked people to leave all the time.” The competitive atmosphere of architecture school in Vienna proved to be a significant hurdle for a young student just beginning to grasp the complexities of the discipline.
Adding to the challenge, a discouraging conversation with a professor, described as “this very powerful man,” further shook her confidence. “He told me that architecture isn’t for me, and that I should be an artist.” For many, this pronouncement might have been the end of their architectural aspirations. However, for her, it ignited a spark of defiance. “This brought out a stubbornness in me, and was a real moment of personal growth.” Instead of accepting defeat, she chose to challenge the assessment. “I said, ‘No, I really think that I learned a lot this year and I can prove to you that I can do this.'” This pivotal moment of self-belief led to a crucial opportunity. “He said, ‘Ok – write me a letter to convince me that you should come back, but you’ll have to work really hard.'” She seized this chance, demonstrating her resolve. “I wrote him this letter, and they re-admitted me.”
Finding the Right Focus: Turning the Tide in the Second Year
Returning for the second year was not an immediate turnaround. “At first, the second year was worse,” she admits, highlighting the ongoing pressure. “I was back, but I was essentially on trial.” The initial struggle persisted until a significant change in her learning environment. “Then I switched studios, to Greg Lynn’s.” This transition marked a turning point in her architectural education. “By that time, I had developed some technical skills, and Greg’s studio was a totally different world – very digitally focused and much more suited for my interests.” This shift towards a digitally oriented approach resonated deeply with her. “That’s when I realized that it wasn’t that architecture school wasn’t for me; I just needed to find my focus and the right environment for what I was interested in.”
This realization was transformative. “After I realized this, school became great.” She understood that her initial difficulties weren’t due to a lack of aptitude but rather a mismatch in learning style and environment. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the demanding nature of the institution itself. “I learned that this dynamic was part of this school.” Now, as an educator herself, she uses her experience to inspire her students. “Now that I’m teaching myself, I like to share this story with my students because in their eyes, I, as their professor, have “made it”, and I like to tell the students that are struggling that story, that I was at a point when I was asked to quit and it wasn’t because of me.” Her story serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks in architecture school, or any challenging field like bika related studies, are not necessarily indicators of failure but rather opportunities for growth and redirection. Finding the right path and environment is crucial for unlocking one’s potential and achieving success in architecture and beyond.
