The Journey Must Go On

As semester 2 is almost ending, I would like to reflect on my experiences on my study. Although the works have been somewhat similar with the previous semester, which is designing area for a module and writing blogs, we also need to work on our thesis. What a tough journey, I must say.

Figure 1: Housing Alternatives Site Visit

Source: Writer (2024)

Important Modules for My Not-Already Chaotic Life

“I have been through something like this before, I can do this!” That is not what I have been telling myself the whole semester if I am allowed to lie. On both of the time we did site visit for Housing Alternatives, it was raining cats and dogs, as showed on Figure 1. Even the universe was telling us that it was going to be tough. The basics are the same, in this module, we need to make interventions of an area. The difference is that it is way more complex and requires more of our comprehensive ability to design. The themes include housings, of course, mixed-use spaces, and sustainability. My thinking framework for this module is longer than a train because I need to include everything holistically. It is harder than the previous design module as it takes more of my time to spend on thinking and designing in 3D with the existing contour. Despite that, I think that this is the core of Urban Design. It is very useful because housing is an important element for urban areas.

Another module is Design Thesis Proposal. I have been interested in the way most of urban areas are becoming exclusive these days. As the prices of goods are rising, property prices are, too, and this makes urban space have ‘natural selection’ to kick out local residents that no longer can afford all of those. That is a form of gentrification. I have witnessed a lot of victims of urban developments, and I cannot bear seeing them. That is why I am bringing this topic for my thesis. Through reading books and academic articles, I am exploring the ways to do urban development without sacrificing this group of unfortunate people.

Blogging, Again?

I have been feeling quite at ease with writing blogs. This is due to the fact that I have done it previously. It was hard for me to write as I was not used to it, but now it is easier for me. The words just flow. Likewise, writing blogs is so useful for complimenting my modules. With Housing Alternatives, I now know ways to design pedestrian-friendly residential complex in urban area, with the case of Newham Borough, London and Edinburgh. This is against the usual roads in the cities where vehicles are prioritised. In addition, with my Thesis Proposal blog, I discussed the example of two cities that have been through development to attract people through artistic objects and spaces. The problem is, if it is continued in the long run, this rises the value and prices. Gentrification. It attracts people with money and will send away local people with low income.

It Does Not Stop Here

Through blogging, I am used to read sources to widen my knowledge in Urban Design. As I am more comfortable in writing, I feel it is cathartic to be able to share my findings to the readers. Blogging has helped me a lot in the brainstorming process of the modules I mentioned before. That is why it is totally worth it to continue doing it. At the end, I have a thought to produce more writings about many things that fascinate me as an enjoyable hobby.