At 19, I secured a full scholarship through the Science Without Borders program, enabling me to study for a year at the University of Salford in Manchester. Back in 2013, I was pursuing a graduate degree in architecture in Brazil, where construction technology was somewhat outdated, primarily reliant on bricks and concrete. I was drawn to Manchester due to its reputation for cutting-edge construction methods, such as steel framing, cladding, and glulam structures, and I was eager to explore these modern techniques.
Subsequently, I sought an internship abroad through the Erasmus Internship program. However, my limited two-month vacation window restricted my options to a small town on an Italian island. This experience turned out to be a sharp departure from my expectations, focusing on architectural heritage rather than the high-tech realm I had initially anticipated. Despite the initial doubts, my time in Italy taught me much about the importance of understanding heritage and how it influences our approach to the present and future.
My pursuit of knowledge led me to further academic endeavors. I pursued a Master of Science in Sustainable and Resilient Architecture at KuLeuven in Belgium, where I initially associated sustainability with the latest architectural technology. Yet, I soon realized that true sustainability integrates technology, heritage, and innovation.
Throughout my journey in architecture, I've become skilled at amalgamating various knowledge and backgrounds, making me adaptable and proficient in incorporating diverse perspectives into my work. Ultimately, every architectural project is a canvas that reflects our life experiences, and this synthesis of knowledge and perspective is where true innovation resides.
Comments