Adaptation Act 1.1: Infrastructure

by Kee Cheow Yan

There has never been a more trying time for architecture and other careers alike. This semester was an arduous journey laid with numerous difficulties and setbacks.

Our initial predicament was the renovation of SDE3 which restricted us to the limited tables and chairs in YIH. Hot-desking was the only way multiple cohorts could share the space throughout the week and given that we were initially tasked to assemble a completed 1:1 scale model of our projects, the limited space provided was insufficient for effective learning to occur across all studios. The workshop was also relocated but all the essential facilities were made accessible. The bulk of student grievances arise from the lack of available space.

About 1/3 through the semester, the restrictions on our projects were further compounded by the sudden outbreak of Covid-19 and the implementation of safety distancing measures. There have been numerous complaints from my batch concerning the limited space, inaccessible facilities, and perceived inflexibility of deliverables. I relate to many of these problems but must highlight that the approach taken by many of us might not have been ideal.

Bluntly speaking, many of the complaints stemmed from a fear that our grades would be compromised due to our inability to finish our projects. It is understandable that many of these complaints have surfaced through the build-up of unrest and discontentment at some of the decisions made by the faculty since our matriculation. However, we need to realize that the faculty has to navigate restrictions imposed on them by the school and also arrive at a decision that benefits the bulk of the student body.

Based on the standards of our previous educational model and infrastructure, the working space and facilities provided were insufficient for effective learning. However, I feel that our faculty responded well by revising the deliverables and gradually shifting its direction towards online resources and opening the staff club that was previously under construction.

The delays to the construction industry brought about by Covid-19 mean that we will inevitably be dealing with a pervasive lack of space for the next few semesters. This sudden change has provided the impetus for an overhaul of the way we thought architecture could be taught. Looking forward, as we gradually turn to online resources, adopt a staggered usage of facilities, and revise our means of assessment, the lack of space and facilities might no longer be such a pressing issue.

This seemingly untimely renovation of SDE3 paired with the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have brought out both the best and worst in us. On one hand, there were many instances highlighting the resilience and willingness of students to adapt to the limited space and shift to online education but on the other the propensity for some to indulge in self-victimization and vilifying "the system".

Instead of criticizing the inadequacy of implemented measures, constructive feedback should have been offered to the appropriate channels which seem to be something we are currently lacking as a student body. Hindsight is 20/20 and there will always be ways to improve a given circumstance. Rather than spending our time berating others on their actions, perhaps it’s time we started reflecting and thinking about how we could have improved our collective circumstances.

Adaptation is an inextricable part of an architect's career. Multiple architecture schools have already championed the shift to online methods as a means of diversifying our spectrum of tools and developing our expression of architecture. I feel that we as a student body must acknowledge and show appreciation for the continuous efforts made by the department in such a crucial and uncertain time. We have already shown our ability to work with the direst of circumstances, what’s important is how we choose to let this semester shape the way we view architecture. We can either embrace this change as an unexplored horizon or stubbornly refuse to adapt to the shifting times. The choice is up to us.