A New Perspective on Architecture

What motivated me to study in the UK?

Since graduating from university, one of my main professional goals had been to pursue a postgraduate degree abroad that would allow me to complement and expand the knowledge I had gained in the field of architecture. It was particularly important to me to explore new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to architecture and urbanism, and in doing so, broaden the way I understand and practise the profession.

The United Kingdom was one of the countries that best matched the type of education I was looking for, mainly because of the academic approach and reputation of its universities. Among the options I considered, the University of Edinburgh stood out not only because of its academic programme, but also because of the urban context of the city itself. It was important to me to study in a place where the urban environment could also become a source of learning and provide me with new perspectives that I could eventually adapt and apply in my own country.

In addition, studying in English represented a personal and professional challenge that I found particularly appealing. The opportunity to earn an academic degree in a language other than my native language meant stepping outside my comfort zone and developing new skills, both academically and professionally, within an international environment.
 

What was my academic, personal and cultural experience like?

My academic experience has been extremely enriching, both in terms of the knowledge I have gained and the learning opportunities offered by the University. Throughout my Master's, I had access to numerous workshops, resources and facilities that complemented my studies and allowed me to experiment with and explore different approaches to architecture and urbanism.

Another aspect I particularly value is the support the University provides to its students. Through professors, supervisors and Student Advisers, there was always a strong sense of care for both our wellbeing and academic development. The University also provides services dedicated to student wellbeing and mental health, which I believe is particularly important in a demanding field such as architecture.

The Master's has undoubtedly been both challenging and demanding. Compared with other programmes, the number and level of the required submissions involved a considerable amount of dedication and work. However, even during the most demanding periods, I always felt supported by my supervisors and professors, who not only guided our academic development but were also attentive to our wellbeing throughout the entire process.

In terms of the cultural experience, Edinburgh is an extraordinary city, full of activities and events throughout the year. Living here has, in some ways, felt like living in a museum: its architecture, streets and almost every corner of the city reflect a part of Scotland's history. Throughout my Master's, I have had the opportunity to learn much more about Scottish history and culture, which has also enriched my personal experience and influenced the way I observe and understand cities through the lens of architecture and urbanism.
 

What have I learned from this experience?

From an academic perspective, I feel that I am taking away a great deal of knowledge and, above all, new perspectives from which to approach architecture. One of the aspects I value most is having developed a broader and more holistic understanding of the discipline—one that does not focus exclusively on humans, but also considers the environment and the different systems that sustain it. This involves incorporating other actors into the design process, such as non-human species, climate, topography, ecosystems and the various environmental conditions that shape a territory.

I believe this new perspective is closely connected to the ways of thinking and designing that our world needs today, particularly in a context shaped by challenges such as global warming and climate change. In this sense, I believe architecture and urbanism have a responsibility to respond more consciously to these issues, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which I believe should play an increasingly important role in the way architecture is taught and practiced.

Beyond academic learning, I believe that studying in a country with a different culture has been a deeply enriching experience. Living and studying in a context different from your own allows you to mature, adapt and find new ways of dealing with different challenges. At the same time, it helps you understand yourself better, step outside your comfort zone, and challenge yourself both personally and professionally.
 

What do I wish you had known before arriving?

I think it would have been very useful to have had more information about some of the practical aspects of living and studying in Edinburgh before arriving. For example, it would have been helpful to know how difficult it can be to find accommodation between late August and early September due to the high demand in the city at that time of year, particularly as it coincides with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the beginning of the academic year. Knowing this in advance would have allowed me to start planning my accommodation search much earlier.

From an academic perspective, I also wish I had known from the beginning about the wide range of workshops, facilities and resources available at the University. Perhaps a more detailed induction specifically tailored to my area of study would have helped me better understand all the tools and opportunities available to me from the start and make the most of them throughout my Master's.

Another important aspect is the weather. For those of us coming from Latin America, Edinburgh's climate can be quite different from what we are used to. Having some recommendations in advance about the most appropriate clothing and equipment for the different seasons could therefore be very helpful for future international students.

Finally, it would also have been helpful to familiarize myself with the Scottish accent before arriving. Although the language is still English, it can take some time at first to become accustomed to certain accents and local expressions. Having some exposure to these beforehand could make the adaptation process easier and help students communicate more confidently during their first few weeks.

- Djanira Alexandra