Final Week of First Semester!
I can't believe how fast this semester has gone by. It seems like I just left for Thanksgiving and I'm already thinking about packing for winter break. I've been keeping very busy lately with studying for finals and locking myself up in the studio to work on my final project for Manual Representation. We had to redesign an existing pavilion to house bonsai trees that are hundreds of years old, which may sound pretty random, but it really has taught me to consider important factors when designing and planning. I had to look at existing conditions (light, climate, site plan, etc.), purpose (showcasing these trees), and the existing context that lies around it. The latter was probably one of the most exciting for me to look at. We were able to actually visit the site our designs were intended for, Harvard's Arnold Arboretum, which really brought my ideas to life and allowed me to see the importance of view and fluidity in design.
Being able to go visit places throughout the city, like the arboretum, is one of my favorite opportunities at NU -- there's so much to see everywhere you look. In my architecture classes alone I've visited the Prudential Center Skywalk, the Museum of Fine Arts on multiple occasions, the Church of Christ Scientist, the Greek Orthodox Church, and various buildings on the campus itself... all just a short walk away. These visits have really enriched my learning of various subjects and concepts because for me to see something first hand makes all the difference in truly understanding.
(view from Prudential Skywalk)
Being in the city is one of the reasons I chose to attend Northeastern, and it has lived up to my expectations. Anything you could every really need or want to do, is right here. The grocery store, CVS, art supply store (which I've become very familiar with), hardware store, etc. are within 5-10 minutes away from my dorm. And just being able to go to shows or plays has been really awesome. My dorm has arranged for several events already. A few weeks ago we went to a comedy/mystery called Sheer Madness, the Blue Man Group (which was amazing and unlike anything I've ever seen), and Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'. (And the best thing about these events is that we usually get these tickets at a really reasonable, reduced rate). My roommate and I even went on Halloween night to the musical 'Sweeney Todd,' which we both really enjoyed a lot. There's also everyday things to do that are just as impressive. When my best friend came to visit me a couple weeks ago, we pretty much just walked around the Back Bay ... Prudential, Newbury Street, Boston Commons, the Public Gardens ... and we had to much fun just exploring. Also, now that the holiday season has begun, the city is even more beautiful, with the tree lightings throughout the city and the snow that just fell for the first time last week!
I hope everyone has a good holiday and relaxing break!
(View from right outside my dorm)
(Boston Commons)