Student Profiles – Defne, Architecture
Defne is a third-year Architecture student from London. At A Level, she studied Maths, Physics, and English Literature.
Why did you choose Trinity Hall?
It was a central college that looked beautiful and seemed friendly. I was very interested in the work of my then Director of Studies, and the subject requirements for this college fit my A Levels better than some other colleges. Some colleges emphasised Art, which I did not have, while Trinity Hall did not. The course advice on the website also mentioned that a mix of humanities and sciences were desirable, fitting my subject selection.
How did you prepare for the application process and interviews? Was it what you expected?
I prepared the required portfolio and read several architectural texts. I did not anticipate my subject interview being fully based on the portfolio, but we got more in depth on some other topics through the work in the portfolio.
Why did you choose your course?
I always had a passion for Architecture, being familiar with it through my grandparents. I have a technical, theoretical, and artistic side, and it is one of the only degrees that is as multidisciplinary as my interests.
How does your course compare to your expectations?
It matched my expectations. Although I was slightly underwhelmed by the technical and mathematical teaching, the theoretical teaching broadened my horizons more than I could have ever hoped for. My favourite part has been the enriching lecture series and the theoretically rich engagement with the practical design work, as opposed to purely technical or artistic.
How are you taught?
I have around 5-8 hours of lectures per week depending on the year. On average, I have one or two ‘supos’ a week. The most significant part is the ‘studio’ teaching, which is made up of workshops and presentations followed with one-to-one feedback from tutors on current work; there are 2 studio days a week.
How do you manage your workload?
I try to work set hours (9:30am-6pm) daily, but sometimes it is a struggle given our convoluted and variable timetables. Unfortunately, this sometimes requires late nights, especially near studio deadlines. However, it’s important to spend time with friends, doing activities like going to concerts and playing basketball.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently, I am looking for an architecture job in London and Europe. I am planning on doing a masters in a year or two, hopefully specialising in natural and sustainable building material technologies in relation to architectural design. Studying at Trinity Hall has been wonderful.
