Emily Andrews, student at University of Texas at Austin
(via I Made That)
Emily is a student at the University of Texas at Austin
How did you create this project?
Our studio focused on the segment of the El Camino Real de los Tejas that falls between San Antonio and Austin, TX. Before we started mapping, I had been reading Domingo Ramon’s expedition diary of 1716, and was becoming lost in his descriptions and encounters. When we were told to go explore the trail on our own, I immediately noticed the dissimilarities in my encounters to that of Ramon’s. I made my map as a means to document both our journeys, with emphasis lying on our points of interest and stops along the way. For Ramon, those almost always happened at river crossings; mine happened at gas stations, swimming holes, and historical missions.
How did you decide which tools to use?
I decided to use photography in contrast with journal entries as a way to document. I worked primarily by hand, printing the photographs and journals onto Mylar and then adhering them to my 9+ ft map. I studied a series of folding techniques early on before folding the final map. The folds were important to highlight my points of interest and to see where Ramon’s points correlate. They were also are a way to emphasize duration and the difference in time it would take me to travel the 80 miles vs. Ramon.
Why did you choose to go to architecture school?
I chose to pursue architecture in my undergrad at the University of Washington in Seattle. I took advantage of exploring different drawing classes and art classes, and began to consider it as a major. I took a summer intro studio and it sealed the deal for me. I loved the culture of studio and the dynamics of the classes, everything was interesting and I knew that I had to pursue it further.
Tell us about your school’s architecture program.
This is my first semester at the UTSOA. I’ve found the school has a great mix of diverse faculty interests which allows you to seek out particular focus areas, but also keeps discussion in the school dynamic and meaningful. The first studios you take here are Vertical Studios, which means that students’ backgrounds and skill levels vary and everyone brings something unique to the table.
What do you love about studying architecture?
I love being in a place where I can explore my own thoughts on architecture, while being surrounded by colleagues who are also eager to have discussions on what the role of architecture in our society is today. The culture of architecture school, the studios, theory discussions, site visits, is what I’ll miss most when I graduate. You’re really in a place where everyone is eager to learn and explore and it’s an exciting energy.
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