A comfortable environment of collaboration and teamwork

Hi Jordan, tell us some about yourself.

I’m Jordenn, a musician and designer from the United States. I’m here on exchange from Parsons School for Design in New York City, but home is a small suburban neighborhood just outside of Washington DC. I’ve traveled across the world to be here at KTH to continue my architectural studies. Architecture is my playground. My studies are simply an opportunity to hone in on a love for client oriented practices that spur from the demand for a critically attuned eye. I strive to challenge cultural preconceived notions through creative designed responses of mixed medias and mediums.

What made you choose KTH?

Scandinavian design has intrigued my curiosity for some time because of its reputation for some serious functionality and at times borderline minimalism, two qualities that I esteem highly. Last semester whilst taking an architectural making course at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, I was impressed by a fellow classmates’ attention to detail and charismatic engagement with the work. In time I learned that she was studying in Melbourne, but from the KTH architecture department. This was one of several moments that cultivated a yearning to experience KTH for myself.

What do you like most about KTH?

Well, it’s no secret the architecture department benefits from being housed in an exquisite new building, though, this would be a topical “favourite” thing about KTH, right? What I love most about KTH is my studio coursework. We are really delving deep into primitive architecture. I’m engaged in dialogue with my professors and classmates on how my future role as an architect could harmonize with that of local peoples in disadvantaged villages and communities around the world.

What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?

Sweden is a beautiful country with a well planned urban landscape. There’s quite a uniform synchronization of aesthetic as well which was so unexpected. My traveling mate said once as we were exploring the city, “wow, everyone is so stylish”. It’s true for many.  Everyday as I hit the streets, I’m stimulated by waves of neutral hues, simplicity, and clean dress. I love it.  

What is your best memory so far from your time at KTH?

Last night my studio section had a small social after class where we took a little time to get to know each other better outside of academics. My professors are really trying to foster a comfortable environment of collaboration and teamwork.

What do you think are the differences between studying at KTH and your home university?

KTHs’ student population in the architecture program is much larger than what I’m accustomed to. Parsons has a very small department, we’re talking less than 50 in my grade level. So as you could imagine, we don’t have as many architecture studio course options as KTH has. Another difference between KTH and Parsons is location. For an architecture student, both Sweden and New York offer excellent learning opportunities within the context of the city, but in perhaps different ways. In Sweden, this is a special time to study architecture particularly in light of the present housing crisis. We don’t have quite the same issue back home.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for exchange studies?

KTH is on par. If you can brave the frigid winter months of Sweden in exchange for a challenging and provoking educational opportunity, come. Be confident and comfortable in yourself so you don’t get lost in the visions and aesthetics of others. Work hard, take advantage of the facilities provided and don’t forget to experience Sweden along the way. Oh, and if you can squeeze a Swedish language course into your schedule, your exchange at KTH will be even more fluid.