Agne thinks the programme excellently combines theory and practice
Agne comes from Vilnius, Lithuania and worked as an architect in Lithuania and Ireland for more than three years, exploring differences in various regions’ architecture and design, before joining KTH.
What made you decide to start studying at KTH?
I was always interested in the field of lighting, seeing it as an essential part of Architecture and a significant factor in space perception. During my education and practical work, I realised that there are many specific fields of architecture that can benefit a lot by using the capacity of light as a 'building material'. After I researched universities that offer master's programmes in Architectural Lighting Design, I found that KTH had both a great university reputation and an exciting and challenging study programme for ALD.
What do you see as the most significant aspects of your programme?
This programme is excellent when it comes to combining theory and practice in a very balanced way. All theoretical information provided in courses is immediately implemented in practical tasks with an exciting experience of testing, observing and understanding lighting in working basics. The overall process of education is very well handled and coordinated. What is more, there are a lot of great lecturers coming from different places and ensuring different points of view to lighting, which makes all classes very exciting.
How do studies here at KTH differ in comparison to your previous experience?
Studies at KTH are very practical and gives a lot of chances to experience how light is working on real scale projects. Furthermore, the structure of study projects, teamwork and individual tasks are well-formed and have a great schedule to provide an exciting educational process. In addition to that, the study environment meets high standards - there are well-equipped laboratories, workshops and all sorts of tools to achieve desired results.
What are your impressions of Stockholm and Sweden?
Stockholm is a great city to live in! It is not packed and crowded but has a lot to offer at the same time. The landscape, people, activities and culture here is great to be surrounded by and ensures high living quality.
Is there something with life in Stockholm and Sweden that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the study and work culture here. Being a student or employee is not limited by the field of your speciality only, it consists of many additional experiences, opportunities of personal education, communication with other experts and excellent chances of being included in cultural life.
Do you have a place in the city where you enjoy spending time?
Starting from KTH’s great campus and spectacular views from the KTH Architecture building’s terrace and the 'Cloud' laboratory, Stockholm has many great places depending on what you are interested in. Great places to see arts are ‘Fotografiska’ or ‘Moderna Museet’. The City centre and the archipelago, which is all surrounded by water and nature is also an extraordinary experience that Stockholm can offer.
Could you describe a regular day as a student at KTH?
Usually, a day at KTH consists of lectures combined with a lot of group work based on study projects of the programme. Of course, the educational process cannot be imagined without spending time in the library also is a great working space, together with short ‘fikas’ with your colleagues.
What do you want to do after you have received your degree here at KTH?
I want to work with combining architectural and lighting design practices, providing projects that are exclusive in their quality, idea and implementation.
Is there any advice you would like to give future students of this programme?
As this programme is only one year and it passes unexpectedly fast, my advice would be to enjoy every minute of it and to take all possibilities, challenges, knowledge and meaning at its fullest.