UNDERGRADUATE
Raya Allataifei—Michael C. Miller Travel Award
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Raya Allataifei—Michael C. Miller Travel Award
About the Award
Submit a 500 word essay to demonstrate why they would like to travel and what they might achieve from this funding.
A Path to Global Perspective and Participation
As a committed architecture student, I hold a firm belief in the profound impact that travel has on enhancing one’s education and broadening one’s perspective. Travel presents students with the opportunity to delve into diverse cultures, architectural styles, and urban environments. It allows for the firsthand observation of how architectural principles and theories are practically applied in various contexts, ultimately fostering a comprehensive understanding of the global architectural landscape.
Therefore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to further cultivate these aspects through upcoming travels to Spain and Germany. This month, November 2023, I am going to present a paper that I co-authored with a group of students under the supervision of Vincent Hui and William Galloway, at the International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2023) in Seville, Spain. This conference is well-known for its global reach, gathering educators, researchers, and innovators from various educational domains. This platform presents a unique opportunity to share our insights on design-build projects in architectural pedagogy with a global audience.
The paper delves into the significance of design-build projects in architectural education. It underscores the value of these projects in exposing students to real-world construction challenges, providing them with hands-on experience that goes beyond the theoretical aspects of design. This practical engagement is vital in preparing future architects to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the profession. The paper also draws a critical comparison between the fundamental experiences gained from design-build projects and the capabilities of digital tools. While digital tools are undeniably powerful and have transformed the way architects design and visualize projects, they cannot fully replicate the tangible interactions and problem-solving skills that arise from physical involvement in construction processes. It emphasizes that a holistic architectural education should harness the benefits of both design-build projects and virtual tools, allowing students to develop a diverse skill set that combines the best of both worlds.
I am also excited to embark on my exchange journey to Stuttgart University in the upcoming school term (Winter 2024). This exchange program will offer me a unique opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty members, collaborate with international peers, and gain exposure to Germany’s rich architectural heritage. Studying in Stuttgart, which is known for its interdisciplinary approach, will enable me to explore new perspectives on architecture, emphasizing a holistic view that integrates engineering and technology seamlessly into design. This approach is crucial for tackling contemporary architectural challenges in Canada and the world.
Germany’s architectural landscape boasts a blend of historical and modern structures, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. By living in Stuttgart and experiencing its architectural treasures, I aim to enhance my design sensibilities, foster creativity, and develop a global architectural perspective. This exchange will not only enrich my architectural education but also contribute to my personal growth by immersing me in a different culture, language, and way of life. I am excited to represent my home institution and engage in cross-cultural discussions that will broaden my horizons and shape me into a more well-rounded future architect.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been exploring my passion for participating in design-build projects. My first notable experience was my participation in Timberfever 2021, where I contributed to the design of a pedestrian bridge. It was a significant milestone as our project received the Public Vote Award for that year. This success inspired me to take on a new role in 2022 when I joined the competition organizing team as the Public Relations and Media Coordinator. These experiences exposed me to a multitude of challenges, providing valuable insights that I might not have encountered otherwise.
In addition to these experiences, I recently had the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Camp Winston design-build project. During the summer of 2023, I collaborated with a diverse group of students from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Architectural Science (DAS) on a playground design-build project tailored for children with neurological challenges. allowed me to further develop my ability to navigate unforeseen challenges that can arise during construction. It also honed my capacity to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, fostering my critical and creative thinking skills when faced with complex situations.
Submit a 500 word essay to demonstrate why they would like to travel and what they might achieve from this funding.
A Path to Global Perspective and Participation
As a committed architecture student, I hold a firm belief in the profound impact that travel has on enhancing one’s education and broadening one’s perspective. Travel presents students with the opportunity to delve into diverse cultures, architectural styles, and urban environments. It allows for the firsthand observation of how architectural principles and theories are practically applied in various contexts, ultimately fostering a comprehensive understanding of the global architectural landscape.
Therefore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to further cultivate these aspects through upcoming travels to Spain and Germany. This month, November 2023, I am going to present a paper that I co-authored with a group of students under the supervision of Vincent Hui and William Galloway, at the International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2023) in Seville, Spain. This conference is well-known for its global reach, gathering educators, researchers, and innovators from various educational domains. This platform presents a unique opportunity to share our insights on design-build projects in architectural pedagogy with a global audience.
The paper delves into the significance of design-build projects in architectural education. It underscores the value of these projects in exposing students to real-world construction challenges, providing them with hands-on experience that goes beyond the theoretical aspects of design. This practical engagement is vital in preparing future architects to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the profession. The paper also draws a critical comparison between the fundamental experiences gained from design-build projects and the capabilities of digital tools. While digital tools are undeniably powerful and have transformed the way architects design and visualize projects, they cannot fully replicate the tangible interactions and problem-solving skills that arise from physical involvement in construction processes. It emphasizes that a holistic architectural education should harness the benefits of both design-build projects and virtual tools, allowing students to develop a diverse skill set that combines the best of both worlds.
I am also excited to embark on my exchange journey to Stuttgart University in the upcoming school term (Winter 2024). This exchange program will offer me a unique opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty members, collaborate with international peers, and gain exposure to Germany’s rich architectural heritage. Studying in Stuttgart, which is known for its interdisciplinary approach, will enable me to explore new perspectives on architecture, emphasizing a holistic view that integrates engineering and technology seamlessly into design. This approach is crucial for tackling contemporary architectural challenges in Canada and the world.
Germany’s architectural landscape boasts a blend of historical and modern structures, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. By living in Stuttgart and experiencing its architectural treasures, I aim to enhance my design sensibilities, foster creativity, and develop a global architectural perspective. This exchange will not only enrich my architectural education but also contribute to my personal growth by immersing me in a different culture, language, and way of life. I am excited to represent my home institution and engage in cross-cultural discussions that will broaden my horizons and shape me into a more well-rounded future architect.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been exploring my passion for participating in design-build projects. My first notable experience was my participation in Timberfever 2021, where I contributed to the design of a pedestrian bridge. It was a significant milestone as our project received the Public Vote Award for that year. This success inspired me to take on a new role in 2022 when I joined the competition organizing team as the Public Relations and Media Coordinator. These experiences exposed me to a multitude of challenges, providing valuable insights that I might not have encountered otherwise.
In addition to these experiences, I recently had the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the Camp Winston design-build project. During the summer of 2023, I collaborated with a diverse group of students from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Architectural Science (DAS) on a playground design-build project tailored for children with neurological challenges. allowed me to further develop my ability to navigate unforeseen challenges that can arise during construction. It also honed my capacity to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, fostering my critical and creative thinking skills when faced with complex situations.
