Greetings from Judson University
Master Students after graduation at Judson University
Hey,
this is Mathias. It is April 2010 and I’m currently at Judson
University in Elgin, Chicago. I have a great time here beside
my study going to Chicago Downtown (every weekend) ,
Milwaukee, Washinghton DC, Philadelphia, New York ,
Indianapolis (in spring break)……
At first I would like to write about Chicago. If you want to
visit the USA, travel to Chicago and you will never forget
this experience because Chicago is “the” city of architecture
in the USA.
The most impressive about this city are the skyscrapers.
You are getting lost in the canyons between the buildings.
So far I have visited Chicago 8 times and there is always
something to discover. Hot spots are the Hancock Tower,
The Art Institute of Chicago, the Milennium Park, the Navy
Pier, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Planetarium,
Field Museum, Michigan Avenue ……..
And I’m sure that I will discover much more until the end
of my exchange semester. But these aren’t the only
experiences I have made.
I also went to Milwaukee to visit the Calatrava pavilion.
The design of the building is the most impressive architecture
I’ve ever seen in my life. I spent a whole day with architecture
students from my University in this city. You only need a car
and you can drive wherever you want.
Learning and speaking a different language in everyday life,
studying in the Master Course at a private university and
beeing in a country with different cultures and habitsis….
this is so exiting for me. And the architecture programm
is great too. Less classes and much more intensive care are
the strengths of this University. Sustainability plays the largest
role in the architecture program. You will find this aspect in
each class. I chose two other classes beside the advanced
studio class for the Master Students. The first one is acoustic
class and the second one is sculpture class. I could not choose
more because these classes are so intense. I love working in
the studio with all the other architecture students. You can
talk with the juniors, seniors, master students and the
professors about the projects and discuss about different opinions
whenever you want.
The interactive studio space is located in a new architecture
building with a huge atrium. My workspace was located in
front of the huge glass window of the atrium. The best working
atmosphere I’ve ever seen. The relationship between Students
and Professors is intensive, more close and familiar.
The projects in studio are very interesting. The most important
fact beside climatic influences and the landscape design is
sustainability. The most interesting class is acoustic class.
We had guest lectures from employers from different acoustic
firms and we took an excursion to the Shakespeare Theatre
in Chicago to study the acoustic environment in this building.
I have realized that the design process is different than in Dessau.
The architecture program at Judson University follows a very
structured curriculum which leads to extended work hours in studio
( 2 am in the morning is normal ).
I’m living in the Lindner Dorm with two American design
students. The community on campus is great. Everyone
knows each other. There is always someone who wants to
talk with the german guy. And you will find a lot of friends
for lifetime. I will miss the master students from my course
who spent many nights, working on our projects in the studio.
And I will also miss the excitement of learning about a culture
and city that is rich in architecture.
All in all I think this is an excellent exchange program and an
exciting opportunity to study in USA, a totally different but
exiting world. I would take an exchange semester again. I’m
enjoying the time and the culture.
I really hope everyone can visit Chicago and see this in
there lifetime. I am very glad I did.
Greetings from Chicago
See you later.
Mathias Lehmann
Millennium Park in Chicago
Master students, my brother and me
Skyline of New York
Trip to Philadelphia
Trip to Washinghton DC
midterm presentation in front of guest architects and professors
Written by Mathias. Watch Mathias`s profile