The current issue of Dwell includes a feature on the new building for the architecture school at Ohio State University. Designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, the structure is an amazing example of institutional design. However, what caught our eye even more than the building itself (how sad is that?) were the interior photos depicting students at work. The all too familiar images simultaneously conjured up nostalgic feelings as well as heart palpitations about our days in architecture school…countless formal and informal critiques where any ounce of ego was squashed like a bug, sleepless nights spent constructing detailed models that would later be both figuratively and literally destroyed by intimidating professors, and an overall sense of competition with peers that was so thick you could feel it upon entering the studio. Warmer, fuzzier memories include late nights when a complete sense of delirium took over and we danced on top of our drafting tables to music we won’t even admit we once listened too, tears of frustration quickly turned to laughter by a good friend over a massive chocolate chip cookie and a diet Coke, and the formation of friendships and professional relationships that will not only last a lifetime, but will inform and enhance our work for years to come. Our apologies to those of you that have no interest in our little trip down memory lane (which is probably most of you) – you can check out more images of the actual building itself at Dwell. Thanks for letting us digress. It won’t happen again – at least not for awhile.
Our desks were never that messy, we swear!
All photos are from Dwell.