My chapter in Santiago, Chile has been written and finished. I have been so lucky to experience Santiago and Chilean culture with my peers and I discovered a lot more architectural design and structural systems. I can already tell my personal adventures abroad will influence my studio projects, as I was so inspired by everything that I saw. From Chile’s metro stations to cultural centers to their sustainability designs, I personally believe America’s melting pot of culture can learn from them and adapt promptly.
As I stated earlier, I believe that students should learn not only inside the classroom but outside as well. I never would have taken away my new perspective after reading a textbook or attending one lecture. Undoubtedly, these academic perspective allows for formal training, however, by experiencing architecture first hand, I know I grew as a student.
Traveling to Santiago made me eager to experience other cultures. I am thirsty to engage with other types of sustainability designs that other countries have effectively incorporated into their cultures. Not only is this practical and functional, sustainability guarantees a much brighter future for future generations to enjoy this culture that my generation can have an impact on through architectural design.
Although this chapter has concluded, I cannot wait to begin a new one. And of course, I will always refer back to this chapter and recall what I have learned and how it has impacted me. In all, my travels to Santiago have been absolutely wonderful. I will miss it but remember it with smiles.