The word architecture means in its simplest terms:  the art or practice of Designing and constructing buildings. However, every person has put their own spin on this art. For example, Álvaro Siza says that “architecture is geometry.” For Jean Nouvel, it’s much more complex: “Architecture is a mystery that must be Preserved”. At the end of my architecture course at Star-Florence Design School, I can find my own definition and start my architecture career on a more personal note.

My first impression of Star-Florence Design School was during my interior design course when I first walked in. Then I noted how beautiful it is. You have no questions about the quality of what you will learn. 

As Much as I come from an artistic experience, in this design school I can say that I was a beginner in Architecture. Thus, everything I heard and saw was brand new, it was really exciting. In the architecture class, I learned to view the world in a new light. I would never think that simple words such as “identity” or “unique” have a deeper meaning behind them. In the case of “unique,” it marked me personally. Because we saw a possibility liked with the word “wound” and how from such a wound.

First of all, I guess after all this time I have never seen a saying truer that ‘Beautiful city and beautiful people’. Because in my time here, I met welcoming arms everywhere I visit. I still remember I was really nervous during the introduction to the Academy of Design in Florence, and the director said jokingly ‘Don’t worry, we’re Italians!’. I find it very funny because I stand behind this statement to this day, I am now not afraid to ask politely for any help in this city.

In the mornings, I also had the privilege of studying the Italian language. My teachers in this school are also kind and respect my endless curiosity for learning. I wanted to study this not only because of my personal love for it but because of another reason. In fact, my mother speaks Italian as well, and I want to speak it with her back home. On this note, my mother stayed with me the first week to make sure that everything was in order. And to be honest I was afraid of what would have happened once she left. But I must say that I have felt safe and accepted my entire time here. I can say firmly that the people in Florence make the experience as good as it is.

Certainly, I don’t feel the need to express how beautiful this city is. Everyone knows that and with good reason. As a photographer, I remember that at every corner on every street, I wanted to take at least five different pictures.

As time passed, I decided to change it in order to gain more experience. For that reason, I drew instead of taking a picture. Also, I would take different routes towards my house where I could see in real life the different connecting spaces or organizations. In fact, sometimes when I was bored or had to wait for my mom in her hotel or in a store I would go and look for emergency plans. I would try to depict my location as well as the walls around me. It was as if I was reading in another language. And as much as sitting down with a gelato admiring Ponte Vecchio or other monumental locations, I must say that I have found the most beautiful places when I missed my bus stop or I walked until I got lost.

In conclusion, the experience that the School of Design in Florence gave me with this course was well-rounded. I received tools that will not only help me in the realm of architecture and interior design but also open my eyes to the world around me. Finally, my own personal definition that I have deducted from the knowledge that I have gained is the following. “Architecture, to me, is the language that our world speaks.”