Guiding the next generation of architects

Last month, Mr Wolf visited the unique school in Chiang Mai, Pyramid, that grooms and enhances the next generation of Architects in Thailand. This relationship started a few years ago when Pyramid reached out to Wolf Architects for the opportunity to engage in cross country education of young architects. We have since supported a number of interns during their university years and it was a pleasure for Mr Wolf to visit their home and explore the wonderful community director Aai Charoenpong has established. It was inspiring to see the time given to hand sketches, as groups of students gathered each weekend to sit together and hone their skill with pencil and paper and it all starts with the simple drawing of horizontal and vertical lines. They gain perspective on the tactile distance when drawing a line and its proportions on paper, this is the beginning of any good sketch, as only a proportionately sound drawing, building or home is pleasing to the eye. It was inspiring to see older students bonding with younger students, like any university setting, with music and chatter, snacks and drinks strewn around the studio as they worked cohesively to bring projects to completion, from hand sketch drawings, to ink, to colour to computer models. The whole process was cohesive, inclusive and enjoyable for the various groups of students, as they pursued their passion to be the best architects they can be! The day visit ended in a Q&A with the students in a casual cafe setting, whilst one student drew the scene – Mr Wolf was fortunate enough to bring that back to our office with fond memories. Wolf Architects is certainly on the same wave length with Pyramid as we start all designs by hand, and it was truly delightful to see the education of young architects focused on the same philosophy. We wish their graduating class much success as they prepare to receive their degrees from the King of Thailand in January- a privilege not all universities are entitled to. We look forward to many years of collaborative education with Pyramid and their wonderful group of students.