Reflection Letter:
Hi! I’m Nisrina Umniyati Fahira Warganegara, a 7th semester undergraduate architecture student at Sriwijaya University. Ever since I started learning about architecture, I have been observing and being mesmerized by several of RAW’s projects that I saw through its online publications and social media. Therefore, when I first found out that students are obligated by my university to undertake an internship program, I instantly settled myself to pursue an internship at RAW. I’ve been extremely lucky to gain the opportunity to acquire knowledge and be part of RAW family. Being able to come inside and experience Guha with my very own eyes, which previously I had only seen through ArchDaily, still feels unreal for me.
Throughout my study, I began to realize that architecture is beyond designing beautiful buildings and spaces. Architecture has its own role to increase the quality of community and environment that we live in. But despite knowing that obvious fact, I still couldn’t figure out how to apply it to my designs? How should I design without being destructive to the environment around it? How can I ensure that my designs are sustainable and beneficial for the environment and society for a lasting impact? And there are plenty of corresponding questions that keep swirling around inside my head. I was filled with ego and desire to design buildings just the way I wanted. I was overly concerned with the appearance and aesthetics of the buildings. I merely analyzed it by thinking that “Oh, this building can still stand and be built structurally anyway,” without even bothering to think about the impacts and consequences of the design towards the surrounding environment.
As time passed while learning at RAW, I became increasingly aware and enlightened about these matters. Here in this office, little things such as the level of air hygiene, the necessity of clean oxygen released by various greenery, and so on are given utmost consideration. This brought me to the realization that in order to create a design that is mindful of its environment, it is essential to start with the little things that we tend to overlook.
Within three months of being in RAW, I was able to gain and learn so much more than I could tell. New knowledge, new experiences, new memories, new skills, and even a new family that broadened my perspective towards architecture. I learned tons of new things that could only be acquired from on-the-ground field experience. I was also shown to put a deeper meaning onto architecture, to understand that architecture is a journey of one’s own, as well as to value every phase throughout the journey. RAW allowed me to perceive architecture at its most intricate way yet most far-reaching and further-reaching way at the same time. RAW work approach taught me that in architecture, concept; details; construction; craftmanship; communication; and the help of many hands are a wholeness that complements each other. It is all about how we create harmony between each aspect —how we create harmony between the architect, the client, the design, the building, the environment, and the society.
At last, after a lengthy talk about architecture, I am truly blessed and forever grateful to spend my first internship program ever surrounded by such wonderful individuals who have always warmly embraced me with a genuine smile since the very first day I stepped foot in Guha. Three months flew by so quickly thanks to the incredibly supportive and harmonious work environment, filled with people who radiate joy. I still recall the first time I entered ‘benteng’ studio I accidentally knocked over an overflowing trash bin out of nervousness. It was probably my first humiliating moment as it ruined my first impression yet it was also the moment where I realized how RAW is filled with caring and generous people.
Often, fellow seniors and friends would share their hardships and life experiences, allowing me to be fully enriched and enlightened about life, people, the importance of communication, the attitude to work as a team, and moreover, the worldview. I will definitely miss the laughter we used to share during lunch and dinner, the small friendly chats we used to have when we passed each other to use the restroom or to refill our water bottles, bibi’s playful jokes when we went to get our meals, the singing and pranks that seniors at ‘bamboo’ studio made when night fell, having a snooze in the super cozy Omah Library, and many more sweet memories that I will cherish forever.
Last but not least, I would like to say thank you sincerely to Kak Rich who has been willing to give me this priceless opportunity to be able to join RAW Architecture as an intern. Also, a big heartfelt thank you to all of the seniors, fellow intern friends, and all of the amazing individuals I can’t mention one by one for the enlightenment, enriching experience, inspiring mentorship, and everlasting memories. No words can describe how grateful I am. I wholeheartedly wish that RAW Architecture continues to be the best of the best!
It started as a place that I had always admired through the screen, but now it has become a place full of precious memories. A place where I experienced never-ending excitement and a burning desire to continuously learn about architecture. A place filled with extraordinary people with their own color and life backstories. A place that is not solely beautiful from the outside, but packed with beautiful people and moments on the inside as well. A perfect place to learn and fulfill my curiosity about architecture. That’s Guha. That’s where RAW Architecture is. Embedded in one of my best and favorite chapters in my book of life, marked with a rainbow-colored bookmark.
Warmest Regards,
Nisrina Umniyati Fahira W
Motivation Letter:
–
My Mayonnaise Jar 