Research Team


WHY DID YOU APPLY TO THE ITALIADESIGN FIELD SCHOOL PROGRAM?

I've always been interested in Italian culture, and how they've continually been able to be produce high quality, innovative products and solutions, while maintaining their roots. I felt that the Italia Field School would give great insight to this as students would look at the past that has shaped Italy to the present. Also having never travelled on my own I found it would be a challenge in many aspects and on many levels. I've considered applying the years before but felt I was not ready until this year.

WHAT I LEARNED

I've found that the design process and approach in Italy differs in that there is the time spent in creating the product. The typical North American approach to, say, a product, has always been driven by deadline, in a way rushing to the final product. With the Italian design process, the idea is nurtured until it's ready, and in some cases while it takes longer than expected for the final result, it is always going to be of the best and highest quality.

I also learned that working with other designers and in a culture that openly shares ideas is a great way to work, and one that is far better than working in a culture that is constantly worrying about other people stealing ideas. It allows you to get fresh perspectives, learn new ways of thinking and approaching; it allows you to be more innovative.

I came home with a renewed sense of work ethic and drive, knowing that it is worthwhile to be a designer and that the ultimate goal is to create a better quality of life for people.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDYING ABROAD AND STUDYING AT HOME

The difference studying abroad and studying at home is experiencing the culture first hand and being able to study, say a tuscan town, by being able to walk around the towns and interacting with the people. studying at home, you can do the research and look at as many images as you want, but being there first hand is a completely different experience.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

  • Working on the Rome project at Capitoline Hill. We spent two days working by the museum, with perfect weather and the right atmosphere for us to work. Then visiting the same area at night with no one around gives a new appreciation to the area. A lot had to do with the lighting.

  • The time in Florence when we had bikes to wander ourselves on our free time. The level of freedom we had with those bikes that allowed us to explore the city at our own pace.

  • Our time with Segis. What a warm and inviting atmosphere they brought to our class. From welcoming us at the front doors to providing us one of the best lunches, it really is an example of how Italians treat you like family. Franco Dominici has such an electric personality which makes you feel right at home.

  • Spending my birthday in Florence. A great dinner, delicious gelato, and a good walk to Piazzale di Michelangelo to enjoy the view of Florence at night.

MY TRANSCENDENT MOMENT

Laurentian Library

" Walking into the library made me imagine, that the idea of a library some 500 years ago conceptually was an amazing idea. Imagining people sitting in the reading seats really gave me a powerful sense of the space, especially with all the light coming from the stained glass windows all around."

Download this and the rest of my Florence moments here

MOST MEMORABLE INTERVIEW MOMENT/QUOTE

B&B Italia's process from initial ideas to final products.

100 Ideas
50 Projects
20 Prototypes
10 Products presented to the Committee
3-5 Products

2-2.5 years from ideas to products, including research & development, marketing, and fabrics.

This gave me insight as to how their company works and that their products don't go straight to final form, and why their products cost thousands of Euros.

FAVORITE PLACE/SPACE

What I generally enjoyed about Italy are the functions of public spaces and how they change throughout the day. The public squares, or piazzas, are occupied mainly by tourists throughout the day and usually it's the locals that come out at night to hang out. These places are also used for special events, such as ceremonies and concerts, which surprised me at first, but after a while it made me wonder why we don't have those sort of spaces here. Also most of the areas surrounding these spaces were public spaces. You could just grab some gelato after your dinner and wander around, which is a great experience.

MY FAVORITE MEAL(S)

This is a tough call. There are countless meals and I must say one of the most memorable meals was the first time I had Spaghetti a la Vongole. (Spaghetti with clams.) at La Spaghettina in Trestevere, Rome. Simple and delicious.

MY CAPTURED MOMENTS

ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ITALIA DESIGN STUDENTS

Pack light. I'm sure others have mentioned this already, but you really don't need a lot of the things you plan to bring. The field school is a challenge both mentally and physically, as there is a lot of walking involved. You'll have to be living with almost a dozen others for a period of six weeks. For some of you it is the first time living with others. It will be an interesting experience. Get a decent pair of runners. On some days we walked almost 8 hours. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the six weeks as they will be some of the best experiences in your life. Snap some pictures, drink some wine (grappa at least once), eat some pasta, wander around at night (girls with a companion please), eat some gelato, and drink lots of water... and wear sunscreen.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

SFU's School of Interactive Arts and Technology - Fourth year Interaction Design Major.

CAREER GOALS AND INTERESTS

I hope to work in an environment that encourages creativity and innovation, with the collaboration of peers to positively affect the world we live in, whether it's in a small or large scale.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

I was born in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where temperatures have reached -40 Celsius, before moving to BC at the age of 5. My birthday is on June 26th, which was spent this year in Florence during the field school.