The academic experience in SUTD is different from china. I take three courses in SUTD: Architecture core studio, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Architecture Energy Systems. There are several differences with the courses in my home school Zhejiang University.

The first is the teaching content. Take the course: energy for example, in Zhejiang University, we also have the course about energy and something similar, but the content we taught is different. In Zhejiang University, we study the basic knowledge of the energy of architecture, like why the wind flow, how the sound goes and how the heat transfer. We learn the formula and learn how to calculate from step to step by hand and get a mathematical answer, but we don’t know how to use the results or how to apply the knowledge into use. But in SUTD, the calculation are more based on the software, we learn how to use different software and get visual results from the software which can be used directly in the later design, which will also be more efficient and teach us how to apply the knowledge into use other than just formula on books.

The second is the way to deliver the course, in the school schedule, many courses have both lecture and recitation. In the lecture, the professor delivers some basic knowledge and in recitation class, we work on software and learn how to apply, while In Zhejiang University, we only have class in the form of lecture.

Finally, I think SUTD pay more attention to group work. In every course, we have group works and in BIM and energy class, most important part is the group work. In Zhejiang University, most class is individual work.

I’m not really complaining, but this lab is really a completely regulated lab. To get the booking right for the laser cut machines, we have to pass two tests, one of which is about theoretical knowledge and rules and the other one of which is to finish a handwork using the carpenter’s tools. Due to my procrastination, I just finished this applied test not long ago because I must do a physical model for the final.

We explored the Fablab the first time on the orientation day and we were told to wear long pants and covered shoes. And it’s very interesting, because there’re many fantastic pieces displayed on the shelf. The internal space arrangement of the laboratory is also very interesting which, like a design topic we have done before — science and innovation workshop, is a large space for students to cooperate and stimulate their creativity.

We worked together to raise money for the people with disabilities association. The whole process is actually very simple, as long as you hold the jar collecting COINS, and the disabled people together to fight for enough love funds. What makes me sigh with emotion is that friends in Singapore have a strong sense of dedication and are very willing to donate small change to help public welfare undertakings. There is no denying that the mass quality of Chinese society still needs to be improved.

After recess week, I found the pressure of study has obviously increased. As Architecture core design has gotten on track gradually and there is more and more assignment for other classes, I really understand the joke that the student in ASD pillar don’t need to sleep.

When I first come to SUTD, I couldn’t suit here well because of the different learning mode. As I have said before, SUTD forces more on software technology, no matter on modeling or using real data to do analysis. And they like to use grasshopper to do site analysis. As time goes by, now I understand how this way of teaching will affect people.

By use real data, your building analysis will be more reliable. And with the help of grasshopper, you can create something more complicated quickly which is hard when you just try to imagine those geometry. And what you have got in grasshopper is not set in stone, you can modify it by yourself.

Also, I find SUTD’s teaching principle of being creative is not just a slogan. The professor will always encourage you to do the design more boldly. And the result is, I really like my design now because it looked much more different from the others I did before.

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I went to the Gardens by the Bay two times. First light show I saw was accompanied by Beethoven’s symphony. The second one was one Chinese song when the Mid-Autumn festival has just passed. And this time I was wandering under the huge trees when I was a little surprised to see many people lying on the square or lawn, but I also admired the extreme relaxation and comfort, so now I feel a bit regret that I did not lie down like everyone did. I really like the urban landscape design in downtown Singapore, which provides people with so many outdoor public spaces for rest and communication.

 

Seven clean seas is a green organisation in singapore, helping to reduce the waste and raise people’s consciousness. This weekend they organized an event that invite people to pick up rubbish near seas.

My group came to attend this event and met with the leader. At around 9am, we started walking around the beach. There are nearly 100 people attending it and helping to clean the sea. We saw lots of plastic rubbish that are harmful to the living creatures. After several hours’ effort, the rubbish had been filled with a car. We were shocked with the scene. The leader introduced the programme’s meaning and effort to us. The singaporeans are all eager to be eco friendly, but the environment situation is still worth concerning.

Not only in singapore, I think green events such like this should be held in china as well. It has great effect on people, making them join in the protect-earth campaign.

 

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2018/11/05-2018/11/11

After the rally, we took part in a public service activity held by Seven Clean Seas — going to the east coast of Singapore to pick up coastal garbage. Seemingly clean beach, in fact, there are many small pieces of plastic garbage, if no one to clean up, even the beautiful sea will eventually become dirty. This activity, we saw many parents with their children, they want their children to experience the significance of environmental protection cause, which touched me very much because environmental protection seems to be a small thing, but this concept is really important to develop. Through this activity, I feel the enthusiasm of Singaporeans for environmental protection and their attitude towards public welfare activities. I think I have learned a lot from them, and I also feel that I have the mission to make the world a better place.

Me and Jinye visited the ‘堂正堂’ and the ‘斋心斋’ in SUTD today. They are Chinese ancient architectures which were donated to Singapore by Mr. Jackie Chan in2009.

‘堂正堂’ is the main hall which mean Hall of Uprightness. It is hoped that the name will inspire the university community to be honourable, righteous and conscientious.

‘斋心斋‘ is the rear structure which means Hall of Fasting of the Mind.

I was excited to see the elegant structures inside the building and amazed by the craftsmanship. The diameter of the main beams which are called ‘冬瓜梁‘ is 700 mm and the simple and elegant shapes is outstanding.

After restoration, the ancient structure was combined with modern decorations, which shows how the Chinese ancient architecture can be used and appreciated nowadays.

It was very exciting to walk into SUTD class for the first time, especially the characteristic walls, which were painted quiet brightly. Interestingly, the doors of each classroom here are exceptionally heavy, and I have to make great efforts to open them every time. No matter how to say, the first time to pay attention to full of freshness!