I am a junior lecturer in the architecture program at DASP and an architect-in-training, under the Namibian Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
I first joined the Department of Architecture in 2012 for my Bachelor’s degree when the institution was still the Polytechnic of Namibia. Back then the Department was housed in what was called the Arch House, off campus, for about four years. In 2015, during my honours year, I was fortunate to still be a part of the Department during its transition to the newly built facility. In 2016 I transitioned to the architecture Department of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, where I completed my professional master’s degree. With the master’s program at UFS being a one-year program, I must admit that although I learnt and experienced a lot, I could have used more time in that Department as well.
As an alumna of this Department and having completed my qualifications not long ago; old vs new is fresh in my mind. While the Department clearly needed upgraded facilities, the Arch House had a special quality that cultivated a connection and culture not only across the different groups of students but also between peers that got lost in the transition. I feel this is just as essential to a student’s personal progress as the quality of the education. While that culture perhaps cannot be exactly imitated, my hope is that current and future students can find a culture of their own; where the reminiscence of their time at DASP, won’t be consumed by memories of only sleepless nights and time in the studio.
Having been a part of many transitions during my time as a student, I am very excited to have joined the Department at a time where things seem to be settling into their own, and I hope to see more alumni to contribute in the near future.
Esther Shipuata
