Our Unique Campus with Apeksha

Transcript

Let’s meet Apeksha, an Interior Architecture and Design major who transferred to UMass Dartmouth all the way from Nepal. She’ll tell us about the university’s striking, brutalist architecture, the unique campus environment and the exciting opportunities available to design students. Apeksha’s experience reflects how UMass D merges, creativity with real world preparation. Take it away, Apeksha.

– Thank you, Alex. Hi everybody. My journey to UMass Dartmouth, started with an 18 hour flight from Nepal and a detour at another college, but when I transferred here, I knew I landed in a perfect place. Our intimate campus environment and our unique brutalist architecture instantly drew me in. It was an easy choice. What I love most is how many resources are available to us on campus as the only public university in Massachusetts that offers interior architecture and design. From events like Universal Design Symposium where we explore inclusive design concept to scholarship opportunities that connect us with professional in the field, there’s always a chance to grow. I went to Designers Lighting Forum’s, Annual Student Scholarship Competition in Boston, and I placed first in overall Pecha Kucha style presentation. I also designed a light fixture for the IES Boston Student Design Competition and finished third. The knowledge and experiences that I’ve gained here have broadened my perspective, encouraging me to think creatively and consider the needs of all people. I’ve had the privilege of meeting industry experts and learning from their experiences. The focus on real world application here, ensures that every student has access to all the opportunities that help shape the future. As an interior architecture and design major, I see campus through a different lens, appreciating the brutalist architecture for its clear purpose. Every piece has an intent. From the spiraling geometric form to massive cantilevers. This award-winning campus was designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph, to bring the community together in a shared space. Drawing on everything I’ve learned here, my goal is to create spaces that resonates with everyone. I plan to return to Nepal and apply these lessons, and I’m also looking at graduate school. There’s still so much to discover and research around accessibility, which remains an ongoing design challenge. Back to you, Alex.

– That was awesome. We love hearing about the beauty and purpose behind UMass D’s architecture and thank you for telling your story, Apeksha. It showcases how the university’s resources foster innovation. It’s amazing to see how your journey here has prepared you to make a global impact. Best of luck as you continue exploring new design challenges and thanks again.