group work

I really dislike group work. I know it's supposed to be a reflection on what happens in the real world...but it's so not realistic real-world dynamics and stakes. In one of my classes this semester we have a group project that is worth 60% of our grade, and a paper worth 40%. Last term, I initially was scared of the class where the paper was 100% of our mark...but I still got a high distinction in that class (the best you can get...yes, I will toot my own horn here as I have 6 people reading it ;p). But in the class where it was 50/50 between a group assignment and a paper...I got my lowest grade. Still got a high distinction on my paper...but the group project was only a 'credit' (the scale here is pass, credit, distinction, high distinction). So...my overall grade was distinction. Still nothing to cry over...but disappointing to this nerdy goody-goody nonetheless!

Luckily, I think I have a pretty stellar group for this project. Well...stellar may be a slight overstatement. But...solid. Fairly solid. I feel a bit bad, too, as I'll be gone for 2 weeks during part of our crunch time...but will still give it my all when I'm here.

Also, it seems like the way they run design studios here, you often work in teams of 2. WHAT?!?! Won't make as much sense to non-archies...and, okay, in the real world you typically aren't working alone...but...it's really different from my expectations of how studio works. I'm planning to take a design studio as an elective next semester (my last semester, also odd that it's an elective)...but it seems like the average age in the regular master's program is much lower than in our sustainable design program...and their undergrad here is only 3 years of school...so, potentially, I could be paired with a 21 yr old. Literally. Not that I have anything against 21 yr olds, and really I shouldn't be wasting my time thinking about this potential future situation anyhow.

They have a 'workshop' that's more geared towards our program...but I've heard it's pretty lame - basically a do-it-yourself studio. I'll have to think more about what I want...challenging myself and designing my own program (or select a competition), or something more intense and competitive. Input appreciated. [Dan, are reading this?]

paper paper...

sorry I've been MIA...been buried under a pile of books for the last week and half. we had a lovely week off for Easter Break (I kept calling it Spring Break...fall break...whatevs). a handful of people took fun trips to fancy places...I read books and discovered the brand-spankin-new law library (it's pretty pimp). kept meaning to go but didn't get there until my german-social-butterfly-friend invited me for a study date.

BUT...I sent a rough draft of my masterpiece to my tutor today for review! And it's not due until Monday...so I will forget about it for 24 hours...and then editing and wrapping it up should be easy-peasy...phew...

The topic was how do we change our existing built environments built in the fossil-fuel-era to be more sustainable without adding to the problem, and how do we live in a world without oil?

There is no easy answer, let me tell YOU! I invite you to think about how incredibly different your life might be without cheap oil...and maybe start thinking about plan B now. I'm concerned there aren't enough people (especially those more intelligent than me, which is a lot)...thinking about this...that it's RARELY in the media (environmental issues are, sure, but not finite oil depletion issues).

And maybe start thinking about gardening (food supply will probably be an issue)...

Okay...enough Debbie Downer! I read a really great paper on how to best prepare for post-oil we'll need clear heads and good mental capacity/effectivenes...and one of the best things you can do for your melon is to take a walk where there is nature.

Luckily there is lots of lovely nature in Sydney! And tons to explore...

cheers-