How do you focus when your social media keeps flashing up? How do you focus when you've been to the fridge four times already in one morning? How do you focus when you're the only one working a way in your room? How do you focus when you just can't get the focus!? This post is about studying in isolation, and having just finished studying my Part II degree I thought it be a good time to reflect. This piece will also provide some tips for issues that may arise due to working from home.
Studying architecture without the studio, without the workshop or the additional space to create freely was challenging and at times posed creative mind blocks. Frequently I would get in my own head or overthink on something I may not have previously, this was due to feeling I should over compensate for the lack of media I could access, (for example model making and laser cutting). Sometimes I would feel like I've worked all day but produced slower than normal and this would make me anxious. These are things speaking to other architecture students that were common.
Nonetheless, being left to my own devices, it made me step out of my comfort zone and try new mixed media during my project development. I tried painting with acrylics and water colours which is something I may not have done before, I then combined this with digital traces and photos to create a narrative painting. This was half way through my final year when I started to expand my creativity and use what I could to illustrate my thoughts. In this way, the isolation had a positive impact.
However, not all is hunky dory when creating at home. A poll was conducted on our Instagram story where followers expressed some difficulties they had, below are some tips on common issues in regards to working remotely.
"Family or loved ones not leaving you alone"
In this instance it is of course difficult to say no to a cute sibling or a partner you want to snuggle up with, however when the work is intense you have to find the will to be focused. I found that when my niece would want to play with me, not understanding I need to do my work I would let her know when I had time so she could look forward to it. Equally I may dedicated an evening with her and then wake up earlier the next morning. It's all about balance and boundaries of what you need to complete. After all, we aren't studying for ever, it is temporary despite it feeling a lifetime.
"Procrastination reached an all time high"
It is so hard not to procrastinate when you are sitting in the same spot day in day out and don't have the studio culture around you to keep you going. My advice on this one is firstly, if you have the option to switch rooms, work in the kitchen or the living room. I found that changing rooms on different days would help my workflow. Secondly, stay in the group chats, have archi group chats with your fellow peers. Don't be afraid to share work and have conversations about drawings. A friend and I would work together whilst staying on facetime on one of our screens, this actually proved to be effective for us!
"Making models from home"
If you are someone who likes to create physical models, research what materials are easy to use from home and get creative! Clay, plaster and of course card can all produce enjoyable models. I delved into making cast forms by using plaster, foam board and tape. I also made naturally dyed fabrics using vegetables at home, you can explore more than you think without a full workshop. Last tip on this one, photograph well!
"Keeping myself on track. I'm far too easily distracted"
This happens to the best of us, it is easy to get distracted and to come off course from what you are doing. My tip for this would be to put on a DJ mix or playlist and say to yourself you're not going to look at your phone until the DJ mix is finished. Or you're next break will be after the playlist is done. I found this helped me stay focused and stay in a good mood by listening to music I enjoyed.
"Working virtually was less pressure. That lack of pressure made me less motivated"
If you are someone who works well under pressure, find new ways to work well or new ways to feel more pressure when working alone. For this, I would say write a daily list of what you want to get completed, if you really want to apply the pressure add a time to each task!
Some of these strategies and tips are also relevant for working from home when at a practice. If you have any further challenges from studying at home we would love to hear from you, we like to engage with our members and readers.
All exampled work by author Savannah Williams
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