What do our students think of studying at the LSA? We spoke to Second Year student Semi Han

As part of our series speaking to students, alumni, faculty and members of the Practice Network who are sharing their experience of studying and working at the LSA, we caught up with second year student Semi Han.

Semi gave a fantastic overview of the experience of studying at the LSA, discussing daily life at the school, the programme and what she thinks is important for prospective students to know.

If Semi’s experience sounds interesting, you can apply to join the LSA in 2023 here.

6 Orsman Road. Semi is pictured on the roof terrace of the The London School of Architecture’s building. Photography by Bo Morgan.

Semi, can you tell us about the experience of studying at the LSA?
First year and second year feel very different so far. In first year modules you experiment and question the current systems of the profession through design and critical writing, and then progressing into second year, you form your own brief from your own topical interests using the skills of questioning and challenging from first year.

Our design work always feels really grounded in reality which, to me, makes it more exciting as it means our studies are more applicable to our future career.

Why did you choose to study at the LSA?
Initially, I found the LSA’s Critical Practice module really intriguing as it linked our studies with our time in practice, meaning our working days had direct input into our module coursework, rather than being an additional, completely detached part of our week. Learning about the business of architecture and dissecting these issues in practice was really interesting and I think is a side of architectural education which is often reserved for much later in your career.

Semi’s final project investigates conservation, with a focus on the intangible cultural heritage of our architecture and spaces.

Did you enjoy working in practice alongside studying?
The dual-aspect of working and studying was one of the key unique factors of the LSA that made me want to apply, and I have enjoyed working throughout my degree. I’m still working at my placement practice Denizen Works one day per week this year and it’s great to have a foot within the realities of architecture in practice, as well as having the chance to be more theoretical and conceptual during my studies.

What’s it like studying at 6 Orsman Road?
It’s unusual and very different to a conventional studio space. There are nice pockets of space to go work in if you want a change of scene, and all the LSA staff are only a few meters away so it’s all quite compact.

6 Orsman Road. Semi is pictured studying on the 5th floor of the LSA’s building in Haggerston. Photography by Bo Morgan.

The programme at the LSA focuses on encouraging students to be pioneers of change in the architectural sector. What change do you want to see in architecture, and how does the way you design contribute to that change?
Architecture should be part of a wider network; other fields of interest can feed into your architectural work to enrich your design and process. I find it interesting looking to other fields (creative or not) and how their theories, research and knowledge can support architecture. It’s always a great moment when you make links between these new readings and  how they can apply to an architectural project.

For my Critical Practice Manual, I looked at architects undertaking free work for the sake of building professional relationships or doing favours. I still believe this would be a great change for the profession – know the worth of your work!

Has studying at the LSA changed how you design?
The LSA encourages you to push boundaries and challenge convention in current social, political and architectural issues. The past year has helped me create a robust case for my project using existing policies and models which support the ways you’re aiming to push those boundaries, which is a skill you get to develop further this year in Design Speculation.

Semi’s final project explores the act of conservation as a process through the continuity of intangible cultural heritage.

And finally, what do you think is the most important thing for prospective students to know?
A lot of the briefs for your design projects will stem from your own design interests and how you progress them. It’s a different model to any unit system in other universities, the LSA allows you to  pursue different areas of architecture that interest you and develop them into a project you feel passionate about. For the written modules, you identify the topics and issues you want to discuss and focus on in your project moving forward, adding to an overall body of work that’s very personal.

Thanks so much for your time Semi!

This is the second in our series of interviews with students, alumni, faculty and members of the Practice Network, who will share their experience of studying and working at the LSA to help you understand more about the school as you prepare to apply for 2023/24. You can read our first interview, with 2020 graduate Calven Lee here.