Graduation project deals with polarization in Chile
Students from KADK are known for their focus on global challenges. For graduate, Borys Wrzeszcz, a field trip to Chile formed the starting point for his graduation project on polarization and urban development in the metropolitan area of Santiago. Now Borys turned this project in to a film: "Polarization of Chilean society prevention". Watch it and see why Borys chose the programme Urbanism and Societal Change at the School of Architecture - and global challenges for his studio project.
Borys Wrzeszcz says about the project:
"Chile has been divided in two countries in 1810. 3% are the owners of the country and the rest of population 97% is excluded. The power maintains everything under control - religion, army, politics, private education system, healthcare, pensions, media, even charity.
After coming back from exchange in Santiago I felt a huge need of challenging this problem. Issues of inequality led me to the one of the biggest unofficial settlement in Santiago. The friction line between two societies in this area reflects complexity of the problem. The result is an architectural symbol of resistance that may stop polarization of society and improve the level of life for future generations"
See how KADK's students work with global challenges such as polarization and urban development - here in a metropolitan area of Santiago:
Why did you choose a master programme at the School of Architecture?
“I have started to study architecture in Poland but after 2 years I felt a need of changes. I went for exchange to Ljubljana University where I had classes with amazing teacher and architect – Vasa Perovic (bevk perovic office). After this experience I knew that I should expect more from myself and surrounding as well. The Royal Danish Academy was my first choice for Masters Programme. I had a feeling that the Danish architectural culture mixed with international freshness would give a place to be. I took a gap year to improve my portfolio with some practice background and it was totally worth it. The fact, that it is so hard to get in to the school also motivate me to try again”.
What has surprised you the most studying at the School?
“The feeling of community. It is based on many different factors: size of the school (and the city), own desk for everyone, amazing location, tolerance and equality, rules or not so many rules, flexible schedule and programs to follow, canteen with good food, many additional events, cool archi-trips, all the Friday bars with different departments and Christmas parties with the teachers and many more. In the end you get group of people who know each other really well. Somehow they all live together”.
Where are you hoping your master from KADK will take you?
“I would like to get beyond the limits of “nice or ugly”. Know the value and live with it”.
Why did you pick a global subject like Polarisation and Urbanism for your masters assignment (Afgang)?
“I came back from Chile full of new thoughts but without any ideas for my masters. School environment helped me to clear my mind and start the project. Finding the subject and problem to solve was the hardest part of the whole process. Challenging wide topics like “polarization of society” create many doubts. But KADK is a place where students can and should work independently because they will get feedback from different sides. School creates a chance that has to be used to work on important issues”.
What are you working on now?
“I found a way to work quite independently in Poland. Working standards for architects in Poland are not as good as in Denmark but on the other hand market is still empty and creates opportunities. I stay flexible so if I get possibility to work on some project in totally different place like Chile or Denmark I just go there. I would also like to use this situation to do my PhD. So maybe one day I would be back on KADK? Who knows! ”
