DAY33 Thursday 21st of May 2009

The design talk was enrichment to most of us as the speaker teaches interior design which is prior our scope of design. I can say her presentation was the most interesting one maybe because it was something we are familiar with and the way they teach design here can be quite different from Singapore. I felt really guilty for falling asleep from time to time from sleeping for only 3 hours the other night. The lecturer who majored in 手绘 believes that every designer has had to know how to sketch, draw to become a successful designer. As the world now advanced with better and improvised technology, almost every industry uses computer/technology to do work. However, she said that having the skills to manipulate the program and complete task from there, it is just a matter of training, time and process. Almost anyone can do the job. But, having your own unique drawing/sketching skills is precious and invaluable. It will be a skill that will be adored by those who could not pick up. As it needs time, lots of practice/drawing and a bit of talent to achieve that.

Then we also talked about the teaching system between Singapore and Dalian and found out their way of teaching and how the students learn and absorb things is different from Singapore. She said that classes is not for us to boot up computers and do our project/ assignments. It is a time for the lecturer and students to interact and learn things from each other. And, somehow from all that, it will arouse thinking for both the lecturer and students too.

Just a thought after talking to the lecturer. After 2 years studying interior design, what have I learnt? What did I do? What have I achieved? I was at a total blank when I questioned myself. After talking to the lecturer and understand DPU’s school of design way of teaching, I felt that Singapore’s way of education could be questionable. Why do we study for? Because we have to. Because we need to get a diploma, then with that we go on to degree with that diploma. Then, we can get a job, hopefully. It just quite simple, most Singaporeans learn a skill so that they can earn a living in the future. Not many learn a skill because they want and love to and have an interest in what they do. I feel so empty, not knowing what I have been doing for the past 2 years at that particular moment. What do I really want to achieve in the end? What do I really want?