Hello, I’m Senjie (Jack) Lu, and I'm an international student from Vancouver studying architecture and data science at Rice.
This summer, I had the chance to study abroad through one of the summer initiative programs offered through Global Workshops by Rice Architecture. Rice Global Workshop offers 3 programs in total: Rice Architecture in Singapore, Rice Architecture in Barcelona, and Rice Architecture in Mexico City. Due to studio class restrictions, architecture students, or Archis, usually cannot participate in study abroad or exchange programs during the school year. So being able to spend a week in Singapore was a really valuable opportunity for me to explore architecture beyond the classroom.
Our first day in Singapore kicked off with an evening walk around the city. This activity helped us get to know each other and gave us a feel for the city. We started at Robertson Quay, then we checked out the famous Merlion statue, and finally, we ended the night with a light show at Marina Bay Sands. By the end of the first day, I was already struck by how seamlessly Singapore blends its modern architecture with its cultural roots.
The next few days were packed with architectural tours and visits, but the focus was not only buildings. On the second day, after a tour of the Pinnacle@Duxton (a public housing project), we went to the Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Observatory and the Cloud Forest Dome there were absolutely stunning, but what really struck me was how innovative and integrated everything felt. These gigantic structures are doing REAL work, from generating solar power to collecting rainwater. It feels like Singapore is living in the next century!
Another highlight was the tour we had with Alvin Foo from Multiply Architects where we visited the Oasis Terraces, a community-centric healthcare and commercial development project. We also explored the National University of Singapore's School of Design and Environment, which blew me away with its focus on green design and energy efficiency. It was one of those moments when you realize architecture is not just about buildings, but about how spaces can serve the people who use them.
When we weren’t checking out architectural projects, we were trying local foods at different hawker markets. Here, you can find incredible eats from all cultures for just a few dollars. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a plate of chicken rice along with a freshly made celery juice, and having the best time with your friends amidst the sound of bustling market life.
Navigating the city was such a breeze, too. We were each given a EZ-link card for the metro, which is by far one of the most efficient public transportation systems I’ve ever experienced. The trains and buses were clean, quick, and surprisingly easy to figure out, even for a tourist. Whether we were heading to a tour at the National University of Singapore or just checking out a local restaurant near Chinatown, the metro made everything accessible.
This seven-day trip to Singapore was a transformative experience that opened my vision to the possibilities of architecture on a global scale. From learning about sustainable design to exploring a city that's as innovative and diverse as it is culturally rich and accepting, I gained so much in just one week. I ended the trip with a whole new perspective on what it means to be an architect. It’s not just about designing cool buildings, but about designing a space that serves both people and nature. I can’t wait to see how this experience shapes my projects moving forward, and I’m grateful that Rice Architecture made it possible for me to take a part in something so meaningful.
- Jack, Baker '27 (Published on 9/19/2024)
