Art, Arch and Anis

My first step in architecture was when I've been called for an interview five years ago. It took place in UTM KL City Campus. While everybody brought their A1 drawings and various painting, I just brought a few piece of paper (which is rough sketch of what-so-ever - which is done few days back before the interview - to show that I am able to sketch) and - official documents - curriculum vitae/spm/matriculation transcript.




I was alone.




The first stage of the interview was sketching. In a big hall, where you can see a lot of artist and designers; you can feel that you wasn't be there. I feel it. Everyone took pencil and start sketch. Its all based on the object at the center of the hall. Look at it, feel it, then your hand will freely dance on the paper. That will be the end product. It can be anything. Everyone - which is - different.





When I saw everyone had started, I took a deep breath and start sketching.






Its very subjective where you need to look and interpreted in your own way. As far as I remembered, the object had turned to be in a city environment with buildings as the background, with cars - smoke - yes, pollution. When time has end up, I look at it and compare with others - that makes me feel so.......... okay, till here, Anis. Go back home and you will never be choosen. Thank you.




Obviously, I was so nervous. The next stage was one-to-one interview session.
And I just know Caesar Pelli who had designed the KLCC and Raja Bahrain who designed the Masjid Terapung in Terengganu.
Fortunately they asked and I can answered.




"Ouh.. so you got taekwondo skills. Why don't you take Sports course?" One of the interviewer asked.
"I think I am capable enough in architecture course because I know how tough it is."


FAKE. I don't really know how tough it is. I just pick some tips-to-answer-well-during-interview-be-confident-promote-yourself. So I do.

Then they looked at my drawings and said, "Is that all?"
"Yes." Confidently I answered.
They have a look at my sketch in the hall just now and assess it. They do asked why I sketch in such a way and whats the meaning behind it. Yes, I answered all well. (poyo)

So, everything ends there. I thought its just.. THERE.



Few weeks later I got a letter calling me to register in UTM Skudai in.......... what?????? architecture! They must be kidding!!!





I remembered how lack I am (there is NO OUTSTANDING sketches) and how blur I am (I just know 2 architects in the world, okay). But I've been choosen. Hrmmmm.... this is odd.





I call it as rezeki and jodoh. I also got a sense that there is something in me, thats why they've choose me. If you ask what I am more in to, I can answer; it is art. But I never know that this will be the one for me. Along the way of study, I found it very tough (yes, damn tough!) and challenging. You not only study objects and arts, you study everything. Design and people. Its more than that and its very-very-very subjective though;





a) Where you can design, starts from everywhere. Its NOT A MUST to start from A to Z. It can be from C to L or even Z to A. It can be anywhere and it DOESN'T stop there. Design and develop. Design and redo. Redo, redo until you satisfied and when you have already solve the issues behind it.
b) Where you can have a lot of options. But still, you need knowledge to guide you. Back to design requirements. You need to keep designing and choose the best for it. Until the design will be yours.






Architecture... it never stop.
And Anis, if you capable enough in 5 years of study, why don't in 10 years, 15 years, 30 years to come?


PASSION. It will drive you to success.




May ALLAH bless.