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Sabina Blassiotti discusses her journey to The Bartlett, why her fellow students were the best part of her experience, and living in London as a student.
Sabina Blassiotti is an Italian freelance illustrator and architectural assistant, who graduated from the Bartlett School of Architecture's Architecture MArch programme in 2021.
Tell us a little bit about your journey to UCL
I’m originally from Italy, and I first moved to London in 2015 to study architecture at Westminster. When I graduated in 2018 I interned at three international architecture firms: Hawkins Brown in London, Kengo Kuma and Associates in Tokyo, and BIG in London. I started the architecture master's at The Bartlett in 2019 and graduated last year.
What interested you in studying architecture at The Bartlett?
After visiting The Bartlett Summer Show in 2016, I was deeply fascinated and touched by the incredible quality and beauty of the students’ work. I had wanted to move away from London to study for a master's, but realised that entering such a fascinating university was as important as getting a new experience in a different city.
What was your main area of focus while studying here?
In my first year, I focused on the experience of architecture, given by the sensorial qualities of materials and spatial qualities of the design. I was also interested in the narrative and the story that a specific site holds and the way this can be integrated into the built environment.
Then in my final year, I decided to focus on the dilemmas around nuclear waste, and investigate how these areas of study would respond to that. I was fascinated by the scientific aspect of the issue and outraged by the proposals that were made in the past.
What did you most enjoy about studying at UCL?
What I enjoyed the most were the people. From students to professors, I found every person involved in The Bartlett environment unique in their own way. Despite their achievements, every person I met had a strong personality and held their own values, which always made up for interesting conversations.
What did you find most challenging?
I found it quite hard to get back into the academic mentality. Working as an intern you can get used to following orders and copying a specific given style, so when I was asked to do what I wanted, to speak my voice, as easy as this may sound, it was a challenge.
What are you doing now post-graduation?
In September 2021 I started work in a medium-sized firm, Haptic Architects. After gaining a experience in large offices, I felt that I wanted to learn the organisation, objectives and challenges of smaller firms. In the meantime, I’m also working as a private tutor, participating in international competitions and collaborative projects. I still haven't decided whether I will get my architect license or not. The goal, for now, is to keep exploring and refining my design style. The dream is to open a multidisciplinary business in the not-so-distant future.
How did you find living and studying in London?
I personally have a love/hate relationship with London. As a good Italian, I complain about the weather; I complain about the food; I complain that travel times are too long; I complain that I don’t understand the humour; that people should have longer breaks; and I always say I will leave. But after six years I’m still here...
This is because I also love London; I love the museums and the international exhibitions; I love being in contact with people coming from all around the world; I love the mature mentality of this city; I love how it’s organized and accessible; I love how you are in the centre of the action; I love all the many important opportunities that only a city like London can offer; I love how it pushes you to be a proactive individual; how the hard work always brings you results; and how at the end each talent will find its place and its recognition in London (and ultimately the weather is not so bad).
How do you feel like the skills/knowledge you acquired at UCL have contributed to your professional life post-graduation?
I believe that the skills and knowledge that I acquired at The Bartlett are helping me to have an impact in the professional world. I strongly believe that after my master's I have the technical skills, and more importantly the confidence, to know what I can do to bring my own contribution to the office. Sometimes we may forget that success is not often measured by our skills, but by our attitude and I think that The Bartlett is a great place to help you define your attitude.
What advice would you give to others thinking about applying to study at The Bartlett?
I would say ask! Asking is often the only way forward; ask any question you may have to The Bartlett, to professors, current or previous students, anyone you can get hold of. Asking doesn’t cost anything, and in our community people are always happy to help when they can, as we are all in this together.
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