Global Urbanism MASc Alumni Stories -Kwang Lin Wong

How was The Bartlett different to what you had known at high school / at your previous university?

I studied anthropology as my undergraduate degree and it provided foundation for what I learned at The Bartlett, but my Master’s degree at The Bartlett had more creative aspects – most of my assignments were not straightforward academic essays but pushed me to create something (zine, installation, map) or write creatively. The people on my course were also from many different disciplinary backgrounds and at different stages of their lives and careers, which really enriched our discussions and gave me valuable perspectives on where this degree could take me.

What attracted you to the course?

I was attracted to the interdisciplinary nature of the course and its “applied” aspects – I worked on projects in partnership with a local authority and residents’ groups, went on many urban walks and had conversations with planners, activists and developers. I felt that these were good opportunities to give me practical experience as someone who hasn’t worked in the built environment sector before. At the same time, I was drawn to the engagement with social theory which linked to my background in anthropology, and the emphasis that the course has on creativity and ethical practice.

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most?

Site visits were really interesting and allowed us to connect what we had learned about history and architecture with our in-person experience of sites. In some cases we had the opportunity to hear from people advocating for housing rights and spatial justice or documenting the rich social history of their neighbourhoods, like at the 56a Infoshop in Elephant and Castle or the Somers Town People’s Museum. Other site visits pushed us to exercise new ways of analysing space by being in it, for example, through graffiti and street art in Hackney Wick.

What makes you most proud to be a MASc graduate?

I’m really proud of the friendships that have been formed on this course and how these relationships have expanded my perspectives and encouraged me to pursue new skills. I’ve met such lovely, passionate and intelligent people that I would probably have never crossed paths with otherwise, and continue to work with several of them on urban research, design and artistic projects. 

What were the most interesting things you did, saw or got involved with during your studies?

I appreciated the opportunity to work on co-design or policy projects with external partners, which I did both as part of the course and through UCL’s partnership with Just Space. I worked on a report evaluating food sustainability and security for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham; a People’s Plan for care infrastructure alongside residents of Trellick Tower and Edenham Way; and a proposal for community audit methods based on an evaluation of West Ealing in collaboration with Just Space and Ealing Matters. 

In what way did studying in London and UCL East enrich your studies?

London has been both a home and a site of study that I come to perceive in new ways through what I’ve learned in the course. I chose the London Pathway of this course because I felt it was important for me to stay with the place I studied for an extended period of time, and my everyday experiences and observations added perspectives to what I was learning about the history and planning of London and East London in particular. I completed assignments on sites that were close to where I lived or in East London because studying in these areas made them personally significant to me, and allowed me to observe these sites with methods I learned on the course.

What advice would you give to a student considering your course?

Experiment wildly with different senses and methods; try to work on issues and with people you can build genuine connections with. 

Which organisation do you work for and what is your job title?

I am a Data Insights Manager at Toynbee Hall, and also do urban research on a freelance basis.

Tell us about your current role: What is the core purpose and typical activities?

I manage data and evaluate advisory services of a charity, including advice on debt, legal issues, benefits and housing. I report on the impact and functioning of the charity’s services for its funders and use data to provide perspectives on relevant policy in the media. 

Which parts of your course experience were the best preparation for your job?

Learning about the history and social context of East London has helped me understand the place of the organisation I work for in its geographical context, as a well-established philanthropic organisation strongly identified with the East End. The course also discussed practical principles and scenarios for ethical urban practice, which I expect to influence how I make sense of data and use it in advocacy and strategy. 

What are your future ambitions?

I hope to stay curious, creative and idealistic. More specifically I’d like to use my skills and experience in research to do more creative and policy-related work, and expand ways that urban inhabitants can exercise agency over their living environment. 

What advice would you give to a student looking to get into a career in your sector?

Find organisations or professional associations whose work you admire, follow their work and keep a look out for events to familiarise yourself with the industry. Try to speak to people that have cool jobs to figure out how they got there.