Postgraduate Coursework Student Profile
Yogeshwari Karunakaran
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
I am currently engaged in the study of Master of Urban Design by coursework, which includes design studio and theories that draw a clear and exhaustive illustration of how imagination and a vision of the future, combined with rigor and pragmatism offers high quality urban design.
What did you study before commencing your studies at the University of Melbourne, and at which institution?
I completed my Bachelor of Architecture at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, India in June 2004.
What interested you in coming to the University of Melbourne? What attracted you to the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
My father's close business association with Australia was perhaps one of the reasons. But my primary underlying motive was that the University of Melbourne deliberately topped my list of preferences when I was looking for a professional institution that provides a vision and multidisciplinary approach to critical environmental issues creating space for rational thinking which would enhance and enlighten my stand in the field of design.
The international reputation and recognition of The University of Melbourne with its explicit academic framework with faculty pioneers made it irresistible, and I was determined to be a part of the multicultural domain of The University of Melbourne.
How are you finding your experience at the University so far? What are the highlights?
The University fosters new kinds of social exchange of various cultural baggages, opening up new opportunities where I find challenges and inspiration for further development of my skills making it possible to operate beyond boundaries.
One of the many nourishing elements of this University which I am very much impressed with is that it ties 'theories' to 'practice'. Thereby a profound understanding of all the facets of urbanism is made visible. The university is truly an arena of knowledge and discourse where "the east and the west meet" broadening the horizon for persons in or entering urban design.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your studies at Melbourne?
Having gained an entirely new spectacle in The University of Melbourne, I intend to translate these ideologies into forms appropriate to the context and cultural milieu of my home country India where urban design is already booming.
I also want to affirm my substantial participation and contribution to the international forum in terms of urban environmental issues.
What advice do you have for other students thinking of studying in the Faculty?
I would advise students to think carefully about their interests, and then probe into the diverse range of availabilities. Fixing up interactions with staff and current students before you decide on a course of study would open up new avenues of prospects for you.