Bringing a sociological perspective to architecture
Stephanie Casanova, of Ottawa, holds a Bachelor of Social Science with a specialization in sociology from the University of Ottawa. She transitioned to architecture in 2020, bringing her goals of benefitting the community with her. Now two-thirds of her way through the three-year Master of Architecture program at Carleton, she looks forward to a career “that is multidisciplinary, just as my path into architecture has been.”
What were you doing before and why did you get into that field?
I previously studied sociology at the University of Ottawa. Sociology interested me because I wanted to work with people in a way that could benefit the community.
How did you decide to make the switch to architecture?
I discovered my interest in the field during my undergraduate studies and after learning of the three-year Master of Architecture program I decided that I would finish my degree in sociology and take it with me on my journey into architecture. I really just followed my intuition. I researched the field and the various programs. I asked questions, and then ultimately decided to allow myself to take a chance.
“Three years can seem daunting when you are starting in a completely new field but it goes by so fast.”
Stephanie Casanova
How did STUDIO FIRST help?
STUDIO FIRST gave me my very first introduction to architecture in an academic setting. I had never taken a course in architecture, and I had no idea what it was like to be in a studio environment. It also gave me the chance to learn and explore the various software programs I would need to know when I began my MArch.
How did you negotiate a career change?
I remember telling myself that my previous experiences and the work I had done up until the change would all still be with me. With that in mind it was really a matter of just taking one step at a time.
How many schools did you apply to?
I applied to four schools, and received offers from Carleton, the University of Toronto, and the University of Western Australia.
Forestry greenhouse project by Stephanie Casanova from the Gateway Studio led by Associate Professor Paul Kariouk and Instructor Adrian Dyer.
Why did you choose Carleton?
When I received my offer from Carleton it felt very personal. I felt like I was already being welcomed into the school and not like I was just another student. STUDIO FIRST also introduced me to some of the faculty and alumni, as well as the style of teaching within the school and from everything I had gathered during that time I felt that it was a community I wanted to be a part of.
How would you describe your experience of the first year of the MArch 1 program?
The first year of the MArch 1 program involved a lot of learning to be outside of my comfort zone. Everyone in the program goes into it at various skill levels so just as you are learning from the professors, you are also learning from your peers. If you stay open to learning from everyone around you, and you accept that you can’t know everything when you are starting something new, then you will definitely find the first year just as rewarding as it is challenging.
Stephanie Casanova’s “factory of the future” project at the site of the former La Model prison in Barcelona. Produced in the MArch 1 studio led by Associate Professor Zachary Colbert and Assistant Professor Natalia Escobar Castrillón.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Finding a creative process and workflow that worked for me was one of the biggest challenges. Every project challenges you creatively at some point, and it can be difficult to not doubt yourself at those points. Stepping away from the computer and using a pen and paper instead always helps, as does remembering that the professor is there to support you, so talking through it with them also helps to overcome those creative blocks.
What has been the best part?
Seeing my skills improve with every term and feeling more and more confident in my work has been really exciting.
Are you happy you did it?
I’m very happy I did! Three years can seem daunting when you are starting in a completely new field but it goes by so fast and now that I am getting ready to start my final year I’m already longing for more time at the school.
Map by Stephanie Casanova looks at the impacts of gentrification and the tourist industry on the local population of the Eixample district in Barcelona. From the MArch 1 studio led by Associate Professor Zachary Colbert and Assistant Professor Natalia Escobar Castrillón.
What kind of new career do you envision for yourself?
My goal is to become a licensed architect and work on projects that are socially and environmentally responsible. I envision a career that is multidisciplinary, just as my path into architecture has been.
What advice would you give to someone considering a major pivot?
You may be coming from a background that you have studied or worked in for years. It’s likely you’ll have found comfort in feeling like you know your field. Making a major pivot in your career means you’ll be stepping out of that comfort zone, so be willing to struggle, take your time, and learn but don’t doubt that you’ll find that comfort again with time.
