What can I expect?, Will the sacrifice be worth?, Can I go back and work under a corporate environment with over 2000 architects in the world?, Will I miss the small scale European offices?, Will the thoughts behind projects have a positive impact?, Will my design aspirations be frustrated by the rigidity of the system, conditions, deadlines and budgets? No answers.
After taking the decision, accepting the challenge and launching into this new venture, many of my fellow architects have told me some bizarre experiences related to "Asian projects" either lived firsthand or by an acquaintance. Distant and abstract stories of others vaguely fade in the darkness of the plane.
Uncertainty is massive, but the curiosity and motivation outgrow, I have the impression of being in a "deja vu" and personify one of those characters, lucky few, not many others, beginning their journey to the South Seas looking in unknown horizons a renewal of their senses and interests.
In contrast, sadness accompanies me, I have the feeling that Europe, historical engine of universal culture is fading. It seems that the economic crisis has hit in such a way that the illusion is gone and is now just a feeling in the minds of its citizens. We have become automatons who have lost their passion; consumption and welfare have taken over society and many values have mutated. Now, that the crisis has taken our breath away, the void is immense.
In this context, many architects do not longer want to be stars and many are aware of the gap between their practice and society; what it wants, needs and expects. The mismatch is so disturbing that I hope to find some answers on my new destination...
Arrival at Singapore Changi Airport; amongst the crowd I recognize an Asian classmate from my years in Brooklyn, and after a warm hug, he asks:
"Well, what brings you here?
I tell him everything about my new adventure in his continent .He stares at me and kindly says:
"You're late ...
TO BE CONTINUED... NEXT WEEK MORE!!
