Raygo
Raygo is 25 years old and comes from Hong Kong, where he completed his bachelor's programme in Architecture and worked as a research assistant and an architectural assistant. He is now studying the master's programme in Architecture at KTH. Raygo is a passionate photographer and multilingual speaker, and recently, he picked up my new hobby here in Sweden: skiing!
Why did you choose this master's programme at KTH?
I have always been fascinated by Scandinavia culture and design, and Swedish architectural education has been renowned not only within Europe but also internationally. So I targeted the master's programme in architecture at KTH, which has consistently been listed on the global rankings for top architecture schools.
Moreover, our programme's wide range of studio options has also attracted me at the early stage. Namely, housing, architectural daylight designs and etc. Within each studio, students could get involved in design projects over different scales, for instance, from a pavilion to urban and landscape planning. So I can pursue my study in the areas I find interesting while exploring different architectural design approaches.
What are the best aspects of your programme?
One of the highlights of our programme is the orientation and seminar courses, The former serves as a warm-up exercise for students to kick off their studies each semester, and the latter, on the other hand, introduces us to different social and sustainable issues in the architecture field, which also help stimulate my design thinking process.
In addition, our iconic architecture school building is also one of my favourite aspects of our programme. We have our own studio spaces inside the building with sufficient technical support to facilitate our studies, including the computer room, fabrication lab, and workshop. And not to mention our rooftops with the fantastic view over the campus and the city!
How is student life in Stockholm?
Stockholm is an exciting international city, as there are always inspirations everywhere for me as an architecture student. I can always find the best spot whenever I want to hang out with friends or enjoy some private moments, as Stockholm has loads of attractions I will never get tired of exploring.
Also, the pace of life here is relatively slower compared to Hong Kong so I can maintain a more balanced work-life style. As the capital of Sweden, it is regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, with excellent living quality. And values such as equality and sustainability are highly appreciated here, which I also find inspiring and beneficial to my personal growth.
How would you describe your time at KTH so far?
I would describe my time at KTH as one of those moments I would treasure for a lifetime. Since my arrival in Stockholm half-year ago, I have encountered people from all different nationalities and backgrounds. As an outgoing person who is always excited about learning new cultures and languages, I am so glad to meet new friends from around the globe on campus.
In addition, KTH offers numerous opportunities for me to develop my interests and ideas. Associations like THS (Student Union at KTH) and KTH Innovation, to name but a few, have served as the platforms for me to archive whole-person development through participating in different events and schemes beyond the classroom.
What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?
I recommend KTH to those still considering applying, as it is a life-changing opportunity to immerse yourself into an entirely new culture from your comfort zone. The high standard of research and education here at KTH opens the door to a future career for you, whether you want to devote yourself to research, technology, business, or other sectors after graduation. I am sure you will find it one of the best decisions ever made when your journey begins here.