
Architect Andrea Vargas explores the urban landscape: Insights from studying Urban Agglomerations
In this interview Andrea Vargas tells us how she decided to study Urban Agglomerations to broaden her architectural career.
Andrea, what made you decide to study Urban Agglomerations?
As an architect, I wanted to complement my career by studying a discipline on a larger scale, not only emphasizing on the functionality and design of buildings but understanding the impact and the integration of buildings into the urban fabric. I found that the "Urban Agglomerations" program had the combination I was looking for with an international context and a German know-how. I believe Germany has a lot to offer in terms of urban planning and complex systems, in this case the city as a network.
Were you able to network and meet new professionals in the industry during your Master studies in Urban Agglomerations at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences?
Yes, I did. My peers in the master’s program in Frankfurt, as well as in Malmö during my semester exchange, were international students. This allowed me to network not only in Germany, but all over the world.
What was the biggest advantage for you studying Urban Agglomerations - professionally and/or personally?
One of the biggest advantages was the networking opportunity, as well as the international context of the program. Urban Agglomerations opened my horizons and offered me new perspectives on the interconnection between culture, society and urban planning. The program brought me new and fresh ways of thinking that enhance our new way of living in a globalized and sustainable society.
Do you have any career advice for our future students that you would like to share?
Urban Agglomerations program is the perfect start to your career-integration in Germany. I would advise students who want to continue their career in Germany to step into the labor market as soon as possible as a working student. This will reinforce the cultural and work integration before starting as a professional, while learning various tools, especially the language.
Thank you for the pleasant interview!