MArch Advanced Architectural DesignSara Luoni
Sara Luoni moved from her home country of Italy to join the University of Strathclyde for her undergraduate studies, marking the first time she had lived away from home. After thoroughly enjoying her time as an undergraduate, she chose to remain at Strathclyde to pursue a Master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design, graduating in 2024.
Following her Masters, Sara explored a range of options for PhD study. Ultimately, she decided to continue her academic journey at Strathclyde, drawn by the opportunity to work with staff she already knew well and within an environment that had come to feel like home after so many years. Here, she shares her student journey.
Why Strathclyde?
Before choosing Strathclyde, I did thorough research to make sure the University was going to be a good fit for me. I was interested in the course contents and ranking, but also in the campus and the city of Glasgow. The architecture course was precisely what I was looking for: a course focused on developing design skills while also focusing on construction techniques and the environment. The course's strong ranking and positive feedback from current students confirmed it was highly regarded both academically and in terms of student experience. Beyond the course itself, I saw how Strathclyde offered a vibrant and multicultural campus environment which, paired with Glasgow itself, made it clear this was where I wanted to spend my undergraduate years.
Undergraduate highlights
I really enjoyed the overall approach to architecture, the freedom that the course gives you to explore and experiment with different techniques, materials, and styles. Everything taught during class is easily applicable to the design projects we work on, and this allowed me to understand on a practical level how designing buildings works. I really enjoyed how the scale of the projects increased through the semesters, going from a small structure for just a few people to big and multifunctional buildings.
Student support
The staff have always been excellent: responsive to feedback, approachable, and committed to making our learning experience engaging and interactive. They actively promoted collaboration among students and have also brought professionals and “clients” to work with us, which has been a really invaluable experience to understand how architects work.
University facilities
I have had access to excellent facilities that have been crucial to my development as an architecture student. The workshop, especially in my fourth and fifth year, has really been invaluable for building physical models, something that really helped me understand and develop better my projects, but also experiment with new techniques and materials, in ways that digital work alone wouldn’t have achieved.
The garden studio in the Department was also a central part of my experience at Strathclyde: I spent countless hours there with classmates and friends working on group and individual projects, sharing suggestions and helping each other. This space, paired with the departmental library, which I used to find inspiration and research precedents for my project, was really essential to my learning experience.
Continuing my studies at Strathclyde felt like a natural academic progression, but it was also a deliberate and personal choice. Throughout my undergraduate years, I had a really positive experience. I felt supported by staff, and I was surrounded by a collaborative and welcoming cohort that made me really want to stay at Strathclyde. The initial reasons that led me to Strathclyde also remained unvaried, and I felt that the University provided the ideal environment for me to further develop my skills and knowledge.
Why Strathclyde for PhD study?
This decision was certainly in part due to opportunities. When I started looking for funded opportunities for PhDs, Strathclyde wasn’t the only option I considered, but it was certainly the one that ended up working for me. I found a position that allowed me to expand on a topic I was passionate about, in a department I was already familiar with, and with staff I already knew and enjoyed working with.
Favourite aspect
My favourite part about studying at Strathclyde has been how much I've grown beyond just academics. Getting involved in societies introduced me to people and interests I never would've discovered otherwise, and living in Glasgow, with its constant buzz of events, culture, and things to do, meant I was never bored.
Another thing I really appreciated was the guest lectures from a wide range of architects from Glasgow and from around the world, which really opened my eyes to different approaches to design. But honestly, what's made it all worthwhile are the friendships I've built: people who've challenged me, supported me, and made the whole experience memorable.
Looking to the future
I’m currently doing a PhD, so my focus now is on developing my research and contributing new knowledge to the field. Strathclyde was crucial in shaping this path as the architecture course really gave me freedom to explore different themes, which is how I discovered my passion for research and for the topic I’m currently exploring.
Strathclyde was also crucial in teaching me how to think critically, communicate ideas, and understand how architecture can shape people's lives way more than I would have initially thought.
Final thoughts
I would absolutely recommend Strathclyde. I have really enjoyed my time here. The architecture course is excellent and flexible enough to allow you to develop your own interests. The staff are supportive and pushes for a collaborative studio culture that really pushes you to improve. Glasgow is also a lovely city to be a student in, thanks to its history and multiculturalism.
Looking back now as a PhD student, I'm struck by how much Strathclyde prepared me not just with technical skills, but with the confidence and curiosity to pursue research. The freedom to explore and the supportive environment made all the difference.