Studying architecture as an exchange student in Liechtenstein has given me the chance to experience a whole new approach to studio work, one that feels both challenging and eye-opening. Back in Georgia, studio culture is structured differently: students are divided into small groups, each led by a different professor, and we all work on the same project theme. We meet with our professors about three times a week for table talks, which gives us frequent feedback and keeps us on track. This rhythm of constant guidance has always helped me feel secure in my work, knowing that if I face a problem or need advice, there’s someone to help me quickly.
In Liechtenstein, however, studio meetings are much less frequent. We have table talks only once a week, which has been quite a shift for me. I find myself struggling a bit, as I’m used to getting regular feedback to keep progressing. Here, I often feel uncertain after each weekly meeting, not fully confident in my next steps. I’m realizing that this approach requires more independence and self-guidance, which is something I’m working to adapt to.
Another difference is the concept of “pinups.” In Georgia, we don’t have pinups in our studio culture, so when I first encountered one here, I wasn’t quite sure what was expected of me. Should my work be at a final stage, or is it okay if it’s still rough? How detailed should my drawings and models be? The unspoken expectations were a bit confusing, and I felt some anxiety about meeting the standard. I’ve since learned that pinups are meant to be a stage for sharing progress with the whole class, which is actually helpful for gathering more feedback. But adjusting to this format took time and brought some initial challenges.
Finally, presentations here have their own nuances. Although we do presentations in Georgia as well, I found that the expectations in Liechtenstein are slightly different. In Georgia, we usually focus on communicating the core idea and leave room for discussion with our professors. Here, presentations seem to be a bit more formal, with a clearer structure and more emphasis on showcasing polished, thought-out visuals.
Overall, these differences in studio culture have been both challenging and rewarding. They’ve highlighted how different educational systems value certain skills—whether it’s independence, attention to detail, or the ability to communicate progress clearly. While I sometimes miss the more frequent guidance I was used to in Georgia, I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow more confident in my ability to self-direct my work and adapt to new expectations. This experience has taught me that there’s always room to expand my approach to design, no matter where I am.