I’ve really developed my abilities in three-dimensional thinking

Xiaochao Chen
Xiaochao Chen
Postgraduate student
Landscape Studies MA
Xiaochao Chen from China chose the University of Sheffield because of the school's good reputation.
Xiaochao Chen

Why did you decide to study landscape architecture at Sheffield?

I chose landscape architecture because I enjoy designing spaces, I hope to transform the city into a better place.

I chose the University of Sheffield because the School of Architecture and Landscape has a good reputation and some of my undergraduate tutors have also visited here.

What have you enjoyed about the course so far and why?

I enjoy workshops which are interspersed in the course, such as paper modelling, abstract model making, and axonometric drawing. I really enjoy these because what we gain from these workshops is the basis of landscape design and expression.

What skills have you gained whilst studying here?

I’ve gained many skills while studying here, but I’ve really developed my abilities in terms of the construction of topography and three-dimensional thinking.

How do you think your degree experience will help you in your career?

I believe that in-depth landscape learning is the foundation of future work. The acquisition of knowledge can help a lot, and the establishment of personal design systems and concepts can do great benefits as well.

Tell us something unexpected you have learnt during your degree

In preparation for my final presentation, I was using English which is not my native language. I needed to spent a lot of time thinking about and refining the focus of my design.

I also tried hard to express more effectively through my drawing layout. The unexpected gain was to improve my ability to summarise and refine.


Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

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