How a global exchange opportunity led to a unique design project

Embarking on an international exchange opportunity can be a transformative experience, as demonstrated by Oskar Straatveit. Oskar is a Master of Architecture student at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning who recently spent a semester at Lund University in Sweden and learnt a lot from the experience.

Oskar was drawn to complete his exchange program in Sweden for several reasons. 

"My interest in Lund and the faculty of architecture and design is personal, cultural and academic. My mother has Swedish heritage, my father Norwegian and my godfather is Swedish” he shares.

He also greatly admires Scandinavian architects from the 20th century, including Jørn Utzon who designed the Sydney Opera House, plus Sverre Fehn and Sigurd Lewerentz. Oskar’s love for the Scandinavian approach to architecture greatly inspired him to seek out the opportunity to study in Sweden.

Another motivator for Oskar was the flexible learning style at Lund University, which gives students flexibility on how they can complete their projects.

“It pushed me to seek alternative solutions and ideas to studio briefs, facilitating the exploration of ideas in a practical and academic sense,” he says. 

One of the highlights of Oskar's exchange was his involvement in the ArkRest project, a collaborative initiative to design and build a rest stop along the Cykelleden Skäne recreational bicycle route.

The opportunity came up during an elective unit of study in which he and two other students, Hannah Ambuhm and Oscar Håkansson, were selected to take part in the design.

Beyond learning invaluable construction techniques and having the flexibility to experiment, the most rewarding part of the experience was the unique opportunity to deliver a project from end to end. Through the project, he was able to contribute to each part of the process from the design, to presenting to Skåne municipality, detailing, prefabrication and finally, construction.

“It allowed me to carry out a project through all phases. Making design decisions, managing people to laying concrete footings – something extremely rare for a student to experience," says Oskar.

Reflecting on his experience abroad, Oskar cherished the independence and social aspects that exchange provided. “It prepared me to move out of home, gave me newfound independence and the necessary skills to grow.”

Throughout the semester there was never a dull moment in the bustling university town of Lund as there were always activities, sports and student pubs to keep him entertained. He also made friends from Australia and abroad, giving him plenty of reasons to travel again in the future to visit them.  

"Meeting and working with other international students and Swedish people was immensely rewarding and fun," says Oskar.

When asked for advice for other post-graduate students considering an exchange, Oskar's message was clear: "Do it! Living, studying, travelling, and meeting new lifelong friends – it’s a faultless experience from start to finish” he says. “Be friendly and open to meeting new people, and the experience will become a part of your life you won’t forget."

Hero image: ArkRest.

Images provided by Oskar Straatveit.