Activism Through Architecture: Adedoyin Oduwole ‘26 B.Arch
Nine Questions with Bachelor of Architecture Student Adedoyin Oduwole
“I want to use architecture as a tool for social change and create housing units where low-income individuals can live in dignity and safety and have a sense of belonging.”
Adedoyin Oduwole dreams of addressing homelessness in her home country, Nigeria, through architecture. Hear how she knows CAPLA is the program that can make that a reality.
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study architecture?
The University of Arizona community feels like my home away from home. When I decided to apply to the U of A, I was drawn to the distinctive diversity within the community, which resonated with the familiar yet unique atmosphere of my home. The university’s spirited atmosphere was a factor that appealed to me, as it seemed to forge a strong sense of unity among the students. Additionally, the NAAB accreditation of the architecture school is crucial for fulfilling my aspirations of becoming a licensed architect.
What has been your biggest challenge outside of CAPLA related to your work or life, and how have you overcome that challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced outside of CAPLA is balancing my academic commitments with my personal and social life. I am part of many university organizations such as WEB and ZonaZoo, as well as academic clubs like WIAS, AIAS and CAPLA Ambassadors. Often, I feel like there is not enough time in a day, and it is difficult to juggle hanging out with friends with my club obligations. However, I started to implement strict time management strategies and organizational skills to overcome this challenge. I now have an agenda, both physical and digital, that helps organize my days, so I see firsthand what my commitments are and what I can say yes to. Similarly, I learned to say “no” when additional commitments do not align with my schedule. Taking control of my time and prioritizing how I want to spend that time has helped balance my schedule and improve my health and focus on education.
If you have a particular focus or research/interest area in your degree, what is it, and what most excites you about that focus/research/interest area?
Currently, my focus in architecture lies in residential designs. I love the connections you can make with the client and the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, while still infusing my own creative abilities and design views. This area especially excites me because of the prevalence of homelessness throughout America and my own home country. Growing up, I saw countless people living on the streets due to a variety of issues from the cost of housing to the cost of living. My main goal is to make an impact on my community, and I saw architecture as my chance to do so. Ultimately, I hope to go back home and reduce the issue of homelessness with planning and execution of housing solutions. I want to use architecture as a tool for social change and create housing units where low-income individuals can live in dignity and safety and have a sense of belonging.
What do you like best about your degree program and College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture?
The best part of the architecture program in CAPLA is the community. In CAPLA, my cohort is like a tight knit family, where everyone feels welcome and comfortable around each other. The professors also become familiar faces as they teach various classes throughout the five years. I love the studio environment as it allows for students to know their professor and get one-on-one feedback on their projects. Studio also allows for creative ideas to flow as students can bounce ideas off each other and get help. In addition, CAPLA is a hands-on learning experience, as we have site visits and physical model making opportunities. The classes inside the architecture program enhance the experience, turning theoretical ideas into real life. Instead of seeing pictures on the structural components of a building, we are tasked with creating a scaled version of a structural building and creating an accurate life-sized version of it through software. We also learn woodwork, metalwork and concrete work through real-life experience in classes. CAPLA promotes professional and personal development through various opportunities to interact and learn from professionals around the world.
What has been your biggest challenge at CAPLA or the UA, and how have you overcome that challenge?
One of my biggest challenges at CAPLA was overcoming my fear of failure. When I first enrolled in CAPLA, I was scared about my lack of experience in sketching, drawing and using different design softwares. This was heightened by seeing the work of my peers and thinking that maybe I don’t belong here. However, I realized that the mastery of these skills were not necessary to succeed. The most important thing was to approach these tasks with an open mind and a readiness to learn and fail. There have been countless moments where I felt frustrated trying to perfect my drawing skills, but I had to learn that perfection is overrated. It was through consistent practice, peer assistance and tutorials that I gradually got better and began to feel more confident in my technical abilities. Architecture demands patience; it's a journey where proficiency develops over time, not instantaneously. Some days will bring clarity and understanding, while others leave me feeling perplexed. Yet, I learned to accept it as part of the learning process. It is okay to fail because it is more important to learn and grow from mistakes.
What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?
The CAPLA experience revolves around the active participation and involvement of its community members. Within CAPLA, there is a combination of diverse perspectives and backgrounds that contribute to a dynamic and encouraging environment. CAPLA actively works to foster a wide range of scholarly and cultural diversity. In doing so, CAPLA aims to provide a comprehensive environment that not only nurtures academic excellence, but also encourages personal growth. The emphasis on community engagement underscores the belief that learning extends beyond the individual, fostering an interconnected and collaborative community that enhances the overall educational experience within CAPLA.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations revolve around the goal of becoming a licensed architect, complemented by a foundation in real estate and marketing. While I am passionate about my contribution to the development and enhancement of my hometown, I also have a strong desire to travel the world and immerse myself in diverse cultures, architectural styles and urban landscapes. This pursuit is fueled by a deeply rooted curiosity to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the built environment and its intricacies on a global scale. By exposing myself to different architectural insights and experiences, I aim to expand my professional horizon and bring a multifaceted perspective to my future projects. This experience will enable me to integrate a global perspective into my architectural practice while contributing meaningfully to the built environment both at home and abroad.
What do you do in your extracurricular time? What are your hobbies or passions?
I participate in a variety of artistic endeavors, such as painting, ceramics, content creation and photography, which allow me to express emotions uniquely. I also find joy in watching basketball and soccer, drawn to the excitement and skill on display. Beyond sports, I love to explore and immerse myself in new places and cultures to appreciate diversity.
What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students?
In academic pursuits, embracing an open-minded mindset and a genuine eagerness to expand knowledge and skills is crucial for personal growth and adaptability. Building strong connections with classmates and professors creates a supportive environment network that is invaluable for academic and professional success. Also, leveraging educational resources, including facilities and support services, enhances the depth of education. Lastly, active participation in extracurricular activities fosters a deeper sense of community and personal development, allowing for students to cultivate leadership skills and a sense of belonging.
