Have you encountered many differences between German and Dutch universities? Each month we ask a member of the TU’s foreign legion to share their thoughts with us. This week we meet, Nina Rickert (24), from Germany, an undergraduate architecture student.
Prior to enrolling at TU Delft, Nina studied at TU Cottbus, in Brandenberg, and at the Ecole d’ Architechure de Lyon.
Why did you choose TU Delft? The TU has a good reputation in Germany, so I came as an exchange student and decided to study here permanently. In Germany, architecture is not as experimental as in Holland, where they build simpler and cheaper but more dynamically, so I wanted to study here. Dutch buildings aren’t always of the finest quality, but they’re usually interesting, which I appreciate
In Germany, you choose subjects individually and make your own timetable. Here, it’s more like high school; you get a package of courses to follow. But at the TU you have greater freedom in design than in Germany. If your design is vaguely logical, it’s okay, which is really positive and creative. German professors are more critical though, and that’s good, because criticism helps you reach a higher, more complex level.
And in France? The courses were more theoretical and they offered more philosophy courses. Architecturally, the French keep really close to the urban scale; they’re great at designing open urban spaces but not as good at detailing and constructing buildings.
Who do you admire in your field? The Dutch architect, Wiel Arets, has done some interesting work, like the Academy of Art, in Maastricht.
What’s mankind’s greatest challenge in the 21st century? To take a step back sometimes and reflect on the implications of what we’ve done, invented, created, are inventing and creating. Progress for progress’s sake is not necessarily what’s best for us or the environment.
What qualities do you like in a man? I like men who can accept women as their equals, as they do in Holland and Germany. When I lived in France, though, I noticed that French men still try to keep women in certain roles and positions.
What causes you the most anxiety? I sometimes worry that I’m not working fast enough or efficiently enough, not getting enough done. And this feeling comes from inside me; my parents never put this feeling of pressure to succeed on me. I’m aware that that’s how people burn out and that I must learn to be content sometimes.
What is your favorite place in Delft? The Old Church. I can see it from my window, that tower that looks like it’s slowly falling. I pass it on my bike every day, it’s always there, a very comforting landmark. And I no longer have a watch, so it even keeps time for me.
Each month we ask a member of the TU’s foreign legion to share their thoughts with us. This week we meet, Nina Rickert (24), from Germany, an undergraduate architecture student. Prior to enrolling at TU Delft, Nina studied at TU Cottbus, in Brandenberg, and at the Ecole d’ Architechure de Lyon.
Why did you choose TU Delft? The TU has a good reputation in Germany, so I came as an exchange student and decided to study here permanently. In Germany, architecture is not as experimental as in Holland, where they build simpler and cheaper but more dynamically, so I wanted to study here. Dutch buildings aren’t always of the finest quality, but they’re usually interesting, which I appreciate
In Germany, you choose subjects individually and make your own timetable. Here, it’s more like high school; you get a package of courses to follow. But at the TU you have greater freedom in design than in Germany. If your design is vaguely logical, it’s okay, which is really positive and creative. German professors are more critical though, and that’s good, because criticism helps you reach a higher, more complex level.
And in France? The courses were more theoretical and they offered more philosophy courses. Architecturally, the French keep really close to the urban scale; they’re great at designing open urban spaces but not as good at detailing and constructing buildings.
Who do you admire in your field? The Dutch architect, Wiel Arets, has done some interesting work, like the Academy of Art, in Maastricht.
What’s mankind’s greatest challenge in the 21st century? To take a step back sometimes and reflect on the implications of what we’ve done, invented, created, are inventing and creating. Progress for progress’s sake is not necessarily what’s best for us or the environment.
What qualities do you like in a man? I like men who can accept women as their equals, as they do in Holland and Germany. When I lived in France, though, I noticed that French men still try to keep women in certain roles and positions.
What causes you the most anxiety? I sometimes worry that I’m not working fast enough or efficiently enough, not getting enough done. And this feeling comes from inside me; my parents never put this feeling of pressure to succeed on me. I’m aware that that’s how people burn out and that I must learn to be content sometimes.
What is your favorite place in Delft? The Old Church. I can see it from my window, that tower that looks like it’s slowly falling. I pass it on my bike every day, it’s always there, a very comforting landmark. And I no longer have a watch, so it even keeps time for me.
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