#60 Don't just go to the lectures, ENGAGE THEM!
Most architecture schools have some form of lecture series. Yes, the lectures take you away from your precious studio, but they can be very effective and great for you long term if you do it right. Most people go to the lectures, sit there on their phone, and leave not even remembering the speakers name.
If you were smart, you would have already researched who the speaker was, what they have done, where they are from, and how many of their projects could act as a precedent for your current project before they even got there. Then made a list of questions (even if it is just one or two) to ask them after they lecture is over. You would be amazed at some of the answers you will get, and asking the right question could really recieve a useful answer.
Another important thing to know is that the lecturer has to be picked up from the airport and sometimes even driven around for a day or two if they are doing a workshop or seminar. YOU need to find out if you can volunteer for this and be the one who gets to hang out and personally interview all of these great people while playing chauffeur.
I have been able to meet so many influential people in the architecture community from around the world such as Santiago Calatrava, Gordon Gill, and Mike Lin just to name a few. Make sure you are taking the time to ENGAGE the lectures and use them to your full potential.
Oh yeah, and take notes too!! But if you read this blog you know to write down everything, so I don't have to remind you. ;)
