“When I was in the faculty, the professors always in their classes, showed slides with the buildings and the great artistic and architectural works that are in Barcelona, for them it was a world reference of architecture. This made me feel admiration and awoke my curiosity for a day to get to know it. While the professors were teaching, showing us all the wonders that are here, I used to think how great it would be to live and study in Barcelona, although at that time it was only a dream. That’s how Rubén Fernández began to mature the idea of moving from his hometown, La Paz, Bolivia, to the Catalan capital, to study for a master’s degree.
“Over time I got into the world of parametric architecture and started looking at things online. That’s how I discovered that a university was offering a master’s degree in ‘Parametric Design’. When these two ingredients came together: Barcelona and Parametric Architecture, I said to myself, “I have to go there and here I am.” Fernandez pointed out; who at the same time said, he was delighted with his decision since studying in Barcelona is how he had imagined it: “great”.
- Explain to us a little what is parametry in architecture?
Parameterization, although it seems like a ‘new term’ is not. We have always used parameters to design. The point is that now, thanks to technology, we can manipulate them with greater precision and at any stage of the project to achieve optimum results. In this way, we are more efficient and if design issues arise they can be corrected no matter how advanced you are in the project; and best of all, without having to start from scratch again.
- Then this presents a great advantage.
Before, for any mistake that was made in the design, you practically had to throw your work away and start all over again. With all that implies. Now, thanks to the appropriate tools, we can modify, rectify or introduce new parameters at any time of the project and these are adapted without any inconvenience to the final work.
- Do you spend a lot of hours on the master’s degree?
Yes. From the first days we had a lot of work and I was surprised, but we got used to it quickly. It’s funny because I have other friends from different masters and on weekends they always went to the beach or planned outings. Instead, my classmates and I had to stay and study in the residence.
- Why did you choose Unihabit to live in?
The truth is that where I live, my job is a little far from home and that’s exhausting. I didn’t want more of the same. So, the first thing I did was to find a place that was close to the university, to avoid wasting time on travel. That’s when I found the dorm and I thought it was great because it was on the same campus.
- How was your adaptation to the residence?
It was quite fast, from the first day I felt very comfortable. The study atmosphere and the tranquility left me pleasantly surprised.
- Are you missing something from your house?
I’m so comfortable here, that this stage has not yet reached me, if we talk about ‘home’, as the physical home. Here I find all the comforts, in fact, the rooms seem perfect for living and studying, everything is within reach and in one place.
- Tell us about your hobbies
Music and movies are what I like the most.
- Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play the guitar and it helps me get rid of the stress. When I’m busy or overworked I play the guitar and it helps me relax.
- Do you like reading?
I’m not a reading enthusiast, but that doesn’t stop me from being interested in literature. The “audio books” are my method to discover the different works, since I am not a reader. For example, the architect’s job is to draw and I can do that which is mechanical and at the same time be listening to a good book.
- What’s your favorite sentence?
It’s a sentence that my great-aunt used to say. “Let the duck or the chicken come out, whatever comes in.” Meaning that we should face with courage what life will bring us.
- Do you usually cook in the residence?
At first I started cooking, but we have more and more work. So, lately I’ve been eating out, but this way you spend a lot of money. I have to give myself time to cook again.
- If you could go to dinner with some historical character, who would you do it with?
With George Harrison, guitarist of the Beatles. I always found the character very interesting and the things I would have to say would surely be impressive.
- Would you travel to the past or the future?
I would travel to the past. I’ve always liked history and knowing things from the past. It’s an interest of mine.
- If you were a superhero, which one would you be?
Spider-Man, definitely. I’m fascinated by the idea of being able to swing between buildings.
- What’s the weirdest object in your room?
Some holy cards that a friend from Lebanon brought me this New Year’s Eve. He told me that they are blessed and everything… well yes, that looks very strange (laughs).
- You look delighted to be in the residence
Definitely. I have classmates from the master’s degree who live in the same apartment and it’s more uncomfortable for them to study, because they live with many more people in small spaces. That makes them easily distracted or unable to concentrate because they study different things and the schedules are not always the same. Here, on the other hand, besides having your own space when you see most people working, who are in your same career, that motivates you and it’s easier to focus on studying.
