Clement Luk Laurencio, Architectural Designer and External Design Critic
Clement Luk Laurencio
Nations 2013
Architectural Designer and External Design Critic
France
Learn more about me:
After my time at Campus des Nations, I went abroad to the UK for my architectural education, and the US to work at architectural firms. After seven years, I returned back to France just before the borders closed due to the pandemic.
I’m lucky to be able to work from home. I took up a position as an External Design Critic for my Undergraduate Studio Unit at my old university, and, when invited, I sit on architecture juries for undergraduate and master studios around the UK and the US. When I’m not on Zoom, I’m usually working on my architectural drawing practice.
I still have memories of my first day at Nations, which was in 2005, the year when the building had just newly opened. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I experienced the Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program and the International Baccalaureate in that one building!
My fondest Ecolint memories were from the yearly Kermess celebrations! It was a great feeling to see friends, family, students and teachers enjoy the summertime with food and culture from all over the world. Much of that friendly atmosphere could always be felt around the school, not only in the summer but throughout the entire year.
The Ecolint experience teaches one to be open-minded, to approach matters in an interdisciplinary manner and to communicate one’s thoughts clearly. These qualities, which are fundamental to anyone, were particularly relevant to me in the architectural field. While we use our drawings to communicate our designs, as architects, we must also consider the environmental context, anticipate movements and experiences of users, or even respond to the socio-cultural impact that our buildings could have. Luckily, the Ecolint experience prepared me for this!
I’m not sure I would do anything differently! I say this because I remember having such a fulfilling time during my Ecolint days, and in many ways, it has shaped me into who I am now. Every year was filled with new experiences, both academically and socially, and Ecolint gave you the time to cultivate both dimensions. One of Campus des Nations’ strengths is that the building and its facilities were large enough to accommodate everyone’s activities, while small enough to cultivate a strong sense of community. This is what made the experience all the more memorable.
My words of wisdom for Ecolint students: perhaps I would encourage them to nurture their talents and to pursue something which fulfils them. The Ecolint experience is excellent at offering an interdisciplinary approach to education, which means that any path one chooses to take, they will be prepared for it. For me, drawing was my passion, and I was fortunate that through the Personal Project, the Extended Essay and the Art program, I could explore drawing in relation to architecture in a critical manner. Eventually, this passion turned into my career!
I update my Instagram page with ongoing works and news, while my website may offer better accessibility to my drawings. On either, you can find old drawings, works in progress, texts and conversations about architecture and my architectural drawing practice. If anyone is interested in pursuing architecture, feel free to drop me an email!