Interview
Meet Ali Reza from Pakistan
Name: Ali Reza Dossal
Home Country and City: Pakistan, Karachi
Programme of Study: Masters programme in Sustainable Architecture Production
Personal Interests: Design, illustrations, thinking
Favourite thing about Umeå University: Ease of access and resources
Favourite Swedish word or custom: Precis and Fika
What is your educational and professional background?
I did my bachelor\'s in architecture at the Indus Valley school of Art and Architecture- Karachi, Pakistan. I then worked at one of the leadings firms of Pakistan for over 2 years. I also worked for myself with a friend taking up freelance projects and set up our own office (The Tree House). I felt it was early and I wanted to learn more so came to Sweden to pursue my master\'s.
Why did you choose to enrol in your degree programme at Umeå University?
My friend and classmate from my bachelor\'s programme went to the same programme here and spoke highly of the course and the learning. I learnt that here at the UMA they realize and rethink about architecture and its role in modern day. It encompasses architecture in the realm of sustainability and NOT just green wash.
What do you like most about your programme?
The ability and freedom of doing what we believe in. Also the fact that we have a state of the art, wood workshop opened to our disposal.
What is the most interesting thing you learned in your programme or courses so far?
Every day is a learning process! I cannot think of one thing. Interesting people, lecturers from across Europe and to learn and find the flaws in the new Architecture building is quite a learning exchange.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I am usually in school working till late. At home I watch TV shows, catch up with my long distant relationship and think even more when I can learn the Swedish language.
What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding areas?
I feel there is a lot of potential in this student town. Its growing slowly but there is lots of hope and development that will happen. It’s not crowded like Stockholm and nor is it to empty like a village. I have always enjoyed cycling back home through series of dense forest area within Umea. It has a good scale in terms of accessibility and nature.
What you would say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?
There is no doubt about the quality of education; however it all boils down to finances of the education or scholarships. I believe there are many available grants for other programmes but one should rethink about funding when looking at design schools.
What are your career aspirations?
I would really like to work and gain some experience in my field of study in Sweden. If the time is right I would also love to travel across Europe. More generally Italy and Spain. I am big fan of historic architecture.
