Christen Kruger
Victoria University of Wellington
Show Us Your Thesis this week features a young man who hails from the heart of the Rangitikei. Victoria University of Wellington student Christen Kruger’s thesis takes him on a politically charged investigation of the nuclear fallout of the Fukushima Power Plant after the 2011 Japan Earthquake — not bad for a lad from the humble town of Marton. Read on to find out what two architects CK would invite around for dinner…
Student Architecture Network New Zealand: In 20 words, what is your thesis about?
Christen Kruger: Specifically I am looking the the 2011 Earthquake that struck Japan causing the Fukushima Power Plant to explode causing nuclear fallout in the area. Investigating how architecture can strategically respond to devastating, long-term environmental and social crises where the built and natural landscape has become uninhabitable.
SANNZ: Who is your supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?
Christen: The king of bringing attitude… Daniel K. Brown (check his Tumblr). Initially I was not returning this year, but a change of heart also meant a change of direction in what I wanted from my thesis. I heard all this stream does is ‘graphic work’ so I was in. Jokes aside, Dan is qualified to handle my BS.
SANNZ: When you started your Master’s, at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?
Christen: I had some ideas I would like it to go this way, but the pressures of 4th year got me so opted to keep it safe by looking at developing virtual realities within the architectural discourse. Seeing the ‘real world’ brought me back so I decided to grow a pair and do something unconventional, and hopefully great for my visual portfolio.
SANNZ: What are your plans for next year?
Christen: I’m not too sure yet, I’ll likely go and do something completely different from any of this to regain some sanity. Maybe I will go travel the world, but that all sounds to nice so I’ll likely become a CAD monkey for some prominent firm.
SANNZ: Do you feel that architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?
Christen: If you are referring to being able to keep yourself alive on minimal sleep towards deadlines then sure, otherwise the big wide world is a very different place so I don’t think anybody could prepare you for that.
SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?
Christen: Yep, I work as a freelance designer for anything from graphic design to web design/development. Usually around 10 hours per week but up to 30 hours when deadlines loom (shhh, against school policy!). No balance just deal with it… or die.”
SANNZ: What music or artist has helped you get through architecture school?
Christen: I listen to quite a range of music… “Yeezus” is high up there, other than that I find mixes that little artists on YouTube make are awesome as they are good for playing in the background. It avoids me getting too involved in or distracted by the music.
SANNZ: So what track or album do you find on repeat just before a deadline?
Christen: I actually don’t listen to music as such, when deadlines loom I listen to a 10 hour rain/thunder train to really sooth the mind and focus in. Definitely recommend it if you haven’t tried it before.
SANNZ: What coffee has fuelled your degree and where do you usually buy it from?
Christen: 100% the Lord’s nectar. Raglan everyday, twice a day. Beautiful blend.
SANNZ: Where are you from? What’s your opinion of the architecture or built environment there?
Christen: The humble town of Marton, hub of the Rangitikei I’ll have you know. Well everything is small, old and a little in despair apart from the New World… Good place. Most of the buildings are built around 1920 and to be fair gives the place a nice homely feel which is refreshing compared to the city. A+ would recommend visiting, very very briefly.
SANNZ: What keeps you occupied outside of study?
Christen: I’m currently building a business that is going to help students a lot. Keep posted for ‘Atticspace’, a shameless plug but deal with it. Amongst that, exploring the environment with my girlfriend is a must whenever possible. Seriously it’s a must… she gets cranky otherwise. Finishing ‘Lost’ in a couple of months was quite the mission, now all I need to know is what ever happened to the [*spoiler*] two diamond smugglers buried alive…?
SANNZ: If you could invite two architects to dinner with you, who would they be and why?
Christen: Frank Gehry + Bjarke Ingels. Can you imagine the chat!? Pure gold.
Ingels: “I believe that architecture, as anything else in life, is evolutionary. Ideas evolve; they don’t come from outer space and crash into the drawing board.”
Gehry: “ I believe 98% of what gets designed and built today is pure s**t…”
Ingels: “…..”
SANNZ: What do you enjoy most about architecture school? Or, what will you miss the most about architecture school when you leave?
Christen: Having resources for nearly whatever you need is awesome, with the ability to pop down and laser cut or 3D print, etc. is fantastic. I will miss the people, all the awesome people you meet at university. Lots of them serve as inspiration.
