Matt Roland
Victoria University of Wellington
How did this young man who hails from the mighty far north of New Zealand position his thesis around looking at dilapidated oil rigs off the coast of Azerbaijan? VUW student Matt Roland discusses his thesis with us this week and talks about life after architecture school, how set design, concept artist and designing video game environments are all possible ideas for his career. Read on for more about this extraordinary student whose work is influenced by all sorts of video games and sci-fi films.
Student Architecture Network New Zealand: In 20 words, what is your thesis about?
Mathew Roland: My thesis is about cleaning up polluted areas through the use of hybrid architecture and machinery. I decided to focus on the Caspian Sea after finding pictures of derelict rigs in the area and the effect this had on the environment.
SANNZ: Who is your supervisor and why did you choose to work with him/her?
Mathew: Daniele Abreau e Lima — I chose this stream as I wanted to create a project that aligned with my creative interests. After attending an information session last year I was sure that it would allow me to achieve my goals for a thesis. Daniele has helped greatly with the theory and programming elements required of a thesis so this has paired nicely with my visual focus to keep me on the right track.
SANNZ: When you started your Masters just over a year ago at the start of fourth year, did you think your thesis would take this direction?
Mathew: Last year I was unsure about a specific area of study but I was sure that I wanted to create a graphically-focused thesis that was developed through a productive process. A major turning point happened at the start of this year when I discovered the work of Bryan Cantley and Wes Jones, both of whom have been influential on the project — I wish I had discovered their work sooner.
SANNZ: What are your plans for next year?
Mathew: Hopefully I can find somewhere to work, either in an architectural practice or as a concept artist. I would especially enjoy something within the film industry working on set design for sci-fi films. Or possibly designing video game environments. I will try to fit wherever I can.
SANNZ: Do you feel that architecture school has prepared you for the realities of working in the industry?
Mathew: I think this year has been the closest yet to how it might be working in an office but on the flip-side my work this year is pretty unfeasible for practice, architecturally. I think working in the industry will be a huge reality check.
SANNZ: Do you work while studying/how many hours? How do you find the balance?
Mathew: I don’t have any work outside the school however recently I have been tutoring a 3rd year design paper with 2 studios per week, each about 3 hours. There is still plenty of time in the day (and night) to work on my project, especially when everything is in the same building.
SANNZ: What music or artist has helped you get through architecture school?
Mathew: I have had a new favourite artist each year, in chronological order: Incubus, Mastodon, Dog Fashion Disco, Dillinger Escape Plan and Vektor. I listen to a wide variety of music but for me nothing can beat the energy of a good thrash metal song — something that has helped me through those massive A2/A1 drawings where it almost seems like an eternity till it’s done.
SANNZ: Where are you from? What’s your opinion of the architecture or built environment there?
Mathew: I’m from Whangarei, the small village above Auckland that most people tend to drive around. Doing so seems fair enough as there is next to nothing going on however I still feel connected to the place somewhat. Recently there have been a few developments in the central city area of the town, my favourite is a hook shaped drawbridge crossing the Hatea River, the Te Matau a Pohe. After returning to the city from uni I was surprised and happy that something so cool was built in Whangarei.
SANNZ: What keeps you occupied outside of study?
Mathew: I like to occupy my time playing various video games, recent favourites include Total War: Warhammer and Monster Hunter Generations. When I’m not gaming I chill out by watching movies or YouTube. I also draw things that aren’t my project from time to time as I have always found it relaxing.
SANNZ: What do you enjoy most about architecture school? Or, what will you miss the most about architecture school when you leave?
Mathew: I really enjoy working alongside everyone here and being around for the development of their projects. I’m going to miss being close to amazing work all day and the inspiration this gives.
