Learning, unlearning, and relearning

Learning, unlearning, and relearning

 

Life, to me, has always been about learning, unlearning, and relearning. After completing my Bachelor’s in Construction Technology and Management, I started my journey in the construction field. Somewhere along the way, my curiosity about heritage and old buildings grew stronger, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Architectural Conservation at the University of Edinburgh. That’s where I really began to understand the deeper philosophy behind conservation.

 

Over the past decade, I’ve worked on the construction and conservation of heritage buildings, led workshops, and tried to get children excited about history and heritage. Along the way, I’ve learned conservation from some of the best in the industry, who not only shared their expertise but also inspired me to explore and learn even further. Those experiences, both on-site and with people, eventually nudged me to take the plunge into a second Master’s at SAHC.

 

 

Guimarães, of course, is a gorgeous city — and it’s been about six weeks since this new chapter began. I’ve always been fascinated by how time and nature leave their traces on buildings — the cracks, the decay, the quiet signs of ageing that tell stories of their own. This course is helping me look at those signs more deeply. Slowly, things are starting to make sense, and I hope to learn from what the past has taught — both from my experiences and from those before me — so I can approach my future practice with a clearer understanding.

 

Getting back to academics after years on-site hasn’t been easy. But somehow, lab sessions and assignments have turned strangers into friends. We’re a small group of 18, all equally passionate about heritage, history, and structures — and we’re constantly learning from each other. Different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives make every discussion richer.

 

It had been years since I last sat for an exam, and stepping into that space felt both familiar and new. Rather than nerves, it brought a sense of curiosity and focus — a chance to see how far I’ve come and to appreciate the expertise of those around me. I feel fortunate to be learning from experienced professionals and to keep growing along the way.

 

I’m now looking forward to my dissertation in Padova — and to continue this journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

 

 

 

 

 

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