BY PELİN SU UZUNCAGİL (AMER/II)
An instructor of the Department of Architecture, Glenn Terry Kukkola completed his master’s degree at the University of Toronto in 2006 and worked in different architectural companies in Canada for many years. After coming to Turkey, he worked at Çankaya University as well as Bilkent University. Working on functionality, context and discourse in architecture, Kukkola’s areas of interest include sustainable environmental systems and design management. Kukkola, who is interested in astronomy and music, also plays guitar. At Bilkent he is currently teaching Architectural Building Systems (ARCH251), Architectural Lighting and Acoustics (ARCH341), Architectural Design Studio V, IV (ARCH302-401), Construction and Materials (ARCH252) and Environmental Technology (ARCH342)
Why did you choose an academic career?
That’s an interesting question. When I was practicing architecture, I wasn’t interested in teaching. However, I had to train everyone who came to work at the office. I realized their skills, knowledge and ability to apply knowledge to architecture were very weak. I was always complaining and saying, “If I ever taught architecture, I would teach in a way that allows students to understand how to generate design, how to integrate built technology into design and how to do things properly.” But, you have to be careful what you say, because that’s what I’m doing now. When I came to Turkey, this department was looking for somebody to teach courses that nobody else wanted to teach. One was Materials and Construction and the other was Architectural Building Systems. These were within my skill set when I was working, and I knew I could teach them. I happened to come at a time when they needed somebody like me. That’s how I ended up teaching.
Why/how did you choose Bilkent? What do you like the most about being at Bilkent?
I had options at other universities, but Bilkent was looking for someone like me. Bilkent also has the reputation of being a top school, one of the best private schools in Turkey.
What projects are you working on currently?
I do not work in Turkey because I do not have citizenship; I cannot register as an architect. Instead, I am working with students on their projects. One of them is basically a smart house: an environmental system design house that is energy efficient, environmentally friendly and even material efficient.
What’s your best work?
I could describe one of my former projects, but the thing about architectural projects is that when you do something, the satisfaction period is short. You build it, you go to the opening, but there is no long-term satisfaction in that sense and therefore it is difficult to say that one is my best. I would have to shift from looking at architecture as an occupation; by seeing it as a teaching job, my best work would be my students’ success.
What excites you about your work? What’s the coolest thing about your work?
The coolest part about this work is when you see students who develop their skills, when they go beyond what they think they can do. Beginning at the studio I usually say, “This is going to end badly.” At the end of the studio, after the process, students learn and acquire experiences. In this I feel pride, surprise, satisfaction…that’s what makes my job exciting. The worst part of this job is dealing with students who don’t understand what education means or the amount of work they should put in. They see education as just handing over information. They don’t understand that the more effort they put in, the more they will be educated. It is difficult to educate those who do not give themselves to the process of education.
Could you share a turning point or defining moment in your career?
My other two jobs were extremely stressful, especially the last one because I had to deal with people. The turning point of my career was when I shifted to teaching. I realized that I am really very good at it; I did not even feel like there was a transition. That does not typically happen. Usually when you start a new career there is a learning process. But not for me. I felt like this was almost meant to happen.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?
The most exciting moments of my career are when students tell me that they are accepted into very prestigious universities and programs, when they get into Ivy League schools or European schools that are very difficult to get into. That’s when it feels like it is all worth it. When students go on to succeed in these programs it makes me happy. But I have had many of these moments.
What’s one piece of information from your field that you think everyone should know?
Everything. In my field, it is important to understand that design is not a graphic or visual thing. Even in designing a chair, a great deal of information and parameters are needed. Architecture is a very complex process, it is visual, spatial, environmental, experiential and technological. Architects should think beyond and should not see architecture as something abstract. Architecture is an extremely tangible thing. It is part of our fabric of existence. It demands that we accommodate and integrate as much as possible to benefit the people who use it.
When and where do you do your best thinking?
Late at night when there are no distractions in my home office. Also, when I do my research. Whether you are an architect or an educator, you should read and research constantly. When I read things, I start to think. I start to ask questions. I am skeptical, so when I read about something I continue to research it. My biggest discovery is that even in terms of academia, things are not objective enough. Someone might declare that something can’t be done, but when you do a lot of research you might see that it is possible. It’s ironic that academics who do a lot of narrowed research often do not do enough broad research. They want to dismiss ideas immediately. I also do some of my best thinking when I follow a certain line of investigation. We should always be doing that.
What distracts you?
That’s a weird question. Well, noise does not distract me. In fact, I thrive in noisy environments. Sometimes I am distracted by the students themselves, when they are not doing their work. There are three distractions that bother me the most when I teach: First, when students constantly look at their cell phones. It means they are not engaging with the learning process. Second, when they do very little work and then sit and chat. Third, when students do not arrive on time to lectures. This is particularly disrespectful. I am able to focus on one thing, and I care, and it seems some students do not. These are not just distractions for me but for other students as well. But when I am in an office, for example, nothing can distract me because I am too focused.
What are you most curious about?
I am curious about everything. Astronomy, aerospace technology, space explorations, material science. Everything from planetary science to biology. Everyone should have a broad knowledge of everything. I like a very wide range of music, from classical to jazz. Good music is good and bad music is just bad. You should find many things interesting. When you walk into a building you should ask all kinds of questions, like “Is the material good? Is it done nicely?” Often students do not have this natural curiosity, but as an architecture student, one must observe, research and be curious.
What’s the most common misconception about your work?
This is something I debate about with other disciplines. The misconception is around what architecture is. Students come into the program thinking that it is a visual or graphic art. It is not pure engineering, but also not pure art. Architecture is a discipline that we call the mother of arts. It engages everything from science to technology, from human psychology to aesthetics. The design process of architecture is very complex and very different from engineering or art. To accomplish it requires special way of thinking.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like working. I spend a lot of time reading and researching. I watch everything, from engineering to technology. I consume documentaries. I am also a musician. I play guitar and write songs. I play acoustic, electric and bass guitar. I do astronomy. I have a telescope. I look at the stars. My hobbies are diverse. For example, if something is broken, I spend time fixing it.
Which books have influenced you the most, and why?
Textbooks on architecture by Kenneth Frampton and Christian Nuremburg Schulz were very informative in my early years of studying, as well as Kevin Leech in terms of urban planning. These core books help you understand urban planning, how to build a designing complex and architecture in general. In terms of literature, there isn’t necessarily one book. I’d have to give you a huge list. From a scientific point view, I’d say some science fiction writers like Arthur Clarke and his 2001: A Space Odyssey. This book has the essence of understanding one’s place in the universe. If you ask me what is informative to human character, I’d say holy texts and that they should be read and understood.
If you weren’t an academician, what career would you choose?
I’d choose a career which is less stressful than architecture or teaching architecture. I occasionally joke with my students about opening my own furniture shop, with my own designs and materials. It is a calming job to design with your hands. In the end, my career should be meaningful for me. It should contribute to humans’ well-being and development. Even if it is meaningful, it is difficult if can’t see your work’s outcome.
What’s the secret to leading a happy life?
To find value in your work and to find other values outside of your work. Life is not just work. People should not forget to live by trying to make a living. There must be balance. Hobbies and human interaction are important in this sense.
If you could go back to your undergraduate/graduate student years, what advice would you give to your younger-self?
I wouldn’t change anything. I’d tell my younger self, “Just keep going with what you’re doing. If your professor is dead wrong, tell him that he/she is dead wrong but make sure you have done your reading” (which I did). The advice I’d give to freshman students is to learn time management and how to focus on themselves. The truth is that my younger self would not listen to whatever I’d say to him now.
