This blog post explores how those applying to the architecture industry can effectively weave their passion and sense of responsibility into their cover letter.
Growth Process
Since ancient times, humanity has strived to protect its fragile bodies, live together, pioneer harsh and barren environments, establish stable living spaces, and make various efforts for a better life. In the past, when humans lacked proper systems or means to defend themselves from external threats and had to compete for survival with surrounding creatures solely according to the laws of the wild, premature death before reaching natural lifespan was commonplace. However, after humans formed groups, gradually conquered nature, and developed civilization, a foundation was laid not just for the struggle for survival but for pursuing quality and value in life. Building upon this, humanity was able to blossom into dazzling development.
The ‘construction of living environments,’ which has evolved alongside the growth of human civilization, has always been a subject that deeply intrigues me, someone who has maintained a sustained interest in human history and civilization. Modern society is incomparably more highly civilized than the past, yet humans remain beings with fragile bodies. No matter how advanced technology becomes, unexpected accidents or death can still occur, suggesting that the development of civilization is far from complete. In this sense, the ‘establishment of residential systems’ that enabled humans to sustain life and build civilization despite countless dangers in the past struck me as particularly moving and naturally became an object of fascination.
As a child, I found great joy and a sense of accomplishment in building small houses for the dog we kept at home, constructing sandcastles, and completing various assembly-type architectural models. These experiences went beyond simple play, leading to a desire to “build actual functional structures,” and that passion gradually evolved into a more concrete goal. Looking back now, I believe it wasn’t merely a hobby, but rather an instinctive desire to contribute to the system humanity has developed to build the foundation of life.
I believe the system of ‘housing’ that enables human life holds profound meaning, transcending mere physical space to serve as the foundation of civilization and the ground for realizing value. Now, I too wish to contribute to designing and building that system. Laying the foundation for human life—that is the path I wish to pursue.
School Days
During my school years, I took a particular interest in diverse buildings and residential environments. Whenever I moved to a new place, the unfamiliar yet uniquely designed structures or housing forms I encountered there always piqued my curiosity. In those moments, I would naturally become immersed in the space, and I vividly remember staring at them, completely oblivious to the passing time.
Whether visiting distant relatives with my parents or going on school field trips or experiential learning outings, it wasn’t just the joy of seeing new places that drew me in. What truly captured my attention was the way people lived within those spaces, how their lifestyles blended with their residential environments. Villages nestled harmoniously within rich natural landscapes, and the diverse architectural styles unfolding within them, were always subjects of my fascination.
Some spaces seemed to live in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, while others displayed the power of civilization, where man-made structures dominated the natural environment. The appearance of buildings and the philosophy behind them differed wherever people lived, and the joy I felt comparing these differences was a profound fascination for me.
This experience went beyond mere fascination, evolving into a dream: I too wanted to become one of the people shaping that environment. I didn’t choose architecture simply to make my own life more convenient; it was a passion to make the space of ‘dwelling’ – the most fundamental and essential foundation that has sustained human life – more meaningful.
A dwelling is not merely a place to lay one’s body; it is the most fundamental shield protecting human frailty and safeguarding life from nature’s threats, as well as the starting point that enabled the development of civilization. From primitive shelters made of branches and leaves to today’s sophisticated architectural environments infused with cutting-edge technology, architecture has been inextricably linked to human existence.
As a participant in this long journey, I wish to approach architecture by deeply contemplating the lives and values of people beyond simple structures, and their relationship with the surrounding environment. That small interest from my school days, which became the starting point, shaped who I am today. Moving forward, I intend to steadily advance toward the path of a true architect, grounded in that interest and dream.
On Strengths and Weaknesses
I recognize that most of the benefits and environment I enjoy today are the products of past progress and accumulated efforts. Therefore, I live my life with a deep respect and understanding for that history, striving to inherit and carry forward the legacy of the past.
We often take for granted the civilization built upon the toil and achievements of countless people from humanity’s earliest beginnings to the present, revealing the arrogance of modern people who live as if the present moment is all that matters. However, I believe we all bear the responsibility to inherit the wisdom and legacy of the past and open a new future. I believe we must never forget that everything we enjoy today is based on the hard work and dedication of previous generations, and we should always carry a grateful heart.
Without a heart that respects our ancestors and cares for future generations, we risk the folly of recklessly consuming the Earth’s environment or indiscriminately using limited resources, deluding ourselves that our present lives are all that matter. This leads to a life lived without preparing for tomorrow, potentially burdening the next generation with a heavy load.
This way of thinking sometimes faces the counterargument: “Isn’t the present we live in now more important?” Of course, the importance of the present cannot be denied. However, I believe we must understand the present based on the foundations of the past and build the future upon that. Simply prioritizing the present to the point of neglecting the past or clinging to wasteful ways of life is a very dangerous attitude.
For a sustainable life, a respectful attitude toward the past, a responsible approach to the present, and preparation for the future must all function in balanced harmony. While this tendency of mine may sometimes appear overly rigid, I believe it represents a prudent life stance that leads to a better direction in the long run.
Life Philosophy
I respect the history that has carried the legacy of the past to the present, and I strive to live a life preparing for and advancing toward the future. Of course, comparing past examples to today’s reality reveals a gap so vast that understanding modern civilization through the lens of past sensibilities is practically impossible. Yet precisely because of this, I believe we must anticipate the situations future generations will face and assist them as much as possible in preparing. Just as we built today’s environment upon past achievements, the future will also be built upon our efforts today.
No life form in the world can suddenly appear in an evolved form without a beginning or roots. Similarly, the present we live in now is not merely a single point in time; it can be a crucial turning point determining the direction ahead. Therefore, we must always be aware of how much our choices and attitudes in this very moment can transform the future. And based on that awareness, we must adopt the mindset of a wise captain who sets the right course and navigates accordingly.
Our civilization must not remain static in its completed form but must continuously accumulate and evolve toward the future. The world we are building now will one day become the foundation for another future. Within the layered history of humanity thus built, we must live bearing the responsibility as one piece of that whole.
Ultimately, respecting the past and living the present with sincerity is the wisest preparation for the future. Remembering that my actions today may guide someone tomorrow, I aspire to live harmoniously within the flow of time.
Motivation for Applying and Aspirations After Joining
Architecture is not merely about designing and constructing living spaces for people. Since ancient times, humanity has continuously adapted to and overcome its environment through architecture, both to survive and to build civilization. I carry a desire to inherit the spirit and significance of architecture, passed down through this long history, and to contribute to ensuring its meaning continues into the future. I was particularly impressed by your company’s approach, which pursues both innovative design and outstanding functionality through numerous buildings, creating new trends in the industry. This is what motivated me to apply to your company.
Your approach, which goes beyond merely repeating or reproducing past values to actively reflect today’s social demands and people’s new needs, is highly impressive. Beyond simply constructing spaces, I sense the true essence of architecture in your proactive response to the changes demanded by the times and your direction towards enhancing quality of life.
If given the opportunity to work with your company, I will strive to ensure that the spaces people inhabit are not merely physical structures, but become part of civilization over time. Furthermore, I will approach my work with meticulous responsibility and a creative mindset, aiming for the buildings I contribute to be recognized and meaningfully remembered by future generations.
Through architecture, I aspire to serve as a ‘bridge’ connecting the past and the future. My goal is to use the language of architecture to document the values and traces of our era, ensuring they are not lost to time but naturally passed on to the next generation. If my passion and capabilities can contribute to your company’s growth in this process, it would be an immense source of fulfillment.
