We didn’t spend a single minute in the classroom. Instead, we were introduced to the grand history of Saint Paul’s Cathedral while we stood on its very foundation. We were able to view one of the first social housing projects designed for the working class from its neighboring sidewalk. We passed by Baker Street Station to witness the nineteenth century underground station first-hand. We paid a visit to the Victorian High Gothic Church, the place where Andrew Webber spent his childhood and found his initial inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera. We even listened to the tale of Sweeney Todd whilst walking through a gloomy lane towards the Old Cheshire Cheese, Dickens’s favorite pub.Professor Mosette Broderick always said, “Get out and explore the city! Don’t stay in the library. Even going to a local cinema is far better!” I took his advice to heart, so on both school days and free days, my classmates and I would try our best to make the city our classroom and our amusement park. We would go to markets and parks, enjoy West End Musicals, or attend lectures on public place and observe how British architects debate one another. The most romantic activity for me was taking the train to the beach. We arrived with only a return ticket for later that day—no luggage, no guidebook—then sat on the beach and did nothing but watch the beautiful colors between the sky and ocean.During my time in London I was told, “Since architecture is by definition three-dimensional and site specific, experiencing it first-hand is a must.” After my time there I couldn’t agree more. Now, I always ask myself, how can I best “experience” architecture? What is the best way to appreciate the proportion, the color, the use of material, the relationship between windows and doors? Is it best to wander through them, seeing how the design embraces you, observing how things change from different distances and angles? To see how people behave in spaces, how children roll in the fountains, how people parade along a high street? Or, should I listen to the story behind the architecture: how it was created through talent and revolution and how it was and continues to be restricted and shaped by environment and culture? Although I have not yet found the answers, I am thankful that my time in London has at least lead me to ask the questions. After this summer, I feel that I’m no longer just a tourist but am, in a sense, a citizen of London. I find myself thinking, “Interesting… London faces problems similar to those in Shanghai. It does well in this, but could learn from Shanghai in that…” Perhaps this is how it feels to be an architect? This article was written by Wu Mei. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Wu Mei