Tanvi Sanghvi, of Butler, N.J., will receive her bachelor of architecture degree in December from the School of Architecture. Sanghvi studied in the Florence Program and received a Piranesi Award. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Recently, she was selected by the School of Architecture to receive a $1,000 scholarship in the name of School of Architecture alumnus David Rockwell ’79 from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter.
Tanvi Sanghvi
Why did you decide to come to Syracuse University? What do you like about the school?
Though the School of Architecture’s prestigious reputation was important to me, I was drawn to Syracuse University because of its overall campus atmosphere. There are always opportunities and events to get more involved on campus and in the larger community. The study abroad program was a significant factor for me too. With campuses in Florence and London, I knew from the beginning that studying abroad would be integrated into the architecture curriculum and would allow me to achieve a hands-on experience. The challenging architecture program incorporates both hand drafting and computer skills, a unique aspect. Syracuse University has enabled me to have a well-rounded college experience.
Why did you decide on architecture as a profession?
My first encounter with architecture was at the impressionable age of 5, when I curiously followed my aunt and uncle around their firm. My uncle and aunt, who are both architects, became my mentors as I progressively grew more interested in the profession of architecture. Having had the opportunity to travel from a young age, I was also influenced by the tremendous range of architectural styles based on location and culture. My artistic inclination combined with a curiosity about buildings made architecture a natural choice for me.
You’re a member of the Renee Crown Honors Program. Tell us about your capstone project.
My capstone project aligns very closely with my final year thesis. Even though I started my capstone research in the city of Jaipur in India with a focus on contemporizing the tourism industry, my capstone has evolved into a project that critically re-evaluates contemporary architecture in a historic context. I use Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, as a historical precedent for having conceptual, political and social thickness. Currently titled “Sponge Logics,” my capstone uses the precedent and proposes a cultural center that reflects the contemporary political and cultural values of the city of Jaipur.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
Besides being a student ambassador for the School of Architecture and a hearing panel member for the Student Standards Committee, I am involved in tutoring local high school students. I have been tutoring math for the last six years. I work with Say Yes to Education for SAT prep and help teachers in the Syracuse City School District. Additionally, I am also helping out for an upcoming exhibition for the School of Architecture.
What do you plan to do once you graduate in December?
Once I graduate in December, I will be taking three weeks to travel. After that, I hope to begin working as a junior designer. For the next two years, I will be focusing on obtaining my architectural license, which will allow me to assume more responsibilities and grow as a professional.
