Jorge Arredondo is a second-year MLA student.
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA (b. Zacatecas, Zacatecas, MX)
Education Background: BSLA - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Horticulture/Graphic Design/Art - Santa Ana/Orange Coast College Theology Education - Seton Hall University Degree Program: MLA III
How did you get interested in your field? I have been interested and involved in the arts, from visual art to music from a very young age. My first exposure to a design firm however, happened when I interned for a Landscape Architecture firm during the summer before my junior year in high school. Seeing the range of projects that they worked on impacted me greatly. Realizing that the creation/building of these places was not merely for the sake of the action, but to improve the quality of life of the people that either lived near or would use said projects such as nature trails, parks, schools, roads etc. allowed me to get a glimpse of the potential design can have. This experience remained a point of reference when I left the seminary after nearly four years and it was then that I decided to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture.
What was your background prior to coming to Weitzman School? My previous background includes theology, philosophy and education which were part of my curriculum while in the seminary. I have worked in the medical field as a patient liaison and have experience working in the public and private sector of landscape architecture in which I hold a BSLA from Cal Poly Pomona.
Why did you choose Penn? One of my mentor's and former Principal introduced me to Penn. She shared her experiences as a student here and is an alumna of the MLA program. After having met some of the Staff and the Faculty here as well as the students I realized that there was a special dynamic here unlike any other school. The collaboration between disciplines and the energetic ambience at Penn helped me discern that this was where I wanted to be.
What has been your favorite class so far? Every class is essential to my formation as an innovator and a catalyst for change. I do however enjoy studio and media as they are the courses that challenge my way of thinking and seeing things.
What are you learning right now that will help you in the future? Currently I find myself beginning to understand that design is never repeated, but can be augmented and detailed constantly and indefinitely.
What do you like best about Philadelphia? Philadelphia is easy to get around by bus, train, trolley, walking and riding a bicycle (always wear a helmet) and the food is great.
What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in? I enjoy playing soccer, basketball and volleyball and am currently involved in DiverseDesign.
What are your career ambitions? I am interested in education as well as practicing Design/Landscape Architecture and using its tools to have a deeper social impact. As designers I feel we have the power to make people feel loved through the places we design. Ultimately, the world cannot be made better by simply building it new, we have to change it by changing the heart of man (humanity) and realizing that we are all linked. Collaboration then, is key and being able to have an exchange of ideas and dialogue can open the way to creatively innovate the solutions for better societies and consequently a better world.
You can e-mail Jorge at jarre@design.upenn.edu. Check out his blog here: http://voxlogica.tumblr.com/
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