Alma Subašić - Heritage keeper
I was introduced to IUS back when I was in high school, and since I had excellent results I received a full scholarship to become an IUS student. Architecture was my choice from the beginning, because it is the best fusion of engineering, history, art and design, which I all love and enjoy very much. Life during my university days was amazing; professors as well as stuff were helpful and kind. The university complex and all its content created wonderful atmosphere for studying, library, arch labs and other helpful content made student life way better; making friends from all over the world, travelling and visiting different countries and sites in Europe were the highlights and memories for a lifetime. Once I graduated, I enrolled in master studies and just a month ago, I defended my thesis.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to attend numerous conferences and workshops, attend an architectural trip to Europe and learn about new cultures, as well as visit different sites in Bosnia. Being a part of IAESTE community, I went to Poland to do a 2 month internship at one architectural studio in Lodz. I also had the opportunity to work as a student demonstrator at IUS which was also very useful and fun to do.
Heritage in architecture is my favorite, so my bachelor work was connected to the intangible heritage, creating a wood craft center in Konjic. Wood carving is an old, but very respected craft and it is also on the UNESCO intangible heritage list.
Since I sing traditional music called sevdah, and from a very young age I've been present at numerous halls with different acoustic parameters, I tried to connect music and architecture by choosing to work on my master thesis: The acoustic principles employed in the design of a festival center in Sarajevo. Sarajevo does not have a center dedicated to its festivals, with over 30 festivals happening during the year, and that was my reasoning behind creating it. I hope my work will be useful to further research and student's future work.
From a very young age, I started singing sevdalinka, a bosnian traditional music, and I simply knew that it would shape my life. I've had many performances, different concerts and festivals dedicated to sevdalinka, 2 albums, many TV and media appearances as well as interviews. But what is most valuable from the whole experience, is the overwhelming feeling you get on stage, and simply doing what you love the most. I was blessed to travel, learn about new cultures, make friends and stay friends with them for a lifetime. Singing sevdah allowed me to become like a sevdah ambassador and perform all over the world, including Europe, USA and Canada, in beautiful and prominent halls. I am very happy that I can do what I love the most, and I hope that I will be able to continue doing it.
Recently, I finished my one year working in Museum of Sarajevo, and it's been a beautiful and very creative experience. As an architect, apart from being interested at planning and designing, I am very much interested in history, world heritage, urbanism and acoustics in architecture and I hope to work in such fields as well in future.
First of all, I would encourage students to only do what their heart tells them, and what they really enjoy to do. In that case, it will be easier to enjoy their work afterwards, and be proud of themselves. Also, I would point out the extra activities, which are absolutely important for student's life, and it eventually becomes who you are. I truly believe that IUS will offer them good education, and they can always upgrade themselves by taking extra steps and do further research and studies. Staying interested and curious is the key.
