I've looked at Aalto's works, but I did not feel their tactility and presence; I've learnt architecture, but I did not truly see the impact and responsibilities it embodies.
Kevin carries with him a quasi-religious fervour in the pursuit of architectural education and travel. His vast experience in both fields equips him with a unique lens through which he operates Archimarathon with. As a student, Archimarathon Finland has provided me with a real-world architectural education that is both necessary and fruitful. As a lover of travel, it has yielded many unforgettable conversations and experiences that will resonate with me for a long time to come.
The Finland tour was organised with the cohesion and flow that only comes with experience and countless hours of research. Each method of transport, sequence of buildings, and selection of experiences was curated to encourage a more holistic understanding of both the culture and architecture of Finland. There was a rhythm and craftsmanship to the tour that is akin to an Aalto building, and indeed there is no better way to describe Archimarathon Finland 2022 than to say it was, itself, a work of art.
Sean Liu | Student - RMIT
Archimarathon Finland 2022
I joined Archimarathon Spain and Portugal 2019 as a postgraduate in my final year of study. Within as little as 20 days of being fully immersed in architecture, I had experienced masters works like Mies, ‘starchitects’ like Gehry and local architects like Siza. Experiencing the architecture that would appear in lecture slides was a privilege, to ‘see’ and understand why we study these buildings. The architecture I saw inspired me to continue to think optimistically when I design, because complex sketches are most definitely achievable. Standing in front of/within a building with Kevin’s guidance was without a doubt a valuable education that inspired my work as a student.
Because I know Kevin tediously organises a well curated travel experience that goes in hand with my passion and career in architecture, I then joined Archimarathon Finland and Sweden. This time as a Graduate. I saw more new things, stood in images out of a book, and was reminded of what it is to be an optimistic, responsible architect. This trip taught me that architecture has different desires around the world, and various methods of response to nature, context and construction.
Archimarathon is an immersive and enjoyable way of learning, yet a packed and efficient lesson on architecture, cities, food, culture, and all the perks of travelling. The conversations with a group of people who share the same passion is critical and enlightening. Rushing around cities simply to look at buildings, and running our hands over surfaces produced by architects we admire are moments to cherish and reflect upon. Kevin’s way of sharing his knowledge of architecture makes the tour a memorable and valuable experience for all lovers of architecture.
Julie Pham | Architecture Graduate - Deakin University
Archimarathon Spain+Portugal 2019, Archimarathon Finland 2022
There are certain buildings and spaces that you encounter during your lifetime that enlarge your perception of architecture. They're the important ones, the ones that stay with you. The recent Archimarathon across Finland was full of moments like these.
Experiencing first-hand the Finnish buildings I had admired in books and lectures during university, along with others I had never even heard of, was priceless, especially with Kevin's encyclopaedic knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to teach. Kevin understands what makes a building excellent and loves sharing it with others to help them understand. He has a way of making everyone feel comfortable sharing their thoughts regardless of their level of expertise. His double act with Andrew (Maynard) was informative, curious and amusing.
An experience like this is how you strengthen long-held thoughts on design but also question them; it has given me a new sense of confidence in my design approach and the elements that truly matter for a building to provide an experience for those who encounter it.
The tour ran like a well-oiled machine; Kevin had it planned out to allow us ample time to see multiple buildings each day without ever feeling too rushed.
I loved meeting everyone in our tight little travel group, which included students, graduates and practitioners, some I knew from a long ago misspent youth and others I met on day one. We consistently shared our thoughts about what we had seen daily over the delicious local food and drink, and the discussions were robust, respectful and always fun.
I couldn't recommend Archimarathon more highly. If you have the opportunity, definitely do it.
Todd Henderson | Director - Cumulus Studio
Archimarathon Finland 2022
I first met Kevin Hui many years ago as a student, when I was fortunate enough to have him as a studio leader. Although I didn’t know it at the time, the lessons I learned under his tutelage have proven invaluable to me throughout my career, foremost of which has been the ability to see and read architecture. Archimarathon is a continuation of that learning process, and one that is both inspiring and joyous.
Kevin lives for architecture. He is the most passionate educator I know and his font of knowledge seemingly knows no bounds. His determination to explore and discover what architecture has to offer is a shining example to us all to broaden our understanding of the world and our part in it. The Archimarathon people I met, the buildings we saw, and the discussions we had will live long in my memory. Bring on the next Archimarathon!
Richard Maddock | Associate Partner - Foster + Partners London
Archimarathon Finland 2022
I have followed the travels and teaching of Kevin through Archimarathon for a number of years, so having missed out on a previous trip to China a few years back, I was thrilled to be a part his trip to Finland and Sweden in 2022.
To say that the trip exceeded expectations would be an understatement of epic proportions. The trip was packed with both well known and unknown projects with brilliant surprises on every day. I made a point of pitching up every day having deliberately not reviewed the itinerary in order to enjoy the surprises as they unfolded (which I highly recommend doing).
The trip was incredibly well organised with pin point accuracy on travel times, locations and open times at buildings. It’s a testament to Kevin to mobilise, control and motivate 15 people through two weeks of intensive study and travel. All done with good humour, supreme knowledge of the subject and support for the group.
Having done a lot of travel prior, I personally love the intensity of the trip, the vast array of work we visited and the post visit debate and sharing of thoughts and interests. I feel so lucky to have been part of this amazing trip and would do it again in a heart beat. I would highly recommend doing this trip to anyone who considers themselves passionate about architecture and learning. It’s a trip of a life time and look forward to the next!
Thanks Kevin, massive props to you!
Shaun Lockyer | Director - Shaun Lockyer Architects
Archimarathon Finland 2022
I joined Kevin and the group that went on Archimarathon Finland in 2022. Having spent a lot of time poring over the works of the Aalto’s and considering a trip to see many of their buildings, I jumped on the opportunity to participate in the Archimarathon and am so glad that I did.
Kevin is right in his element in the preparation and execution of the tour. Prior to departure the itinerary is set and drawings of buildings provided so everyone can familiarise themselves with the works. Once on the ground, the masterful curation of the itinerary really comes to light with visits to quintessential must-see buildings and discoveries of some new-found favourites, with Kevin providing insights along the way. The experience goes further than this though, as stops at restaurants, bars, summer cottages and local activities such as saunas provided a well-rounded and rewarding cultural immersion.
Being able to see and experience all of this with like-minded individuals was a real benefit to going on tour as a group, as everyone brought their own understanding of the works and noticed different details which lead to some of the most insightful architectural discussions I’ve been a part of. The great memories and friendships I formed on the trip will stay with me for life, and I hope to be able to participate in another trip in the future!
Thomas Kelly | Architecture Graduate - Deakin University
Archimarathon Finland 2022
I joined Kevin on his Archimarathon: Spain and Portugal tour in 2018. I had an amazing time on the trip with Kevin and my peers Hiren and Tim. I took the opportunity to go on the trip as I am passionate about architecture, and Kevin’s curation of architecture didn’t disappoint. The architecture we saw was incredible, aided by Kevin’s understanding of project specific details, plans and sections allowed for a learning experience like no other. These trips are where Kevin is in his element, his unbelievable knowledge and understanding of architecture is inspiring and I was able to learn so much from him in such a sort amount of time. The trip has given me the confidence to be able to discuss architecture, something I had never felt comfortable doing before. I would definitely recommend Archimarathon to anyone who appreciates architecture, you will learn so much from Kevin, architecture, culture, food and also just some great travelling tips! I have so many great memories from the trip and have made friendships that I will have forever, hopefully I can be apart of another trip in the future.
Nicholas Malcher | Student - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Spain+Portugal 2018
For over two decades I’ve been an advocate seeker of methods for not so much teaching architecture, but for LEARNING architecture: perhaps one of those complex disciplines difficult to teach but easy to learn aided by the right guidance. A lot of you have been my loyal travelling companions in parts of that journey. visiting and embodying the material traces of architectural thought has always been at the core of those methods-buildings and cities (drawings and texts) standing as moving imprints of the economic and socio-political fabric that saw them emerge. Archimarathon promotes and challenges conventional ways of looking at those traces and becomes a natural vehicle for architectural learning. Thank you Kevin Hui for running this vehicle so smoothly with your passion and letting all of us pop in and out of it with a big smile all along. Till the next ride. xxx
Ana Serrano | Architect + Educator (Spain, U.K., Lebanon)
Archimarathon China 2018
I highly recommend Archimarathon to all students of architecture (mainly late 2nd to 5th year or recent graduates) or truly anyone who is keen to understand more and genuinely experience architecture and its potential. I was lucky enough to be a part of the Brisbane Archimarathon in 2018 and it was great to experience a type of architecture I was not too familiar with and the potential reasons why it was the way that it was. Kevin was great in facilitating discussion, analysis and critique along the way within the group, he has an excellent mental library of architecture, culture and history and an open mind to engage with us all and differing levels of understanding. I found the tour to be very different from other study tours I have been on in the past as it felt very relaxed and casual yet there was a serious amount of professionalism in its organisation and how it was ran. Days were structured to make the most of the limited time yet there was always ample time allowed to experience each project in our own time. To me I found Archimarathon to be an excellent balance between a serious study tour and an enjoyable holiday I very much look forward to undertaking more Archimarathons in future, both domestic and overseas. What they helped me understand the most is that architecture is an experiential thing, works cannot be truly understood just by looking at photos or analysis drawings. They must be seen and experienced, learn how to SEE
Angus McKinnon | Student - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Brisbane 2018
I have been to Archimarathon multi-day interstate tour as an international student which provided some extra knowledge on context, culture and people. I wasn’t aware of most of the projects we visited but when we get the itinerary before the tour it encourages me to do some research. The most important thing I see in Archimarathon is discussions & critiques we have on-site & after with Kevin about projects which involve occupants, architects etc which you can’t do when you visit by yourself. Kevin put some extra effort to arrange the right opportunity and people. I always believe you can experience/ learn architecture by travelling so this is a good opportunity for international students to do low-cost travelling and experience serious architecture.
Charith Siriwardana | Student - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Sydney 2018
It was a shame that I made the Brisbane tour my very first insightful architecture appreciation tour, I should have joined the program earlier. I was on the fence for 2 weeks deciding if I should join the Archimarathon Brisbane, as a part of exploration tour for my superstudio project, and I wasn't sure if that would help. It was about the time I got my tax return and then my gut told me "Ahh, why not". Initially, I know nothing about Brisbane, and I have no idea where Kevin would take me, I've just trusted him, and we've gone through architecture with various scale, discussed them at the end of the day. The most important is, I've immersed myself in the architecture, talking to the walls, touching the textures, enjoying the vibrant of the atmosphere. You can never have these sense of space over photographs and words. To me, it wasn't merely a tour of architecture, but also a journey to build up confidence, having a conversation with this guy is way better than you pay for an expensive architecture or NLP course, assume you've had the basic knowledge. If you ask me is it worth, well, you would probably spend more on beer and having conversation with us.
Yik Yang Voon | Student - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Brisbane 2018, Archimarathon China 2018
I was a part of the Archimarathon Spain and Portugal tour, where we visited about 100 projects over the span of 2 weeks. I only knew about 30% of the projects and they ranged from the most iconic to some hidden gems. Kevin curated the whole tour in a way where we were able to get the most of the project at that given time as well as, try and get a sense of the culture through indulging in local cuisines and accommodation. Self-reflection and critiquing is a very important part of Archimarathon, it’s something we participated every night. At the end of it all, I was able to hold my own in a discussion with a local architect and academic about the beautiful country and its architecture, summarises a very successful trip. Traveling and experiencing the architecture is the best way of learning and one surely gets it with Archimarathon. I highly recommend students to give Archimarathon a try as Kevin offers a lot more value for what he charges.
Hiren Chandwani | Archtecture Graduate - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Spain+Portugal 2018
I attended the Brisbane Archimarathon 2018 - being from Melbourne is was such a rewarding exercise to see local (Australian) projects I had not previously known of. Kevin ran an excellent 3-day intensive tour, with such a vast knowledge of both architecture and local culture - a tour I would not have been able to do myself. We were lucky enough to have private tours of award-winning residential projects (thanks to Kevin's connections). These tours are suitable to all keen and engaged architecture students. Excellent value for money considering the behind-the-scenes work Kevin puts into these well-directed, informative, and relevant tours.
Nick Davine | Student - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Brisbane 2018
I was a part of the very first Archimarathon trip outside Melbourne - Archimarathon Sydney. It was a great experience. I could never imagine visiting so many great architecture projects in such a short time on my own. The crucial thing I want to highlight here is that I would have missed some of the most interesting projects if I would have planned on my own for example the Science and Technology Building at UTS which was my favourite project of the trip. Overall it gave us a complete sense of what city's architecture is all about and that too in a minimal timeframe. Kevin is a great mentor and extremely knowledgeable for this kind of expedition, he planned the trip in a great way, every project, its opening times, distance from the last visited project, the time consumed in transportation; everything was done for you accurately. We were given all the drawings beforehand for each project that helped us analyse as we visited that project. I would definitely recommend him to everybody. Architecture trip of this kind is really vital for architecture students and professionals because you experience the space, the structure and its environment in its true sense and not just through Archdaily images. This makes a lot of difference in your perception and sensitivity towards architectural spaces. Until you visit Paddington Reservoir, you can’t guess what you are missing by just relying on the images. At last, I would say keep up the good work Kevin.
Harmanpreet Singh | Architecture Graduate - Deakin University 2018
Archimarathon Sydney 2018