‘I want to be a part of the future of how cities are built’

Imagine a university experience that combines designing the buildings of tomorrow, planning extracurricular activities for students from across Canada and around the world, and immersing yourself in a second language.

For third-year Building Engineering student Rune Carlson, this is everyday life at Concordia.

A Vancouver native, Carlson arrived four years ago and settled into the newly revamped Grey Nuns Residence. After first year, he decided to stay in residence and become a residence assistant.

This year, he was promoted to community facilitator of the Grey Nuns.

Carlson’s approach to residence life is focused on community building.

“A large majority of residents are living away from home for the first time, which is a huge and sometimes daunting change,” Carlson explains.

“This is why we organize group activities in Montreal so that they can get to know the city. We also put an emphasis on connecting residents to the academic and health services that exist on campus.”

Working in the tight-knit Grey Nuns has provided Carlson with a unique perspective for his studies.

“I’m passionate about creating buildings that are conducive to community building whether they be commercial or residential. We’re experiencing a huge shift in how spaces are being designed and it’s exciting to be a part of this.”

Carlson has taken his interest in community integration one step further by, unusually, pursuing a minor outside engineering: French Studies.

“I love languages and living in a French-speaking metropolis was the perfect opportunity to learn a new one. French has allowed me to make new friends and really dive into Quebecois culture.”

With a firm grasp of a new language, a desire to change the way we live and work, and hands-on experience with managing a diverse community, Rune is well placed to be a transformative force when he graduates.

“Whether it’s here in Montreal or elsewhere, I want to be a part of the future of how communities are built and how we interact with them.”
 

Find out more about residence life at Concordia.