Statement

What could be better than studying architecture in Manchester, a buzzing inspirational modern city with an interesting industrial history, where I cannot wait to explore the famous art galleries and the city landscape? The course structure of MSA appeals to me, especially the emphasis on humanities in the first year, as the relationship between man and nature has always been my inspiration. It is merging history, culture, new ideas and technology, and this fusion would be there in the architecture around me. I am excited by the sustainability element in the second year. My current A2 art project about architecture in the future reflects my interest in sustainability of buildings. It is where I can see my future-self developing ideas of interests and knowledge throughout the next three years.

Earlier this year I visited the Pompidou Centre, Paris, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. The building itself particularly caught my attention due to its contrast between vibrant modernism and the classicism of homogenous Parisian buildings. I like the way the architects have tried to break the rules of traditional building, thought about the future trend of architecture and come up with an inside-out idea, which satisfies both aspects of beauty and function. The contemporary art exhibition inside was fresh and exciting. I loved being surrounded by the fantasy of futuristic art especially the architecture model section, seeing how architects react with past, present and future and mould their ideas into a conceptual sketch and model.

Zaha Hadid is my role model as a successful female architect who has achieved her goals. I recently gave a seminar on her Biomimetic designs, which I particularly admire and believe to be the style of the next era. It is hard to choose a favourite building, they reflect her strong character and are all different, exciting and rule breaking. “I don't think that architecture is only about shelter…. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think” she says. I love her curved designs based on natural forms and use of space and light to create pleasurable, rather than merely utilitarian, buildings.

I would love to visit Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The world’s pollution is increasing proportionally to its population and natural resources are diminishing. This innovative city, built for the purpose of experimenting and inventing ways of sustainable living for the future, combines the work of architects with the newest technology, to aim to create a habitat that uses and produces green energy. I am excited by the way energy-saving ideas are incorporated into the design, such as the curve and holes on the main building and use of light and shade to keep it cool.

Observational Photography



An observational photograph of the Barbican Centre,
Conveying the geometrical artificial atmosphere of the place.
Layers and straight lines create a frame, 
which encloses the sky suggesting the control the building has over humans.