Manchester School of Architecture: Personal Statement

Reasons for studying at Manchester School of Architecture:

 

I would like to study at the Manchester School of Architecture as I believe that I can excel in a coursework based course. This is because I enjoy designing and experimenting with different techniques when modelling structures. Additionally, I am also excited to participate in group activities such as designing for a brief as well as the research elements of the course. As the school is a unique collaboration between Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University, I like the prospect of access industry expertise and learning from active practitioners with real world experience within both institutions.  I would like to live in Manchester because of its cultural heritage and extensive nightlife and city living.

 

 

Review of a recent architect or building:

 

Since Coronavirus began, I have been unable to visit places however, I previously visited Marina Bay Sands Singapore, designed by Moche Safdie. I was intrigued and inspired by the modern, creative design of three towers holding up a ship which is a  reflection Singapore’s seafaring history as well as Singapore harbour’s position as an important trade post in the whole region of south east Asia. From this building, I liked how the whole area was interconnected with the hotel as there were sky bridges and tunnels connecting between Gardens by the Bay Singapore (large urban forest to promote biodiversity in the city) with the waterfront malls and art gallery/ museum which is in the form of a hand.

 

 

Favourite architect or building:

 

One of my favourite buildings is the Burj Al Arab, based on the sail of a traditional Emirati Dhow, the rising frames also act as the mast of the structure. This is a stark contrast to the surrounding area which the modern structure is surrounded by the traditional Madinat (Suburb) Emirati architecture as well as the Jumeirah beach hotel in the form of a wave which was also inspired by the sea and complements the Burj Al Arab as though the dhow is sailing in an ocean.

 

 

Architecture that I would like to visit:

 

One building I would like to visit is Lloyds of London Headquarters. This building has peaked my interest because of the architect’s choice of inverting a building as all of the utilities of the building are placed on the outside, exposed to the environment.  The elevators, plumbing and exposed staircases are external to the building in the same way a sea urchin is an inside out star fish. Additionally, from photos of the tall atrium, I also like the choice of the industrial, steampunk-like architecture with the use of exposed concrete and bare steel which kind of reflects the company’s deep routed historical links with industry and trade since 1686 and the industrial boom in the 1900s.