statement

 I would like to study at MSA because of the innovative and rich architectural history of Manchester. The city tells its own story of transformation through its building’s layouts and spaces. This is an aspect  I am widely passionate about, architecture speaking for itself. I believe working in an environment that reflects this value will allow me to keep a passionate and authentic love for architecture as well as  inspiring my future designs.

Recently I visited the St Pancreas Renaissance hotel, it is a building that I have always been intrigued by as its large height makes it a center of attention. The scale of the building as well as its gothic design emulated emotion of dominance and prestige (perhaps this was due to my association of its design to churches and medieval palaces) this emotion was imitated by those walking in and out of it (as they almost walked with their heads held high), no fault of their own rather the atmosphere created by the building encouraged this. The building is mostly red brick however there are pops of colour: such as teal, stripped patterns and burgundy rails. The building is in a Victorian gothic style, if its colours were exclusively red, beige and catering towards a rustic traditional aesthetic, it might have looked too overpowering and eerie, thus resembling a haunted mansion or church. Therefore, the colour in my opinion adds to the personality of the building making it look “alive”. In conclusion I believe the building does well to attract its target audience by giving them a sense of status whilst also being approachable and blending with it surrounding through colour.

I would like to visit the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education center in New York, this was designed by Diller Scofidio and Renfro. It is surrounded by uniform rectangular brick apartments (those most native to New York). Whilst the surrounding tells the tale of the stereotypical fast paced, cold urban environment, I imagine the façade would feel like a breath of fresh air, as its transparency and light colour palette is a refreshing break from its surrounding. I find it greatly amusing that the most whimsical part of the building is where people would feel the most stressed, I believe that this is also a feeling shared by the students themselves in this way the design allows them not to view their studies as daunting but rather subdues this and creates an immersive and free environment. This aspect makes me want to experience this relief and refreshment for myself.

My favourite architect is David Adjaye, I admire how he adapts his designs to their uses whilst staying authentic to his style, paying subtle homage to his culture through his work. To me his works clearly shows his personality. He inspires me to create designs that reflect who I am as an individual.