Statement
I want to study architecture at the MSA due to
Manchester becoming a key city within the British Isles with important
companies moving there, such as the BBC. Therefore I know that the
opportunities for work will be on the rise. MSA also offers me one of the
largest Schools of Architecture in the UK as the result of collaboration
between the University of Manchester and the Manchester Metropolitan
University. This appeals to me, as it will give me a wider range of knowledge
and viewpoints than other Universities. Manchester also has an important place
in the history of urban development and industrialisation and will continue to
be a fascinating site for my investigation into the studies of architecture.
Manchester also offers me a link to my Fathers side of the family meaning
support and hearty meals shouldn’t be far away!
I constantly attend art exhibitions, usually on
Cork Street, London. However on my Birthday I went to see the ‘View from the
Shard’. I appreciated the sheer size and quality of the build and how it has
become an iconic British building. However I worry that the structure has
become more of a tourist attraction, leading me to see it more of an amusement
park than a place of innovative design. I would prefer to think of this
structure as a catalyst for further development throughout our country. Others
would say that this place encourages play whereas I believe it constricts the
imagination.
I don’t have a particular favourite architect or
building however I appreciate Sir James Stirling. Stirling’s vision of
combining tradition with innovation was the stimulus for the regeneration of
British architecture. Stirling’s aim was to wake us all up out of our slumber
and get blood flowing through British design. He pushed people to invest in
brave contemporary design during a time when Britain was conservative with its
taste and in a time of deep recession. Therefore I believe without Stirling
architecture wouldn’t be what it is today.
A work of architecture I’d like to experience in
person is Sara Shafiei’s ‘Theatre for Magicians’. Sara won awards such as
the 3DREID prize for best final year diploma project for this piece. This
design involves new architectural innovations in order to produce a
contemporary style though layers, patterns and textures. Sara was inspired by
the extravagance of baroque decoration leaving detailed patterns on the outer
shells of the building allowing light to riddle through. I know that this
building is unlikely to be built however this piece particularly entices me due
to an absolute structure covering a subjective show, leaving the building to
capture all options of what is reality.
