Personal Statement

Manchester University intrigued me as its Architecture course focuses on interaction and connectivity. I admire these qualities as I am drawn to the ability to work and learn with specialists in this field. The open studios in the MSA allow for creative and inspiring conversations between students. Moreover, I admire the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.  Furthering my education in Architecture at Manchester, this course would allow me to develop my knowledge and skills in my career. 

Ole Scheeren is a German architect whose work and values inspire me and reflect my own. The designs he produces, along with his team and collaborators in the Buro Ole Sheeran Group, ensure maintaining the significance of connectivity and community – a principle I agree with. These morals are present in the larger projects, such as The Interlace, A residential complex in Singapore, all the way to the smaller projects, such as the Archipelago Cinema in Venice. I admire Scheeren and his team’s ability to reimagine and create new concepts within architecture, allowing their work to be highlighted among the neighbouring buildings. These morals and values are traits I would accommodate into my work while studying at Manchester.

A building I recently visited is Guildford Castle, located in Surrey. The castle was believed to be built after the Norman Invasion in 1066 and was opened to the public in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. A fascinating aspect I learnt about Guildford castle is the patches of different coloured bricks, having distinct levels of weathering. These bricks provide insight into the repair and restoration of the aged fortress, demonstrating the impressive collaboration between numerous individuals and groups throughout its lifetime. Guildford Castle is constructed on a hill designed to overlook the town below it. Walking through the gardens, I appreciated the fishponds to sit beside and the floral displays planted yearly. Guildford castle is a beautiful piece of history that is constantly maintained for the enjoyment of its visitors.

1000 Trees is a building I would like to visit and experience in person. It separates itself from the ocean of characterless buildings surrounding it; Singapore has a reputation for constructing numerous residential complexes that blur and merge with their skyline. 1000 Trees provides a sense of sanctity and protection from repeating concrete skyscrapers. I appreciate its ability to stand out and its use of green space and nature within its architecture. Visiting this building would be a valuable opportunity to analyse and understand the interaction and connection between structures and inhabitants.

Building Model

  

In an exercise to observe a small area, I used string to map and see how it occupied the space. Experimentation allowed me to develop a structure based on the forms the strands created. 

 

Plaster Casting

During my walk around the historic town of Farnham, I was attracted to the decorations and textures found on the facades of the buildings. I cast the ornaments of St. Andrew's Church and a fascinating ceramic grate using clay imprinting and plaster.

Developed Plaster Cast

 Inspired by the work of the Boyle Family, I produced a plaster tile of the ground composed of various colours and textures.

Drawing Tools

 

I explored Farnham while accumulating materials that I could repurpose into drawing tools. I designed each brush to have a distinct purpose and stroke and used them in combination to paint fascinating forms I noticed while collecting materials.

Mixed Media

 

Experimenting with different mediums, I produced an observational piece. I explored using pencils, Acrylic paint, Biro, Charcoal Pencils and Digital Art.

Drill Bit Interpretations

 Using distinct materials, I interpreted the structure and uses of a Step Drill bit. Wire was used to display the movement as the drill span, I used cardboard to recreate the changing radii of each level, and clay was used to reconstruct the form of the drill.