MSA is one of the best architecture schools in the UK this appeals
to me as it connects two universities and has a close relationship with The
Manchester School of Art. MSA and the RIBA Hubs collaboration appeals to me, it
enables students to work alongside professionals at one of the leading
architecture centres in the UK. The school of architecture is famous for
architectural research and its connection with other schools. Regeneration of
Manchester allows academics and professionals to work together, providing
students with international career networks which is of great interest to me.
After visiting Manchester City two years ago I believe the traditional and
contemporary architecture of the city provides an excellent and creative
resource for studying architecture at MSA. The central location of the school in
a vibrant youthful and diverse city is definitely a key consideration of mine.
I recently attended London Fashion Weekend where I had the opportunity
to attend fashion seminars, catwalks and designer exhibitions. The seminar that
influenced me the most was a presentation by the designer, Mary Katranzou. Katranzou
spoke about the necessity to balance shape with symmetry and size- three of ‘the
most important qualities’ that she has learnt through her architecture studies.
Katranzou spoke about how these formal elements are transferable through all
design aspects, as she uses these forms to ‘focus on the beauty of a woman’s
silhouette’ when creating garments. Similarly, she stated that an architect
must follow a design brief for the client as a designer must adapt their
collection for the consumer- she was very inspiring.
My favourite architect is Zaha Hadid due to her modern
designs and use of curves in infrastructure. I experienced Hadid’s design in
person when I visited The London Olympic Aquatic Centre, a design that used
sold materials to create a wave-like structure that has the illusion it was
been moulded rather than constructed. Hadid is a prominent figure for female architects
as she was the first woman recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize and is the first
woman to achieve the RIBA Gold Medal.
A work of architecture I wish to experience in person is The
Colosseum in Rome. The Colosseum portrays the qualities of deteriorated
architecture and the texture of weathered materials, this was the focus of my
recent art project. Despite restoration in 2013 the remains of the building
hold character that I wish to see in person.
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