STATEMENT - MSA

One reason I was drawn to MSA was the studio building itself and how it is joined with the art school, which creates a stimulating space that I will be able to draw inspiration from. Another opportunity that appeals to me is the fact that students will also have access to MMU facilities and libraries, providing them with numerous workspaces which will be visually motivating.

Manchester, I believe, is the best place to study architecture because of its captivating urban landscapes where historical and modern architecture coexist, helping me think creatively. Also, as I grew up in a multi-cultural atmosphere in Dubai, I prefer to study in Manchester because it is culturally and socially varied, with international students.

Whenever I passed by The Opus in Dubai by Zaha Hadid, it never failed to catch my eye; what piqued my interest was the central void. I like how the void's free-form fluidity contrasts with the orthogonal geometry of the cube formed by the two towers. When I walked into the futuristic-looking Grand Atrium, I was captivated. I liked the bright ottoman lounges because they drew attention in the minimalist environment and complemented the desert-like mood lighting. I believe that Hadid's composition was quite intelligent because the uneven dimensions of the void were matched by the irregular dimensions of the four storeys in the atrium directly below.

 

Bjarke Ingles and his work fascinate me, especially how he reimagines the concept of traditional housing. His work looks effortless, and I love how his firm BIG’s designs are filtered through a system that values the idea of playfulness. One such idea is a mountain shaped residential structure where each flat has its own open terrace and garden. This project represented his belief that ‘architecture should be more like Minecraft.’  It offered the best of both worlds; proximity to the bustling city life of Copenhagen’s centre, as well as the peace and quiet of the suburbs. The apartment and garden are separated by a glass facade with sliding doors that provide light and fresh air.

When I first visited the Sagrada Familia, I was more interested in the interiors than the façade due to how natural light entered through the stained windows and all the colours that danced on the pillars. However, I plan to go in 2026, when the facade is expected to be completed. I admired Gaudi's bold imaginative decision to carve a Bible in stone, complete with altarpieces and imagery generally found within a church. The design also strikes me as courageous because the shape is so different from the surrounding structures. I believe that having just completed my undergraduate architecture degree, I would have a stronger understanding and appreciation for the structure.