Portfolio for the application to MSA BA Architecture course 1634345509

My reasons for wanting to study at The Manchester School of Architecture:

MSA is a world-renowned institution and attains a high status for its qualified and professional teaching, with the lecturers constantly providing a stimulating working environment. The facilities and resources offered by both the University of Manchester and the Manchester Metropolitan University would assist my endless creativity, and greatly benefit my learning. Being part of MSSA, the biggest architecture student society in the UK, would be an opportunity to establish valuable connections with many architects whilst living in the vibrant city of Manchester.

 My own review of a recent building I have visited:

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Emmanuel Centre in London. The rectangular brick building is located in the heart of Westminster and contains various intriguing architectural details. The elegant marble foyer creates an extravagant atmosphere, whilst the Biblical references engraved into the warm toned walls create a more religious environment. The main design elements, however, would have to be the large columns arranged in two symmetrical lines, enhancing the high vaulted ceilings whilst also adding support to the building. I find such use of architectural details to be highly admiring and the synthesis of religious, traditional and modern architectural aspects is especially interesting.

 A statement about my favourite architect:

Kisho Kurokawa has to be my favourite architect, not only because of the designs he produced during his life time, but also due to his ideology. The way he approached architecture and the uniqueness of his thoughts is highly inspiring and his advocation for intercultural architecture in which elements of different cultures exist in symbiosis, and in peace with the surroundings has impacted me the most. His Metabolism Movement is what inspired me to think of architecture as a tool which can reshape the society and his designs - which were quite ahead of their time - portray this theory too. His work has reached many individuals nationally and internationally. From the Toshiba-IHI Pavilion in Osaka, Japan, to the design of the Van Gogh Museum Kurokawa Wing in Netherlands.           
 
 A work of architecture I would like to experience in person:

The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Turkey, is a work of architecture I wish to experience in person the most. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it has a particular appearance, one that’s highly different from a traditional mosque. The architecture is an amalgamation of Ottoman, Byzantine and local styles, which is what makes the mosque so distinctive and special. Sinan's dedication and consideration for architecture can be felt within each of his works, but especially within this mosque, which he himself considered to be a masterpiece, and it has even been recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage for its historical significance. Visiting such a valuable place would not only inspire me as an individual, but would also satisfy my historical interests.

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IDENTITY

Size: A3

Media: Fineliner

As a persons memory begins to disappear, their identity also begins to fade away. I demonstrated this by using a fine liner, which is engraved into the paper, the same way memories are engraved into our brain, and as long as the ink remains on paper, the memories and thus the identity of the person will also remain unchanged.

LOST WITHIN YOURSELF

Size: A3

Media: Watercolours, pencils

A person in a specific situation may result to questioning their purpose, which would gradually lead to them questioning their identity and who they truly are. This piece represents an individual who feels as if she has lost her real inner self, which is why the face has been replicated and painted with transparent pinkish colours, to demonstrate this sense of loss.

EXPERIENCES 

Size: A3

Media: Oil pastels, air drying clay, buttons

This work represents how a persons past is taking over them. Each hand represents a particular experience from the persons life, and I arranged the hands all over the face to show how the individual is being trapped and has no escape route. Many minor experiences can add up and have a drastic impact on the individual, yet whether it is a positive or a negative impact solely depends on what kind of experiences they had. 

This was a collection of portraits dedicated to my exploration of the theme "Human Mind". The feelings we gain and emotions we express, as well as how we act: all these factors in our daily lives influence our minds and the way we perceive the world. Whilst exploring this theme, I realised how easily humans are impacted by external factors, which confirmed my belief in the theory that society can be reshaped with the use of architecture, as the constant exposure to specific constructions will end up influencing the local community in a specific way.

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THE LOST CHILDHOOD

Size: 30x20 cm

Media: Clay used to create the vase, watercolours used for the base and acrylics for the details drawn on top.

Inspired by Grayson Perry's work, and his aim to share personal concerns, I wanted to express how I felt when I moved to the UK as a pre-teen. The base of the vase is painted in a coat of black watercolours, with additional broken clay pieces attached on top. These broken pieces do not fit in and rather stand out, just how I felt almost like an outcast. The phrase 'blooming now and forever' is written on three of the broken pieces representing the hope I had to find new friends, learn the language and so on. 

SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS

Size: A4

Software: Medibang

This digital piece portrays how certain individuals are always being watched by others and how exhausting it may be, specifically within the K-pop industry, where idols are expected to be perfect and not make a singular mistake. 

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STRICT LINES AND SHAPES IN ARCHITECTURE

Size: A4

Media: Pencil, fineliner 

The psychology of colour: I wanted to show how colours play a big role in architecture, which is why I developed this piece using pencils and watercolours. 

The mixed media piece demonstrates the visual effects and psychological stimuli that colours possess, and the power they have to create a particular atmosphere. (The earthy tones used are perceived as warm and reassuring, creating a welcoming atmosphere, whereas the initial piece carries a sense of emptiness and coldness)

FURTHER COMBINING COLOURS AND ARCHITECTURE 

Size: A5

Free hand sketch of an arch with the use of charcoal, berol pen and watercolours. (approximately 20 minutes)

SEASHELL 

(work produced during Architecture Summer school, inspired by nature)

AN OBSESSION 

Size: 40x30cm (one head)

Media: Tissue paper 

Be it within a relationship, or a narcissistic obsession with yourself, I wanted to demonstrate how I perceive these feelings, I specifically used tissue paper due to its properties - durable but can easily break, just how our attachment to something can also easily come to an end.

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