Statement

I would be very much excited to study at Manchester School of Architecture because of its abundant research facilities and experienced professors provided by the conjunction of University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Studying at MSA would give me access to resources that would provide me with a wider scope for learning and exploring my creativity and abilities, whilst receiving guidance from professional architects. Furthermore, the city of Manchester is a cultural hub where I could have an experience that could influence my study of Architecture.

Situated on a cliff overlooking the Maputo Bay is the newly erected six stories high Presidential office building. Its long curved s-shaped main body with two protruding volumes on either side of its southern elevation make it seem like a contemporary palace. The two lateral volumes protruding at the southern site consists of the Cabinet Meeting Hall and the Banquet Hall respectively, while the main entrance at the northwest site has a large overhang canopy giving the building a symmetrical balance. The northwest façade of the building is covered by large panels of louvres which minimises sunlight penetration. The southeast façade is treated with large glass window panels which provide a spectacular sea view. Along the main body of the building there are strategically placed large internal ventilation shafts with skylights which provide natural lighting and ventilation. Inside the building, six metre wide hallways and marble tiled floors and walls accentuate the grandeur of the building.

I really admire Frank Gehry’s use of the De-constructivism style. His buildings consist of distorted and non-linear structures and his use of free shapes means that every building he produces is completely different and unpredictable. I respect his ability to produce buildings that are aesthetically pleasing whilst using discordant structural shapes.

A work of architecture I would like to visit would be the Sydney Opera House, because despite its great cost, unexpected obstacles, and incurred hostility between the government and architect during its construction, it was still internationally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The difficulty in realising the building’s unique design was reflected by its undefinable geometry. I was intrigued by the use of intersecting spheres in creating the shape of the structure, especially Utzon’s concept of additive architecture where nature’s aspects are incorporated into architectural work. I have never been able to grasp the overall structure of the building and I feel I can only truly comprehend the building’s shape and functionality by seeing it from different angles in person and by experiencing the interior of the building and seeing how it corresponds to its exterior.