UCAS ID: 1762223063
Statement
Studying architecture at Manchester School of Architecture means that I will be surrounded by a range of modern and historical architecture which will constantly be a source of inspiration for my work. During an open day, I saw the well-equipped studios and workshops that would enable me to explore and experiment with a variety of design techniques and materials. MSA’s collaborations with local firms will also provide a welcoming door to real world experiences and opportunities, guiding me to immerse in a dynamic architectural scene and community.
I went to Dubai a few years ago and the Burj Al Arab, designed by Tom Wright, quickly became my favourite building. I saw its sail-shaped silhouette illuminating in the dark which made me picture a paper boat in the ocean, yet simultaneously juxtaposes one as the Burj Al Arab stands tall and commands attention. I also like how the curvature of the building creates a sleek and elegant presence and adds a sense of fluidity to it, compared to a traditional boxy structure.
I recently went to Athens, Greece where I got to immerse myself in ancient architecture. After visiting the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus fascinated me the most. I liked how it’s semicircular amphitheatre, can be viewed from above due to the open-air roof. This design would make audiences feel enclosed and comfortable whilst watching performances, but can also enjoy the surrounding scenery. Similarly, the arches of the Odeon not only provide structural support, but allows the area to feel freer as natural light can enter the space from behind the stage.
A work of architecture I would like to experience in person is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore, designed by Moshe Safdie. The rooftop terrace resembling a ship that spans across the three towers of the hotel, looks like it is sailing through the skyline of Singapore, with the curved design that creates a sense of movement. I like how the towers are not connected, as I like to imagine them as waves under the ship and it feels more open and spacious. I was interested in how both the Marina Bay Sands and the Burj Al Arab follow a similar ‘ship’ concept, yet have completely different designs.
I went to Dubai a few years ago and the Burj Al Arab, designed by Tom Wright, quickly became my favourite building. I saw its sail-shaped silhouette illuminating in the dark which made me picture a paper boat in the ocean, yet simultaneously juxtaposes one as the Burj Al Arab stands tall and commands attention. I also like how the curvature of the building creates a sleek and elegant presence and adds a sense of fluidity to it, compared to a traditional boxy structure.
A work of architecture I would like to experience in person is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore, designed by Moshe Safdie. The rooftop terrace resembling a ship that spans across the three towers of the hotel, looks like it is sailing through the skyline of Singapore, with the curved design that creates a sense of movement. I like how the towers are not connected, as I like to imagine them as waves under the ship and it feels more open and spacious. I was interested in how both the Marina Bay Sands and the Burj Al Arab follow a similar ‘ship’ concept, yet have completely different designs.
PORTFOLIO
PENCIL SKETCHES
In these pencil sketches, I focused on the theme of ‘lavishness’, contrasting it with everyday life. In this first sketch, I added more detail to the people in casual clothing to showcase the theme of everyday life. I added some detail to the fancy restaurant, but not the full building and highlighted the lavishness of it with the butler at the entrance. The viewer’s focus is centred towards the people, which allows them to appreciate the everyday life of the people while still hinting at the presence of luxury in the scene.
I shaded and added detail to the woman in elegant attire, whilst the regular, affordable restaurant was left blank, in order to emphasise her luxurious presence. You can capture the vibrant energy of a bustling street through her body language and facial expression of focusing on where she needs to go.
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| In these pencil sketches, I focused on the theme of ‘lavishness’, contrasting it with everyday life. In this first sketch, I added more detail to the people in casual clothing to showcase the theme of everyday life. I added some detail to the fancy restaurant, but not the full building and highlighted the lavishness of it with the butler at the entrance. The viewer’s focus is centred towards the people, which allows them to appreciate the everyday life of the people while still hinting at the presence of luxury in the scene. |
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| I shaded and added detail to the woman in elegant attire, whilst the regular, affordable restaurant was left blank, in order to emphasise her luxurious presence. You can capture the vibrant energy of a bustling street through her body language and facial expression of focusing on where she needs to go. |
ACRYLIC
I used a palette knife to create clean, sharp lines, as well as a sponge so the colours would blend well into each other.
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| I used a palette knife to create clean, sharp lines, as well as a sponge so the colours would blend well into each other. |
TEXTILES
I was inspired by the textile artist, Ana Tereza Barboza for this piece.I decided to embroider a photo of the sunset on a field across my neighbourhood, as I wanted to evoke a sense of tranquility, and embroidery is seen as a peaceful activity and similarly, sunsets give a calm atmosphere.
I added dangling thread to this piece as I wanted to also add a sense of life by creating movement, as if the grass is swaying in the breeze and the sky is melting into the ground. I also chose to add felt and cloth in the background to add a sense of comfort and familiarity to the piece, which again reinforces the tranquil atmosphere. The texture of the felt and cloth symbolizes warmth and coziness, which can be seen as inviting to the viewers.
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I was inspired by the textile artist, Ana Tereza Barboza for this piece. I decided to embroider a photo of the sunset on a field across my neighbourhood, as I wanted to evoke a sense of tranquility, and embroidery is seen as a peaceful activity and similarly, sunsets give a calm atmosphere. I added dangling thread to this piece as I wanted to also add a sense of life by creating movement, as if the grass is swaying in the breeze and the sky is melting into the ground. I also chose to add felt and cloth in the background to add a sense of comfort and familiarity to the piece, which again reinforces the tranquil atmosphere. The texture of the felt and cloth symbolizes warmth and coziness, which can be seen as inviting to the viewers. |
BIN BAG ROSES
For this piece, I started off with a soap bottle, but I wanted to completely change the appearance of it, so I focused on the word ‘wrap’ to transform it. Using bin bags opposes the beauty of the original soap, yet is created into something considered beautiful – the roses.
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| For this piece, I started off with a soap bottle, but I wanted to completely change the appearance of it, so I focused on the word ‘wrap’ to transform it. Using bin bags opposes the beauty of the original soap, yet is created into something considered beautiful – the roses. |
BLACK & WHITE WITH GOLD LEAF
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Black & white photography with gold leaf added to explore the allure of contrast
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| Black & white photography with gold leaf added to explore the allure of contrast |
ACETONE IMAGE TRANSFER WITH GOLD LEAF
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Acetone image transfer on drawing with gold leaf
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| Acetone image transfer on drawing with gold leaf |
GOLD BIN BAG
In this piece I wanted to explore how luxury and high quality can contribute to a culture of excess and waste due to the desire of impressing others with their wealth. This reminded me of bin bags, how they represent the discarded and the utilitarian, opposing luxury, yet can be associated with items that are no longer deemed valuable.
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| In this piece I wanted to explore how luxury and high quality can contribute to a culture of excess and waste due to the desire of impressing others with their wealth. This reminded me of bin bags, how they represent the discarded and the utilitarian, opposing luxury, yet can be associated with items that are no longer deemed valuable. |
OBJECT ADAPTATIONS
GOLD STILL LIFE
The gold disfigures the objects, making them look more appealing and almost valuable, when in reality they hold the same functions as before. I wanted to symbolize how in society, value is placed on appearances rather than substance.
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| The gold disfigures the objects, making them look more appealing and almost valuable, when in reality they hold the same functions as before. I wanted to symbolize how in society, value is placed on appearances rather than substance. |
CUP WITH GEMS
Similarly, this enhances the cup as the dazzling gems distract the viewer from the state of the cup.
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| Similarly, this enhances the cup as the dazzling gems distract the viewer from the state of the cup. |
CERAMICS
This piece symbolises the fusion of natural elements from the clay with the refined beauty of the pearls.
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| This piece symbolises the fusion of natural elements from the clay with the refined beauty of the pearls. |
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