Since
ancient times, architects have been people of culture, interested and
activating in more than one domain (literature, philosophy, mathematics), this
being one of the reasons I am so attracted to architecture: it is
interdisciplinary and it implies a continuous growth of the knowledge
foundation. For this learning process, I believe MSA is a proper environment
due to the fact that it allows and encourages students to extend their research
by using both of the universities educational assets and guidance, whilst it
offers courses on urban design, ecological design as well as the conservation
and management of historic environment. All of which I am interested in, and
believe that I will have better insight through the classes at MSA, towards deciding what I want to embrace.
Saint
Martin Cathedral from Ieper,
Belgium, was
the last significant building I have visited, trying to analyze it as correctly
as I could: a clear example of Gothic style obvious since the main portal with
the tympanum decorated by sculptures in relief, surrounded by the archivolt
formed with the Gothic characteristic pointed arches. Inside of the church, the
classic plan is also followed: one central nave, together with smaller naves on
both left and right, all of these being crossed perpendicularly by the
transept. The Gothic style never fails to impress me, due to its strong
elements and grandeur, which also applied in this case, even though the
Cathedral was mostly reconstructed after the First World War.
The
architect I admire most is Remment Koolhaas, and I do so for the futuristic
view, taking space way beyond the classic forms, using curves and revolutionary
designs. Basically, he modified modern architecture as Baroque did for
Renaissance: transforming the stillness and stringency of the right angles into
a dynamic, multiple point perspective, and even into an asymmetrical use of
space describing, in my opinion the restlessness of the 21st century. To
continue my idea about Baroque: I consider it to be a defining style in the
history of architecture, and I admire the work of Francesco Boromini,
especially for the San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane Church: a rather small
building but of great interest to me due to its unique elements for that time,
such as the oval dome and the decorative patterns, which I would like to observe
in person.
I believe
that the educational opportunities at one of the best universities in the world
such as Manchester
University, in a large,
as well, world renowned city are the perfect ambient for a student to develop. The
futuristic designs attract me and I would want to embrace an organic manner of
architecture, using a large range of materials, including, for example, even
wooden structures.
