My Statement
Why do I want to study at MSA?
Winston Churchill once said ‘we shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.’ This quote by Churchill has had a lasting effect on me, from how I see the world around me, to wanting to be an architect and why I want to study at MSA. I personally think that the vibrant, diverse and iconic campus and the city of Manchester will shape me into becoming a successful architect responsible for shaping the lives of others in the future. Moving on, the layout of the course which focuses on developing my abilities to problem solve innovatively and creatively is a pull factor. I am a person who does well hands on. Hence, I am able to flourish at MSA as it is fully based on coursework.
Review of an exhibition and a statement of my favourite building
Ur-Mu Gallery is an urban gallery inspired by urban galleries and museums in Amsterdam. This gallery was designed and curated by local architect Dr Tan Mun. It features a variety of art styles and movements made by local and upcoming Asian artists. Some of my personal favourites are by Jalaini Abu Hassan, Justin Lim and Hisyamuddin Abdullah which explores cultural, philosophical and political themes. A must see in this gallery is a painting by Justice Lim titled There Comes A Point In Every Person's Life When They Realise That There Are No Superheroes Coming To Save Them which depicts a lady set beside a maneki-neko at a dinner table. I like this painting as gives a sense of serenity in accepting the way we are and the trials and tribulations of life.
However, when talking about this gallery, it is important to talk about the building itself as an art piece that invokes various feelings and questions about the significance of art and its role through manipulation of form, light, material and location. This is because it sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the rundown low cost government housing which it surrounds. I believe the architect played into these feelings through the use of huge windows on its facade and various peep holes as a source of light around the building which looks directly out into a world which looks uncomfortable compared to the luxury within the gallery. This begs questions of the value of art and how we use our money. On one hand, I understand the importance of galleries in preserving and creating culture but at the same time the inflated cost of some paintings in the art world does make me question its significance especially when there are people living in horrible living conditions. Putting these paintings behind a paywall which detracts a certain class of people; creating social closure doesn't help this argument either. Nevertheless, this gallery may help raise morale and bring a sense of purpose and joy to the youth in the area; hopefully it will help develop future artists from that area. That being said, this building is my favourite as it stimulates various feelings, triggers questions about society.
Facade of Ur-Mu gallery
A work of architecture that I would like to experience in person
The Row Houses in Sumiyoshi by Tadao Ando, is one that I would like to experience in person. There are several reasons for this. First, this represents one of his early projects in his career. I feel that it is good to experience and view the early projects, to figure out his influences and techniques as he is one of my favourites. I also like his use of space in this project; how he incorporates the indoor with the outdoor, experimenting with unconventional layouts and plans. Lastly, I really like the secure and hard feel that can be attributed to this house. Even Though, I personally wouldn't consider this house as being a house I would like to live in, or one that is homely, it is definitely one that I would like to view in person.
Row Houses in Sumiyoshi by Tadao Ando