Statement to Manchester School of Architecture

The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is an honourable educational institute recognised on a global scale by the most respected faces in the architecture industry. Geographically, MSA's location is ideal for me as it close to home and near family, which with my condition is vital. MSA has all the capabilities to help me achieve my long term goal of maximising my potential, in terms of my profession this is to become a leading and stylistic architect.

Through Robert Venturi's book, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture, I have learnt that contradictions in architecture, if used correctly lead unlimited potential. My eyes became open to this concept whilst in Japan. I visited the National Museum of Modern Art. The building's function was to contain art however, to me it was the most effective and immersive art piece. It utilises straight lines, leading the viewer's eyes to a specific focal point. Additionally, the museum is filled with curvatures which are easy on the eyes and somewhat hypnotic. This makes the museum a perfect example of Venturi's concept, with its regal, tall ceilings and a mixture of linear and curved lines it stands strong. It is art, it is contradictory and most notably, it is magnificent.

Rome, the modern home to ancient architecture. Rome's most famous structure is unarguably the legendary Colleseum, however in my eyes the fame should shine more on the Pantheon. The almost 45 meter ceiling of the Pantheon towers over those inside. At the peak of the dome sits 'The Eye of The Pantheon', a hole 8 meters in diameter. This may seem like an issue, as it would allow rain to penetrate the structure, however Apollodorus' designs meant that when candles are lit around the circumference of the circular interior the collective heat of the candle flames vaporises the incoming rain. The Pantheon beaming with individuality as a single floor structure; powerful with its raised spherical ceiling which represents the divinity of the Gods. The Pantheon is truly a love letter to physics and art and due to this it remains a revered architectural marvel nearly 2000 years after its construction.

Venturi's book has taught me a lot, but most importantly it brought Le Corbruiser's genius to my attention. My first sight of his Shodhan House left me confused, then with mixed emotions and finally it left me astonished. It is a perfect cube, closed by its corners yet open in seemingly random areas. It was this contrast between symmetry and choas that lead to my initial confusion. The high praise by Venturi and Paul Sheppard force me to believe that it is a magnificent structure which makes me desire to view it in real life