450 word personal statement

The reason I want to study at MSA over any other university is because I believe the institution will provide the best environment to support my individual skillsets and to enhance my existing strengths whilst challenging me effectually. Attending the open day reassured me as to the reasons why I want to study at MSA. Visiting the studios and observing the current students work on display assured me that creativity is freely expressed through various mediums whilst also considering the wider context of the built environment.

A recent trip to Moscow began by visiting Russia’s most iconic structure – St Basil’s Cathedral. What was once a cathedral, now a museum open to the general public was one of ‘Ivan the Terribles’ trophies in commemorating the victory of the Russo-Kazan war. Upon viewing the exterior elements, I observed why the appointed architects emphasised the use of rich, red bricks throughout the whole building which I believe perfectly complements the colourful, intricate details of the emerald-like dome heads. Once inside the cathedral you can sense the symmetrical layout of the seven surrounding chapels connected by narrow shoots of corridors. Internally, the continuous use of red bricks colourfully patterned, gave me a sense of ‘wholeness’. The chapels are small but airy due to the sheer height that lead your eyes up to the emerald-like heads as if a gate opening to the heavens. Surprisingly, the cathedral lends itself more to an architectural prominence rather than religious inspiration.

My favourite works of architecture are undoubtedly the lost city of Machu Picchu. As with any form of architecture, this has to be something that you experience. I was always in awe of the ashlar techniques imposed by these grandmaster masons who were pioneers of their time. The creation of Machu Picchu was strategically placed on top of a mountain completely bounded/secured by surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River. The respect endowed to the mountains and natural environment is shown through the construction and layout of the site. Continuous, parallel rows of structures and terraces made the site accessible throughout. Many techniques were continuously redesigned as a result of natural effects such as making stone walls trapezoidal with a larger base to withstand earthquakes.

A work of architecture I would like to visit is Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. As one of the only remaining structures from the Angkor period, this stone structure has resisted the test of time. Spiritually and religiously symbolic, the intricate details of the aspara and bas-reliefs are fluently expressed throughout. Bounded by a solid rectangular wall, three rectangular galleries rise up to a bold, central temple surrounded by four smaller towers - all resembling the appearance of lotus buds. In my opinion, this subtle more conservative design represents creation.