Essay

MSA is the right university for me as it’s architecture course involves the focus of humanities within architecture and the introduction into urbanism. I visited MSA a few months ago and found the architecture building very modern. I found it to be well equipped with the latest tools and machinery needed for this study, something I always consider and look for when trying to choose the right university for me. I could picture myself living the student life in the city. I loved how it was mostly populated by students who only had positive comments about their lives there, not only in the university, but also when they are not studying. Most importantly, when I visited the university I felt very welcomed by the students and faculty there. I found the location of the university and the distance from the building to the accommodations to be very comfortable, as well as quick and easy to get to.

I know I would love the humanities course work because of my interest in the way buildings can reflect culture and history. This is a passion I developed when I visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The design used in the palace successfully represents the Muslim community that once lived there, through its geometrical shapes in the walls and the way the arches are cut. Being a very structural person myself, I am amazed by the use of patterns and symmetry in buildings, which is why Alhambra Palace did not fail to impress me in through its repetitive decorative designs.

I am fascinated by urban design and the possibility of reconstructing old buildings into a better version of themselves. This is why my favourite architect is Christopher Wren. As the person who design St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic structures, my interest in him surged after the extensive research I did about him for my extended essay. I wrote about the relationship between modern and old iconic buildings in London. I admire his innovative thinking and his ability to redesign London City after The Great Fire of 1666. I love Wren’s Baroque style, as I have always payed close attention to the use of detail in buildings. The Studio course in this study attracts me as it will introduce me to urbanism and enable me to develop critical approaches on cities.

One day, I would love to experience the Great Wall of China. As I previously stated, I love it when buildings are used as mediums of culture representation. I think the Great Wall of China is a very important structure that speaks for itself. I believe this iconic structure states the power and authority of the country.