One reason why I would love to study at the Manchester School of Architecture is the fact that the city it lies within is a cultural hub. Whether it be through art, music or food, the city has residents from all corners of the globe, something I believe will be beneficial to my own personal development, along with the studying of my chosen subject. The school’s reputation has always intrigued me and through knowing current students of yours and their excellent feedback, set in stone the passion I have to study architecture in Manchester. The facilities, research and technology I came across during the open day fascinated me, immediately making me want to be a student at the school. Being the unofficial ‘second city’ of the U.K. has allowed the city to expand, and in doing so, its modern architecture is world leading, mixing in with the buildings of the 19^th century beautifully.

A building that I have recently visited is the Duomo di Siena, on an art trip to Tuscany. The gothic and Romanesque facade of the building was visually overwhelming. The interior was even more astounding, striking the first emotional response I’ve had with a building, due to it shear intricacy in its design and craftsmanship, along with the vastness of its hall. The fact it holds various historical artworks also enhances the fascination I have with the building.

My favourite building, and the one which probably fused my passion to study Architecture is the Burj Al Arab. The building’s silhouette has become iconic and is instantly recognisable to the city of Dubai, a victory for any architect to achieve. The exterior design fits perfectly with the rest of the city and its heritage in its boating roots. Even though the building has been subject to critics for it’s ostentatious interior, boasting only the country’s wealth, it’s exterior is undeniably sleek and elegant.

A building that I would love to visit is the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Serving as a major railway station in New York, its design enhances the experiences of those who pass through and by the structure each day. One reason why the building intrigues me is its spiritual message. Being placed on ground zero was a key influencing factor on its design, and so the initial imagery of a bird leaving a child’s hands is vital to the metaphorical message the building gives off. It clean and pure colour and its use of light encapsulates the mood of an area, setting the precedent for a new era, a very rare quality that a building can have, especially that of a transportation station.