My deepest desire is to study at one of the most established Universities worldwide, that is the reason I choose Manchester School of Architecture. The school’s academic position that emphasizes on the combination of different aspects of art, design and social sciences context and the immediate contact it entails the society as a field work aligns absolutely with my own beliefs for architecture. Quality and coverage of the studies, including balance and integration between design/non-design such as technology, environment, cultural work context and communication made me strongly wish to study in it.
Recently I revisited the new Acropolis Museum, a place of great historical and cultural importance. What fascinates me is not only its structure but also the way Bernard Tsumi opts to handle the light. Natural light is very fundamental element of the museum and it is used concerning the presentation of sculptures within it whose display changes throughout the course of the day. It also has a strong symbolic role as it represents a connection to the notion of the divine.
One of the architects that I admire is Tadao Ando. Through his buildings he captures the classical beauty as well as the composition of geometric shapes. Ando’s work is a timeless attraction. What is remarkable about his designs is firmness and simplicity. The various combination of elements and his great ability to retain light and use it as a tangible substance in a space fascinates me. My favourite works of his are the Church to the light in Ibaraki in Osaka and the Asian Museum of Modern Art through which he mirrors his goal to give life to his works and point out the light’s importance.
A work of architecture that I would love to experience is Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, designed by Renzo Piano. What I admire the most, is the way it is adapted in harmony with its surroundings. Although his structure is contradictory, it achieves to coexist naturally with the environment. Piano chooses to use natural elements like wooden joists and ribs, natural light but also modern materials like, glass, aluminium, steel, which he combines with modern light technologies. Another reason I like it, is because its Cultural context as it is known as a center for music, dance, painting and sculpture. But what thrills me is the way Piano uses the wind as part of his work as the air circulates freely the layers of slatted wood. His phrase "we often underestimate the immaterial aspects of space. Sound, a certain vibration, light...I believe that light is space." Is what inspires me the most. I believe that light provides a great perspective to architecture and implies an emotional effect and important impact on humans.
