Statement

I have always liked Manchester's mix of modern and victorian architecture, as well as the way in which many of the older buildings have been retained, leading to a unique contrast of styles between the two systems of design. Studying at the Manchester School of Architecture would give me the chance both to experience the contrast on a more personal level, and enhance my architectural design skills more effectively. Another feature that I was appealed by the school was the joining of the two universities, hopefully offering a more open student experience than other universities.


Recently, I visited the Manchester Deaf Institute Music Hall. I have also visited Venice, in the summer, which helped me understand how architecture is used to improve a community, through more meeting places available such as the many piazzas found in the city. An individual building that I also found so interesting in the city was the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, as it was an icon of Andrea Palladio's architecture and shows how his style of design has been echoed throughout the city.


An Architect that I have found quite inspiring is Antoni Gaudi, as his work was some of the first examples of architecture that I was ever able to experience. His work for Eusebi Guell was in particularly interesting, specifically at Park Guell, due to the natural style of the garden and housing. However, another Architect that I have found inspiring is the Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, since his design work is very similar to the way that I visualize my own designs.


At the end of February, I am going on a school trip to Beijing, and am looking forward to visiting the architectural masterpieces of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, although I also am exited to seeing the Bird's Nest National Stadium, and how it shows the combination of architects working with artists, like Herzog & De Meuron with Ai Weiwei, to create a international design icon more symbolic for the event.

Venice

These are two photographs that I took whilst I was in Venice capturing the architecture of the many palaces in the city and the Rialto Bridge accross the Grand Canal. After this trip, I produced the lower sketch of the grand canal from memory.

Jew's House, Lincoln

The jew's House in Lincoln, located on Steep Hill, is a brilliant example of how the architecture of a building can be adapted to it's surroundings. It is also a good example of how architecture can be sustained, as it has been in this location sin ce the 12th century. It is also a building that I have found very interesting and have produced the sketch of.

Le Corbusier - Notre Dame du Haut

Le Corbusier has been both a designer and an architect that I have been able to respect and to understand. This is one of my favourite building designs by the architect and I have found it a great example of how the design can combine Le Corbusier's trademark flat lines and curves to produce a meeting place that has been improved by its form.

Park Guell

Park Guell is an icon of Antoni Gaudi's Architectural Work, showcasing all of the traits of his Art Nouveau style, built towards the end of the Arts and Crafts Movement occuring in Britain. This sketch is of the Park, showing it's mosaic form.

The Deep, Hull

The Deep has always been a piece of Architecture that I have liked the form of, but I have never been able to experience it in first hand. The building is also a perfect example of innovative design for riverside architecture, as well as showing how architecture can be brought to the mass public in addition to the higher classes.

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most interesting buildings in the world, and I have always admired it for how it's superb feats of engineering combine with the abstract design keeping with the architecture of the port.

Manchester Deaf Institute

This is a sketch of the wall display in the interior of the Manchester Deaf Institute concert arena, showing how the interior of a building is designed with the use in mind.

3D Product Design

My AS Level Project, requiring the design of a new and innovative design for a handheld product, for which I chose the apple iPod. 

Work Experience

These are the sketch ups I made for the designs that I worked on during my work experience at the Solar panel firm. They include a design for a carport, with a lay out of solar panels on the other side of the roof, and a pergola for a garden, as well as a design for a landscape renovation behind a small wall.