MSA STATEMENT

Why I want to study architecture at MSA 

 

Manchester is a renowned city filled with mediaeval and modern architecture. This will provide me with references that will  motivate and inspire me during the course of my study. In addition, the collaboration between two universities will provide me with experienced educators as well as well-equipped facilities. What’s more, the nature of the study, with the studio as the main venue and the coursework-based assessment is what I am used to during my A-Level, and I really enjoyed it. Furthermore, the coursework offered (such as drawing, modelling, software representation, history and theory) is comprehensive. Besides, MSA is of course accredited the Malaysian Board of Architects, which will widen my career prospects. 

 

My own review of a recent exhibition or building that I have visited

 

I had a great experience attending Archidex, an architecture, interior design and building exhibition. This event covered the whole phase of the architecture profession starting from the student’s life to the working field. They displayed students’ works and promoted companies’ products for construction uses. This gave me an early exposure and a clear overview of architects’ world which I can envisage myself enjoy doing. I also had the opportunity to meet a professional architect who is part of the Malaysian Board of Architects. He did, however, tell me like everyone else that architecture course is hard, but my desire and passion will not stop me from taking it.         

 

A statement about my favourite architect or building

 

The Stadium 974, designed by Fenwick Iribarren, is the first temporary stadium made up of containers and steel structure. I discovered this stadium during the World Cup and was immediately intrigued by the concept applied. There was oversupply of containers due to Covid-19, leaving approximately 11 million unused. Thus, using containers to build the stadium using the containers is a wise idea as it successfully reduced construction costs, construction time and material wastage. Despite these, the stadium from the inside still looks and functions like any other stadiums, yet it is also sustainable. The sophisticated container arrangement and the preservation of its form and colour enhance the uniqueness of this stadium, which reflect the words modest and minimal.    

 

A work of architecture which I would like to experience in person

 

The Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore, an ecological building, is the place that I most want to visit because I am interested in its sustainable yet modern design in the face of climate change and adaptation to urbanisation. The paradise garden made me realise that botanical composition alone can create delicate structure in their own right. I love this concept, it not only pleases our eyes, but also minimises the negative impact on the environment which aligns with the 13th Sustainable Development Goals (climate action) set by the UN. Therefore, I see the need to connect nature with architecture, as Ken Yeang, a pioneer of ecological architecture in Malaysia, did.