UCAS number 1404732809

The developing city of Manchester is inspiration enough. Manchester city is quickly becoming a new metropolis city with so much to give. The city is modernising at a rapid pace but has not lost a single bit of its historical and rich industrial heritage. I have learnt first hand of how studying architecture in this great city is the key to success, as my Dad was a student in the University of Manchester before the creation of the school of architecture in 1996. There is no better place to study architecture then here as the two universities provide double the amount of resources and facilities which can help fuel my passion for the subject at hand.
 

On a recent trip to Baracalona, I got to visit the La Sagrada Famillia cathedral designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi. The Roman Catholic church from the outside left me speechless. Its Gothic and curvlinear Art Nouveau forms which oppitimise Catalan Modernisme inspired me greatly. Not only is the outside an architectural masterpiece, but the interior of the cathedral is eye opening. The colour from the stained glass windows light the basillica up in a different way and the detail on the celing mimik that of a forest. This trip taught me a lot about different architectural styles and why I wanted to study architecture.
 

I grew up in Kenya so my favourite building project is the Angama Mara camp in the Maasai Mara, designed by two architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. Their philosophy is all about design based around nature. This project is special as it stays true to what one expects when going on safari but has a distinct and beautiful lodge style which is not seen anywhere else. The two architects manage to blend the lodge into the natural environment which is very special and unique showing their respect towards the animals and the game reserve. The interior also reflects maasai culture, colours and fabrics. Designing this sort of project shows a lot of skill and creativity which I hope to be able to do one day.
 

I would like to visit the iconic glass Pyramid at the Louvre. This beautiful and modern building, designed by I. M. Pei caused uproar due to where it is situated, in the middle of a classically designed palace . Pei very cleverly designed the Pyramid in glass as not only does it allow natural lighting into the entrance hall but the classical building surrounding it can been see through the glass panels. I would love to see this masterpeice, but would also love to visit the gallery and get to see the space and the affect the natural lighting brings to the hall below.