Thursday, 20 December 2012

Statements and reviews.

Why I want to study Architecture at MSA? 
The character and cultural diversity, in combination with the widespread display of both classical and modern Architecture in Manchester, provide an ideal site that will assist me throughout my study in Architecture. The MSA has always appealed to me, its fixed high ranking and facilities that are available in two institutions alongside the highly skilled and experienced lecturers, I believe will allow me to excel and thrive as a student. In addition to this, great architects such as Norman Foster have studied at MSA and have helped me see that I too could become a great architect. The MSA, to me sounds like a promising place to study Architecture and will guide me on my journey on becoming an architect. 

A review of a building I recently visited - Rochdale Town hall:
I recently visited the Rochdale Town hall, a Victorian – era building with astounding beauty and history. It was designed in 1864 by the architect, William Henry Crossland. The building has been described as possessing a ‘rare picturesque beauty’; I completely agree with this, I think it is some of the finest architecture that I have seen, however, I think its beauty isn’t as recognised as it should be. The magnificent building has an outstanding Great hall that I think is the best part of the entire building; I also think the stained glass windows are some of the greatest of their kind. The fact that the building is used for many different occasions and events from weddings to conferences shows how the building is versatile and in high demand. Adolf Hitler was also enchanted by the town hall that he wanted to ship the building to Germany if Britain had been defeated in World War Two, again this shows how many people recognized and saw the beauty of the Rochdale town hall. 

Favourite building: 
The Palace of Versailles in Paris designed by the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter and decorator Charles Le Brun, and the landscape architect Andre Le Notre is easily my favourite building. Learning about the Palace of Versailles in AS history really made me see the incredible beauty of Versailles and all the thought and time that was put in to designing and creating it. In 1682 the court of Versailles was the centre of political power in France when Louis XIV moved there and is now a tourist attraction.  Later on the building was enhanced further by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The classical building with its hall of mirrors, sculptures, extravagant gardens, fountains and its magnificent architecture is a popular site that is visited by many tourists; I hope one day I too am able to see Versailles and all its extravagance.

Work of architecture I would like to experience in person:
I would really like to see the Reichstag in Berlin Germany, which was designed by the architect Norman Foster. I particularly want to see the mind blowing glass dome that has become a prominent landmark in Berlin. I would like to see this building because I believe that it is some of the finest architecture to date, the glass dome not only looks beautiful but it makes the entire building light and airy because it lets in plenty of natural light. The mirrored cone in the building directs light into the building so that visitors can see the German parliament chamber working.