Florence Antia (1099940059) Manchester Architecture application Portfolio

I would really like to study Architecture at the "Manchester School of Architecture as the idea of gaining a degree in Architecture thats accredited by two universities really appeals to me. I definitly feel that having the resources and facilities of both universities available is a huge advantage. From visiting the City I also think that the diverse and cultural city of Manchester would be a great and inspiring place to live and study. My love of Architecture stems from growing up in Dubai. There, I was surrounded and fascinated by the architectural diversity of the buildings being built. Design has always been an interest of mine and I absolutely loved studying Design-Technology at School. However what appeals to me the most about architecture is that it is a subject that allows you to be creative but also combines both sciences and humanities as well.

Recently I visited the Barbican Performing Arts Centre in London. It was built in the 1970's by the post-war modernist Architectural firm Chamberlin, Powell and bon. I absolutely loved the exposure of bare concrete throughout the building and the ramps and low ceilings gave it an almost "car-park" feel". However the addition of the orange fabric panelling in the interior added warmth. My favourite part of the building was the outside terrace. The "Japanese-water-garden" style lagoon along with the many hanging flowers from surrounding Barbican Estate balconies, provided a tranquil sanctuary that transported me away from the busy city. St Giles' Church across the lagoon seemed out of place with the traditional church building Architecture contrasting the Brutalist style of the Barbican. Overall I really enjoyed visiting the centre; it was a peaceful, relaxing place to escape and spend the day. I completely disagree with the vote naming it the ugliest building in Britain in 2003.

I would say that the post modern FAT Architecture group which formed in the 1990's are my favourite Architects as I love their playful, quirky style. They do their own thing and don't conform to the restraints of the "norm". The FAT (which stands for Fashion Architecture Taste) group's work has been controversial and often divides opinion. My favourite piece by them is "The blue house", located in Hackney, London. This is a piece of Architecture that I would like to experience in person as I love it's animated "cardboard cutout" appearance and how its blue exterior contrasts with the surrounding houses. It's the kind of house I hope to one day live in. In addition I would really like to visit a Shipping Container home as this innovative type of design really interests me and in the future I hope to work in the branch of Sustainable design.