MY STATEMENT
Manchester School of Architecture is one of my dream universities while I was exploring my career path when I was 17. I found that after I finished my sponsored A-Level preparatory studies here in Malaysia, I can continue to pursue my path as an architect overseas. Therefore, having the opportunity I searched for the prominent architecture schools that is also certified by my local architect board. Besides its notable ranking and fame, I would like to also explore the different architecture that exists across the Europe. Additionally, this school of architecture provide excellent infrastructures including the studios, workplaces, libraries and commodities around them as well as highly professional lecturers and professors that will guide me the way on becoming a critical architect.
During September this year, I visited the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Among all the diverse artworks and crafts made from artists in different backgrounds, I am astonished by an art by Shahrul Jamili Miskon for his work of Fitna. It is a sculpture of a prayer mat made from painted nails and net. In my opinion of his work, the artist is trying to tell us on the lavishness of the worldly activities that made us so distracted from religious obligation to the extent of praying is a painful matter for the most Muslims in my country. Overall, the exhibition in the National Art Gallery mostly consists of cultural and historical art such as the Enrique de Malacca. I gained a lot of knowledge regarding local artists style and the numerous unique media used. It also encourages me to always be bold in challenging conservative values that are too restricting in pursuit of innovation and progress.
One of my most adored architect was a local Malaysian architect, Hijjas Kasturi. His architectural style piqued my interest ever since I saw the Telekom Tower during teenage years in 2018 as it reminds me of the Stark Tower in the film the Avengers. He also designs one of the most noticeable Tabung Haji Tower located in the busiest city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. He is one of my inspirational architect especially since he is one of the local artists in addition with his notable awards he received during his career. Although not much I can relate to aside from his design and nationality, he was the spark of my interest to continue in architecture.
During one of my first art project on nature, I strolled around the city of Kuala Lumpur and stumbled upon one of the favourite architecture. The most apparent and captivating view is the Merdeka 118 tower that is currently undergoing a construction. Although the status is undergoing, most of the outer parts have reached to completion. This building really attracts me aside from being the tallest skyscraper in my country, it displays more than just a mixture of Malay cultural identity and neo futuristic element. The building symbolises the first prime minister of Malaysia, signifying our independence and strengthening our pride of a multiracial citizen as a whole. The triangular-like clean lines in the design is actually derived from the Malaysian songket pattern, a type of traditional clothing and adapted to a more futuristic look. Although it face criticisms of challenging the traditional culture, the avant-garde concept is the reason I love the building.
I would like to visit and observe Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Iran. The reason being is because it is one of the most magnificent mosque I ever seen. In addition to their colourful stained glass, the Islamic architecture is apparent through its geometrical designs and complexity inside the building. Simple in the outside, breathtaking in the inside. It perfectly manifests the purity and sacredness of the mosque through the shapes and patterns of the walls, arcs, and ceilings. Being born in a religious family in a Muslim-dominant country, it would be a golden opportunity to experience the live building somewhere in the future.