450 WORD STATEMENT 

Why do I want to study Architecture in the University of Manchester? 

I consider Manchester as a city characterized by a lot of architectural and cultural diversity; being a metropolitan city, it hosts people from all around the globe, whereas its urban design is represented by Modern and Victorian architecture. Manchester differs significantly from the city I grew up in, in terms of architecture; therefore it would be very intriguing to experience such an environmental change. Additionally, the University of Manchester offers facilities and classes that assist the learning process and create a pleasant ambient for all students. I believe the University, in combination with the city itself, will provide me with many important experiences and priceless knowledge, showing me the right path to follow in my professional life. 

Description of an Exhibition I Recently Visited

I recently visited the “Open Day Athens” exhibition, during which private buildings and spaces of great architectural value opened their gates to the public. Taking a tour through many buildings in the center of Athens, I had the chance to explore interesting features I had not seen formerly, while also realizing there is much architectural diversity in my city I was not aware of. Historical information on the buildings also indicated the influence of foreign architecture styles in Greece. 

My Favorite Building 

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence was the building that changed my perception of architecture; upon examining its grand size, its extraordinary details and harmonic features, I realized why Architecture consists such an important art and decided to study it. The Cathedral manages to impose the awe of God, while I find the history of the temple fascinating, especially considering Il Duomo; its construction was both adventurous and compelling. 

My Favorite Architect

An architect that truly inspires me is Michelangelo. Although known mostly as a painter and sculptor, his architectural work all over Italy is, in my opinion, an irreplaceable part of art history and an exemplar of craftsmanship. The essence of an architect as a polymath is imprinted in Michelangelo’s work; that helps me comprehend the importance of all arts and motivates me to continuously improve in my work.

A Work of Architecture I would like to Experience in Person 

The Basílica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona consists a monument I crave to visit one day. What makes it so special to me is that it is a sui generis temple, which creates a contrast between the established catholic architecture one often encounters all over Europe, and Gaudí’s perception of both God and the world. Its spectacular manipulation of light in the interior and the peculiar design of its grandiose façade indicate the remarkable technique of an ingenious architect, who was inspired by nature, God and his own conception of our world. It is one of the buildings that make one feel respect and awe, therefore I would love to experience it. 

Pet Shelter

I have a weakness for my dog; when he recently had a paw injury, I was inspired to make a pet shelter in the shape of a dog paw.  I’m deeply moved by the conditions that stray dogs face in Greece, where they multiply continuously, and believe it is fundamental that proper measures are taken and sustainable shelters are built.

Marvel

Being a huge fan of Marvel comic books, I created a series of drawings and paintings based on both the movies and the comics. I then linked my passion to Architecture by designing a 3D model of the Avengers Tower.

Sketchbook: "A day in class"

When class gets insufferable, I find relief in expressing myself in creative ways. 

I have made sketches of my classmates and teachers, items inside the class, classrooms and even comic strips from real life situations.

My Room

Rooms have personalities; each room matches the personality of its inhabitant. My room is the place designed for myself, where I can isolate myself from the outer world, design it the way I like it and relax at the end of a long day. 

My Street

“I quickly exited the building and began ascending towards the neighborhood’s main avenue. My head impulsively craned back to my house; I could notice the building’s number shining imposingly on the column and hear the soft rustle of the plants’ leaves caused by the breeze. Trees and buildings blocked the sun’s dazzling light on my flank as I walked; pine and olive trees oscillated indolently, occasionally allowing leaves to land on the patterned sidewalk. I passed in front of the houses I always admired and was greeted by cheerful barks. 

Despite having walked the street millions of times, it was always a pleasure to stroll and observe the neighborhood. It had that character of individuality that fascinated and pacified me; each building seemed to have its own identity and impact on the neighborhood, just like each citizen. No house was directly next to the other, yet a heartwarming feeling overwhelmed me upon observing them, making me feel as if they were united in some manner, in that much-needed oasis of nature and quietness, which was capable of slowing down my life’s unbearably hast rhythms. 

I kept on walking, gazing at the street as if for the first time…”

Graphic Design - Theatre Work

I participated in a theater group from 2014 until 2019. Inspired by my love for the group, and other celebrations of national days in the school, I created posters for the Greek Independence Day celebrations  and the theatrical plays. 

The theater posters are based on plays and movie scripts from Greek writers of the 20th century. The Greek Independence Day posters are based on famous paintings of the Greek Revolution of 1821.

The pictures around the posters are photos of me performing on stage. 

Photography

I enjoy capturing photos of interesting architectural and decorative features, both during trips and in my daily life. 

Photography has helped me develop my perception of space, understand the importance of light and observe symmetry and beauty in seemingly ordinary buildings and places. 

Sculptures

I attempted to craft a 3D object based on origami folding techniques.
I also depicted body movements by drawing the different stages of a body part’s motion on paper, and then created sculptures based on them. The project was formed using free shapes, based on the body movements, and geometric forms, based on the origami.   

Introduction to technical drawing (2D, 3D and model making)

This project was a study on technical representation of objects. It includes axonometric, perspective -with both one and two vanishing points-, study of light as well as elevations, plans and sections. I then crafted a 3D model of one of my designs, as an introduction to 3D model and technical creation.

Ideas for a Bridge

Bridges are considered one of the most significant and essential structures. Their function to connect places and break natural and artificial barriers assists transports, reduces time spent travelling, while also boosting the economy and facilitating our daily life. 

I started by drawing numerous abstract colorful square designs, in order to imprint the essence of a bridge into a two dimensional painted area. Then I proceeded to the construction of a bridge, using as a base the painting that inspired me most.

The design of the three other bridges was inspired by three of the fundamental subjects in the Greek Educational system. The algebra bridge sets its foundations on the function of sine. The second one is a vertical lift bridge, inspired by the subject of Ancient Greek, and is designed based on a meander pattern. The third bridge is based on Biology; the shapes formed resemble the double stranded molecule of DNA; the two chains of polynucleotides set the barriers of the bridge, whereas the vertical nucleobases offer stability to the structure. 

Observational Drawing

After observing items placed on a counter from various angles, I attempted to depict them with accuracy, without however knowing their dimensions. The project helped me develop my observational skills and understand the analogies and different shapes of every day items, as well as the effect of light and shadow  on them. 

Observational Painting

I experimented with color, by observing colorful items placed on a counter, and drawing buildings I have visited and famous paintings.