Personal Statement For Application To University.

I believe that a basic understanding of Architecture is a necessity for people to survive to protect them from the elements, to provide workable spaces for jobs and lastly serve recreational purposes; accordingly what was initially a fundamental human need has evolved into a form of art where new materials, technology and innovative ideas shape the world we live in and sustainability and environmental impact are more important than ever before.

I first became interested in architecture at the age of seven when I started watching property programmes with my parents. I soon realised there was a lot more to buildings than just semi-detached houses and I wanted to be involved in designing a range of building types. I spent hours playing the Sims 2 as it was the only available way for me at this time to be able to design buildings and it fascinated me that it was possible to see a 3D representation of what I had designed.

This has been my focus and passion over the last 10 years as I believe that the creation of any structure has so many opportunities and possibilities. The thought that you can create a design whether it's on paper, using CAD or by modelling and it can be built scaled up to serve a purpose appeals to me.

Over the course of the last century the world has changed at a far greater pace than ever before, such is the case with architecture where buildings are far less limited by height and use of materials allowing for skyscrapers to dominate the skylines of the world's major cities and for bridges spanning up to a mile connecting cities that previously had limited access between each other.

Now in the 21st century the ability of the construction industry continues to grow with large projects continuously developing areas of the world. For example Dubai wouldn't be the tourist hotspot it is if it weren't for the development in construction. The reason I want to study Architecture personally is the thought that I could design something on paper and by making a model and then see it being built and become a reality that has a purpose. I like the idea that even after I die I could potentially have left a legacy that will inspire and teach future generations. In my opinion Architecture has to have functionality but it can also be provocative and challenge people's perception of the uses of materials in their environment, not just "design for design's sake" but have a real practical purpose.

I am currently reading a book called 'The Architecture of Happiness' which analyses how architecture and our surrounding effect our mood, personality and overall our lives. The A levels I am studying for have helped towards my goal, for example Product Design has improved my precision in drawings and taught me how to make physical models and create them on a CAD program. Maths and Physics have given me a foundation to learn how to solve problems/calculations needed in making sure a design is possible and safe to actually create.

Whilst also studying my A levels I have been involved in a project team, consisting of 6 students, who had input and access to meeting concerning my schools sixth form extension. Not only did I get the chance to see initial drawings, plans and how they progressed into physical form but also I went to a council meeting, where I saw part of the legal side of construction such as issues with building on green belt and conservation of wildlife. During my first year of A levels I also took part in Young Enterprise, where my teams main product was the selling of potted bulbs, I was in charge of sourcing products, pricing and the finance of my team, we managed to make a profit working as a team selling various products.

In August 2012 I took part in the two week " Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence Summer Work Experience Scheme" that meant I gained work experience at a number of different companies within the construction industry ranging from Architects, Engineers and Building Services consultants. It helped me understand the legal standards and contracts needed and communication needed between different professions required for a building to go through the process of design to being built. At the end of the course I received the "Best Student Award".