Pratt M. Arch (First Profession) Personal Statement

Personal Statement

The creation of space reflects lifestyle and stimulates sensation.

The development of computer technology and the specialization in our society are pushing the limit of space. Now, one can live in a tile-sized space, says one sqm. With a smart phone for living and working, he can go to the public bathroom and fast-food shops so no bathroom and kitchen are needed in his own cell.

The flexibility of space has increased; in order to utilize the potential of space I would invite the users to participate in the creation of space. By encouraging people to create or to transform space, one can personalize his own dream space; in a social dimension it generates diversity of choices and lifestyles.

I am interested in exploring different models to encourage users' participations. An architect can build an incomplete building and let the users to decide the size and the rooms they need. An architect can also build a complete building that allows a flexible use of space.

Furthermore I want to explore in my graduate study how can we encourage human to use and to transform a space unconsciously by studying human sensation and feelings. Why I feel the kitchen in Europe's houses too open? Europe's houses normally have the dining room combined with an open kitchen working table and a big oven while Hong Kong's kitchens are usually arranged in the corner of the house with a small window. Why I still feel my neighbors like strangers after moving in my Germany's apartment for a month but I feel familiar with my neighbors after moving in my Hong Kong's flat for a week. There is a long corridor in my Hong Kong flat where everyone hangs and dries their clothes there and we spend at least 15 minutes a day in waiting and taking the lifts with each other.

Finally, I consider Pratt a perfect institute for me to explore new ways of architectural designs as Pratt provides huge and diverse supports on art, culture and design. I would also like to participate in Pratt's Incubator to experiment and carry out new design with the society.

I would focus on a stronger opening paragraph to surround the thesis statement (which is very intriguing btw. I understand the drama of the structure but I cannot help but find the essay a bit choppy. I think you need to but more transitioning words between your different ideas to make it seem more like a unified STATEMENT than various fragments of thoughts put together. Also I would love to see an expansion on your own personal experiences with space (maybe put this more toward the beginning of you essay), because it gives the admissions officer a better feel for who you are and why you believe the things you do. Try to tie in your own life experiences with space throughout the essay in further fluidity. Over all I think you have some interesting viewpoints, just keep polishing, reviewing the structure, and adding in more personal details of examples of different uses for space that will give life and personality to your essay!