Graduate / Graduate Studies in Architecture - Statement of Purpose [4]

Architecture Grad School Statement of Purpose Update

Hello Everyone,

I had posted an earlier version of my statement of purpose in mid-August and I am here now with a new draft that took the older drafts into account, as well as responses from friends and professors. Any and all comments are welcome.

Enjoy!

Architecture has always been a professional ambition that I aspire to. It alone is a passion that resonates within me with desire that extends beyond any ordinary career path, as it does with anybody who truly loves the study and practice of the art.

My primary goal is to practice architecture and design professionally, and to use design, engineering, and technology to develop a better environment in which we live and work.

To fully realize this goal I needed to begin by attaining a Bachelor's degree in architecture, however, I did not pursue an architecture degree alone. Seeing the relationship between architecture and engineering, and knowing that I have the capabilities to master both, I included a degree in civil engineering; focusing on structural and seismic engineering. This was done with the idea in mind that a future building I design will not have to lose any design intent because of engineering issues, thus mitigating the conflicts between architect and engineer that hinder innovation and betterment of design. Receiving a bachelor's degree in both fields completes my pursuit of engineering and allows me to use the knowledge I gained in my undergraduate education to better inform the architecture I produce in future academic projects and professional practice. Moving forward, I wish to continue to follow my primary goal and to further broaden my interests and intellectual background in design.

Using my undergraduate education and the knowledge gained therein as a basis for future education and practice, new questions in architecture and design demand attention and answers. My interests lie in the abilities and potentials of computing in design; using new trends and technologies to allow computers to truly aid design and not just assist documentation, while maintaining the standards of architecture. Expanding the role of computers beyond designing singular buildings and into the realm of urbanism and cities is an analogous interest. Having grown up outside of Detroit, I have seen the devastating effects that dilapidation, sprawl, and failed urban environments can have on society and well-being. Architecture and urbanism are innately related to one another, and at any advanced level, a professional cannot consider one without the other; a better environment can only be achieved through the design and analysis of architecture and urbanism as a whole. With that in mind, how will new technologies and computer applications including generative design, scripting, and algorithms influence architecture and design? How can computer technologies influence urbanism and analyze the performance of the cities at micro and macro scales? These questions are what I seek to explore in graduate study.

UCLA, with its forward-thinking attitude, interest in cross-disciplinary and progressive education, and relation to the unique urban core of Los Angeles is my choice as the source of further intellectual and practical development. The school provides cutting-edge technology, facilities, professors, and resources that I feel are powerful tools for my graduate education, development, and architectural and urban design. I intend to develop and work symbiotically with the school to explore the potentials of technology in architecture and urbanism; creating new avenues while maintaining the traditions of architecture. It is my aspiration to gain knowledge and provide the school with a mind that fears not the questions, but the hesitation to look for the answers.

Architecture, along with engineering, technology, and urbanism from my academic background will inform the architecture of my professional future. The pursuit of innovation and integration of the art and science will not cease; ultimately achieving a better architecture for all.

Writing Feedback / "Pyramid of Honesty" - Feedback on tone [3]

Well I must say that your paper did indeed keep me interested despite my admittedly short attention span and need to leave my school's computer lab to enjoy the rare rain we are having here in Vegas...and to get some food. I found it witty, entertaining, and rather intelligent; not just based on pure opinions and shock-value.

As far as the tone of the paper is concerned, I do not feel that it is overly arrogant. Of course, that is just one man's opinion and others may feel differently, but I prefer the comical, yet well-educated nature of the writing. As a matter of fact, had you never mentioned the question of "an arrogant high schooler who loves big words a little too much" I probably would have never even thought of it that way.

Graduate / Graduate Studies in Architecture - Statement of Purpose [4]

Thanks for the grammatical corrections and encouraging words, Susan. I am hoping for the best :)

Grammar, Usage / "Furthermore, stating..." - Fragment Sentence? [5]

Hello, it would help if you included the sentence that precedes the one you are questioning so it can be read in context. It seems that you are missing a subject. Of course, I could be wrong but you are lacking "who" it is that is stating the unalienable rights of gays as unconstitutional. Maybe you should omit the "furthermore" and attach the sentence to the previous sentence with a semi-colon.