Graduate /
statement of purpose for environmental architecture. [3]
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
"The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved". - Richard Rogers.
The cities of 20 th century were built on the basis of function and rationality, technical innovation and changes in social structure; which has caused concentrated human population and habitats in urban area. But at the same time we are realizing the problem of abnormal weather, pollution of air, water and ground. While entering into the 21st century what we can see around is the crisis facing the global environment and the loss of our culture. Economic development that wastes limited resources and destroys the environment brings only momentary prosperity and lacks sustainability; I believe this is the time to change our consciousness and take a step towards sustainability and environment.
As architecture is an art of function it is indeed an art of environmental response; environmental architecture is the appropriate demand of the new millennium. This relationship between buildings and environment is not just a recent concern; it has been a vital force throughout the history. Now it is time to return to our point of origin, to deepen our understanding of the environment and correcting our ways of mishandling the earth's environment.
For me the design is derived from considered responses to climate, technology, culture and site.
Architecture is created when; through intellectual deliberation an inspired and appropriate balance between these four constituents is reached; and a singular physical entity is created.
Brought up in a developing nation like India has made me conscious about the environment and sustainability issues, and has developed my interest of their application in architectural design.
Architecture according to me is re-evaluation of environmentally sound measures which contribute in a positive way to a building design that considers of orientation, natural ventilation, daylight, solar control, thermal capacity which should then result into an architectural language and expression for the future and to make the design more human. The evaluation, elaboration and incorporation of environmental measures are as important as issues of planning, structure, services, space and form. Environmentally conscious design should be inherent in creative process of the architecture in future.
"True education is concerned not only with practical goals but also with values. Our aims assure us of our material life; our values make possible our spiritual life". - Mies van der rohe.
Coming up from a unique family background; as my grandfather is a J.J. School of Arts (the best arts school in India) graduate in commercial arts and my father is general civil contractor who undertakes various private housing contracts; I have seen and experienced both artistic and constructive side of a design and as a child always wanted to imagine, explore and balance both.; which indeed droved me towards architecture at very young age.
In my primary and high school I showed all round development; where with imagination and creative skills I won numerous painting competitions and was published in international child artists' competition 1992 in America and 1993 in Japan. And also excelled in studies where I was ranked 31st and 35 th in Mumbai city scholarship exams and was ranked in junior scientist examination as well. I showed all round development in sports also, where I took part in swimming, cricket and kho- kho (national sport) teams for my school.
Exploring, understanding, researching and designing for five years for my graduation studies at Academy of Architecture; (one of the well known architecture college in India) has provided me the exposure in various aspects of architecture like basic design, architectural design, urban planning, interior design, graphics, model making, workshop jobs and has helped in developing my interest in these basic modules of architecture; Subjects like Engineering Mechanics, Materials & Construction Technology, Surveying, Steel Structures, Climatology, Soil mechanics, provided me with a strong knowledge in the theoretical and practical concepts of Architecture.
I had undertaken sustainable architecture as my elective in seventh and eighth semester as a specialized course which helped to generate my interest in sustainable and environmental architecture. It made me realize the architectural language of the future and provided me a new perspective for my higher education. My final year graduation thesis was the synthesis of the same; where I had proposed the Youth Pavilion (an urban interaction space for youth) in Pune University which was an urban insert to motivate the interaction between urban and rural youth and to create a parallel education stream for the students diverted from the main stream education, to promote them for their special skills and different qualities they posses. The final design had been developed keeping in mind the sustainable and environmental issues; where I had marked all the existing trees on the site and tried to retain and incorporate all of them in my design. Also the design utilized maximum solar power to lit the interior spaces and use of rainwater for cooling the same. The field of Architecture holds enough challenges to motivate me to delve deeper in this area.
Apart from education, traveling and exploring new places has always been my hobby while studying architecture; as a student I have traveled in various parts of India from large metropolitan cities to the remote rural areas where I learnt the versatility of life and nature, and different architectural languages, Also tried to maintain my sketching and photography skills.
After finishing the degree course in architecture I chose to work with STUP Design Forum (STUP Consultants), an internationally renowned architectural firm for my professional practice, where I joined as a junior architect to work in the concept and design development team. One year of work with this firm helped me develop my designing skills, conceptualization, team work, direct interaction with clients and associates. It also strengthened my skills with various software's like AutoCAD, sketch up, Photoshop, Corel draw, Archicad etc. I worked on both government and private projects for this firm, which includes designing projects like, NIFTEM (National Institute of Food Technology) in Chandigarh, Headquarters for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) in Delhi, Designing campus for IIST (Indian Institute Of Science And Technology) in Kerala and private projects like environmental friendly IT Park for TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) in Trivendrum, Kerala, and concept development for Mahindra Resorts in kerala. This encounter with various types and scaled projects, with different concepts and requirements programs helped me gain more knowledge about architecture and the profession. My professional experience has brought me in contact with people from business, finance, real estate, technicians & engineers, legal consultants, and environmental experts and has made me understand the needs of this industry. This Work Experience has boosted my self-confidence and helped me to be an independent person and a better human being.
After gaining as much knowledge, I would like to expand my horizons to pursue an international education in the subject of my interest of environmental and sustainable architecture, to gather more experience, knowledge, interaction and better prospect. I believe the University of Cardiff has the exact course and core module which matches with my interest for environmental design. According to my research, university of Cardiff is very well known for this course. With my background, work experience, academics and zeal for work and research, I am confident of meeting the high standards of the graduate program.
Your graduate program is intensive and covers all topics of interest in detail also with the best possible infrastructure provided by the university I am sure that I will be able to attend my future goals. The location of your Institute is also an attractive factor. I am convinced that, it will offer me the right set-up that will allow me to contribute my learning, time and energy to this field with the passion it deserves. After doing adequate research, I have reached the conclusion that I wish to be a part of the wonderful set provided by your Institute. It would indeed be a great honor and privilege to belong to this elite university. I look forward to having a great learning experience and a memorable stay in your city and Institute.