Manchester School of Architecture Portfolio - 1745340862
Statement
Why do I want to study architecture at MSA?
MSA's distinction as the largest student society in the UK attracts me as an outgoing individual eager to share architectural ideas, enriching my learning through diverse perspectives. The collaborative program with two universities offers an exciting opportunity to acquire expertise from multiple angles. I'm particularly thrilled about the Year 1 project on abstract-themed architecture, like the 2023 studio project "Move Space" which aligns perfectly with my passion for exploring movement in design. Additionally, I look forward to the Field trips and independent tasks that will enhance my confidence and critical thinking skills, essential qualities for architects. Surrounded by a diverse blend of contemporary and historical architecture, I believe that MSA will enable me to develop these attributes, paving the way for my future success.
My review of a recent exhibition or building that I have visited
In October, I visited the Louvre Pyramid and was immediately fascinated by the simplicity of the geometric form with its modernist style. The pyramid's four lines extending from its square base created a focal point, drawing my gaze toward the Palace behind it, reflecting IMPei's intentional design. The contrast between the pyramid's sleek appearance and the historic stone facades of the Louvre Palace captivated me, showcasing the harmonious blend of new and old. The exploitation of natural lighting, reminiscent of Le Corbusier's Saint-Pierre Church, animated the architectural forms, accentuating clean lines, volumes, and textures. This interplay of light and shadow created a dynamic and kinetic movement, enhancing the spatial experience both inside and outside the pyramid.
A statement about my favorite architect or building
After a visit to the Bank of China Tower, I fell in love with Leon Ming Pei’s architecture where he seamlessly merges cultural context, social considerations, and symbolism in his designs. The tower symbolizes strength and vitality, representing rapid development through its bamboo-inspired design. Similarly, the Louvre Pyramid honors France's culture. I always think architecture is an art of problem-solving, Pei's work not only inspires aesthetically but also addresses social challenges, like the Kips Bay Tower's blend of affordability and aesthetics to tackle housing scarcity. His creations exemplify the importance of functionality in architecture, and I aspire to incorporate his influence into my future designs.
A work of architecture that I would like to experience in person
I would want to visit the Dancing House as its extraordinary architecture embodies dynamic forms and movement. As a ballerina, I am especially intrigued by the interplay of the curvaceous glass tower and contrasting vertical structure which creates an enchanting dialogue between organic and geometric elements. Often surrounded by modern architecture in Hong Kong, this deconstructivist masterpiece defies convention with fluid lines, asymmetrical shapes, and unconventional angles thus I desire to immerse myself in this avant-garde marvel someday.
Digital Portfolio
Architecture Project - Ballet Movement (process to final outcome)
Ballet Movement Exploration & Rotoscope Study
With 15 years of Advanced Level ballet training, I drew parallels between ballet and architecture in terms of spatial awareness. I aim to explore the movement flow and environmental interaction by integrating ballet with architecture.
To analyse movement, I traced myself every 0.1s, resulting in a rotoscope animation of 494 frames. Process photos: breaking down the animation allows me to clearly discern the movements.
Development: Drawing the Movement Flow
Inspired by Bridget Riley’s op-illusion artwork: I tried to express ballet movement using curves. I attempted to manipulate line weights to create movements and distortions.
Following the movement of my body in my animation, I abstractly drew lines to indicate the movement flow. I then combined both my body and leg movements flow to construct the simplified version of line.
Transforming 2D into 3D Art Installation
Since I want it to interact with the space and the viewers, I decided to make it float on air. This means the material must be lightweight - paper. I came across Richard Sweeney’s paper sculpture and started experimenting different compositions eg: spiral: by folding the paper back and forth triangularly.
Movement within Architecture
To enhance my concept, I narrowed my focus to the grand jete movement and its landing, demonstrating the dancer's interaction with the surrounding space. Incorporating three entrances enables smoother circulation, aligning with the design concept of fluid movement.
I visualised a dynamic public performance venue where buskers, street dancers and diverse artists can come together for their creative expressions. The interplay of light and shadow creating interlocking patterns fascinates me. Moving through space, visitors would experience ever-changing dynamic movement that follow the path of the Sun.
IB Exhibition - Perspective
As an art student, I feel like I have the privilege to convey deeper hidden messages behind artworks that could potentially raise awareness of a particular social issue. In these 11 artworks, each has its own unique messages based on issues and stories I discovered living as a HongKonger.
Found Object Sculpture - Inescapable
These hand postures symbolise each stage of the never ending poverty cycle. A rotating fan as the base emphasises the perpetual, inescapable loop; I hope by expressing this struggles, this can be a powerful advocacy to raise awareness and inspire action.
Concrete hand casting: it was my first time working with such delicate, fragile material that requires careful handling. The hand rotational movement interacts with the surrounding space, altering perspectives and adding depth and dimension to the environment.
Eureka Summer Internship - Interior Design of Art Room

Development 1 (Curves): I refocused on spatial design: a curvy platform as room dividers, adding a playful atmosphere to the space. Development 2 (Curve Walls): Taking a more abstract approach, I designed movable curve walls allowing for greater flexibility in the use of space.
The Fading Artefacts - Neon Light Exhibition
Neon sign board proclaims the Hong Kong’s growing prosperity. Slowly disappearing due to regulations, people in this profession are unemployed and their stories become a matter of preservation. This exhibition set in a dark room unveils the glowing beauty of these artefacts. The neon lights create a vibrant and dynamic visual experience, providing the dark room with lively energy.
Cai Shen 財神 Collage Piece
A colour pencil collage that depicts a satirical caricature of Cai Shen, the god of wealth in the Chinese religion, criticising their shameful behaviours of fraud.
Creating this collage enhances my techniques of overlapping and layering, allowing me to experiment with different visual arrangements like the waves of red pockets and explore concepts of transparency and depth similar to how layers are composed in architecture.
Etching with Black Ink
Through etching, I have refined my cross-hatching skills in handling shading using only black ink and cloth. Immersed in the vibrant streets of Mong Kok, I captured the seamless fusion of buildings, cars, and sign boards - defining character of Hong Kong in the 70s.
Painting - Exhale
This artwork accentuates stress relief; the interplay between the space, figure, water, and reflection evokes tranquility and immersion. While vivid colours emphasise the shadows and highlights.
Louvre Pavilion Design
Fascinated by I. M. Pei.’s interplay of light and shadow in the Louvre Pyramid, I designed a pavilion focusing on the interlocking pattern created by natural lighting.
Visitors entering the pavilion would be greeted by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow dancing across the surfaces. Moving through the space, they would experience an ever-changing display as the interlocking elements shift their relationship according to the Sun.
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