Dear X,
People once asked me: “Why did you choose architecture?” I couldn’t give asimple answer for that. Maybe it was because I like painting and constructionsince childhood. I also earnestly yearn to create beautiful things on my own andarchitecture can satisfy my imagination in space, materials, and color. My borninterest in this sector is also because of my parents, who are both structuralengineer and electrical engineer, influencing me gradually and unconsciouslysince I was a kid and giving me perceptual knowledge in the field. After myfive-year study in the Department of Architecture, and one-year work experiencein architectural design, I ask myself this same question. The result is thataside from the factors mentioned above, what really makes me choose architectureis its intrinsic appeal, which is just like the maxim written inside thebuilding of the Department of Architecture: “Architecture is the combination ofart and technology.”
Perhaps when a person is engaged in what his keen interest blossoms, hewill never feel tired, instead he would feel motivated and have an enrichingexperience. Five years‘ academic study in the School of Architecture and Arts ofUniversity of X transformed my instinctive excitement and imagination aboutarchitecture into systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding. Thistransformation, first of all, lies in my skills in the fine arts. Differing frommy previous mere interest in fine arts, the study of architecture makes me beginto ponder on how to draw using aesthetic elements from fine arts such as color,lighting and composition to apply to architecture. I was so dedicated to suchbrainstorming and imagination that I would always work around the clock in thestudio for days on end. Secondly, the study of basic architectural courses, suchas architectural structure, mechanics and materials science, makes me realizethat architecture not only gives importance on aesthetics, but also on the moreessential functionality and practicality. In that process, I realized thatarchitecture is not only an art, but also more importantly a sort of technology.Five years of college study gives me a deeper comprehension of architecture,that is, architecture is also part of other cultures - it is subject to othercultures‘ influence, and at the same time it influences other cultures.
Because of my childhood architectural background, coupled with my lastingkeen interest in architecture, I gained excellent achievements in the majorcourses of my college study, ranked top three in the class, and also receivedfirst prize scholarships and many other scholarships for five consecutive years.Besides, owing to my understanding of architecture, I am not satisfied with meretextbook knowledge. I believe architecture is not only a skill but also, moreimportantly, a combination of creativity and imagination. An excellentarchitecture designer needs not only solid architectural skills and knowledge,but also needs nourishment from fine arts, materials science, engineering andculture. For that purpose, I read quite extensively, understood thearchitectural history of different countries - especially European architecturalhistory, learnt from works of modern and contemporary architecturalmasterpieces, and gained insights on their design conceptions that are full ofcreativity and connotation. The knowledge I have gained from these effortsheightens my interests and my desire for creation.
I had the opportunity to put to practice this desire for creation duringthe last stage of my college study. During the second semester of my fourthyear, I interned with X for half a year where I participated in theenvironmental design of the X astronomical station and the conceptual design ofthe Phoenix Residential Complex in X. These experiences gave me insights intothe relationship between a building‘s space and its functionality, as well asarchitectural design‘s feasibility, which is an important factor to considerwhen designing.
After graduating in 20xx, I worked with an excellent architectural designinstitute, engaging in architectural design. In the meantime, I participated inthe conceptual design and design drafts of the janitor’s room, the main machinehall of X Company Ltd. I was also responsible for the design of the drafts ofthe multi-purpose hall in X , X and the renovation design of the X Archivesof the X. Because of my prominent achievements, I was quickly promoted as anexception from draftsmen to designer, and I later got the assistant engineercertificate in a short period of time.
The design experiences from these projects made me very interested increatively applying materials in projects. Meanwhile, I also continuouslylearned new ideas in architecture from different countries, and especially saw alot of design drawings of overseas architectural masters. All these experienceshave a great impact on me, sparking my intention of studying abroad to learnmore in-depth contemporary international architectural conceptions. I especiallyaspire to get to know in more detail modern western architectural history in thehopes of forming my own architectural conceptions.
Besides this, another intense desire of mine is to comprehensively learnthe relationship between architecture and culture, and through the study ofwestern architecture, to determine China‘s own architectural style. China onceboasted of a developed ancient architecture, while its modern architecture losesthe characteristics of its indigenous culture, a great deal of architecturelingers merely on the stage of rough and superficial imitation of westernarchitecture. I hope to form a sort of architectural design conception withcharacteristics of China‘s traditional culture after extensively absorbingmodern architectural theories and technologies. That is what I yearn to do andalso what I believe I can make.
Yours sincerely,