Please refine and polish the following Statement of Intent:

Statement of Intent
Dear Admissions Committee,

Since childhood, I have been captivated by the world of architecture, largely influenced by my relative who is a renowned architect. Visiting his design institute as a young child, I was enamored by the intricate building models that seemed to create a miniature world. Walking down the streets, I often encountered structures designed by him, and the pride I felt in sharing this connection with my classmates was unmatched. It was during this period that my strong interest in the art of constructing buildings began to take shape, ultimately leading me to choose architecture as my major in university.

Throughout my architectural studies, I sought guidance from professors, asking for recommended reading lists. However, they explained that architecture is a highly interdisciplinary field, drawing knowledge from a vast array of subjects. Over time, I have come to appreciate that architecture is a reflection of social development, art, and even religious and cultural influences.

In the modern era, architectural theories have diversified immensely, enriching society and culture from various perspectives. I am particularly drawn to Southeast Asian architectural styles, such as those found in Singapore, which seamlessly blend with the local climate through spatial and green facades, creating microenvironments. Such structures become vital carriers of regional culture. I also hold admiration for Japanese architecture, specifically the works of Tadao Ando and Kazuyo Sejima, whose designs represent contemporary Japanese cultural values through material selection, construction techniques, and spatial treatment. 

During my visit to Japan in 2019, I had the privilege of experiencing the Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island, designed by Tadao Ando for the Monet exhibition. I was captivated by this architectural masterpiece. Stepping inside the museum through a dimly lit corridor and entering the pristine space felt transformative, as if my soul had been cleansed. Monet’s water lilies were seamlessly embedded in the pure white walls, while the intricately paved floor, adorned with square pebbles, contributed to the overall detailed surface. However, it was the ingenious lighting design within the exhibition halls that truly left an indelible impression on me. With the museum situated underground, Ando expertly channeled indirect natural light through skylights and ceilings, creating an ethereal ambience. Visitors sensed the presence of light, yet its origin remained elusive. The gentle illumination cascaded down from the ceiling, gracefully transforming the exhibition walls over time, thereby enhancing the spatial perception and providing a “soft and mysterious” visiting experience.

Architecture is a perfect amalgamation of technology and art. Embracing technological advancements, architects create spaces that possess artistic value, address practical functional needs, and enhance public vitality. Ultimately, architecture becomes a crucial component of cultural diversity.

China’s urban development has gone through a period of rapid expansion. In the midst of this busyness, I reflect on what this “prosperity” has brought us. When I return from Beijing to my hometown 1200 kilometers away or travel to distant places, I feel that every city is extremely similar. If it weren’t for the accents of people around me or the different regional cuisines, I would hardly sense any difference between cities.

As an architect, I have been involved in residential planning and design projects in different regions. Through the design process, I have seen and experienced firsthand how the real estate market’s focus on cost efficiency, combined with almost identical control conditions (such as planning indicators, sunlight conditions, and form control) among different regions, leads to standardized designs that lack diversity. This realization has emphasized the importance of maintaining urban diversity to me. Therefore, in my future studies, I am eager to delve further into urban design topics and gain a macro perspective on architecture. By broadening my knowledge in different disciplines, I can contribute to the creation of diverse and vibrant cities.

Furthermore, the rapid development of the construction industry has made us become mere cogs in the assembly line, leaving us with little opportunity and time to deeply ponder the various possibilities of future architecture. Sometimes, we pay too much attention to the external form of buildings, but pay too little attention to the relationship between buildings and the environment, the true experiences of building users, the current and future development of green buildings. This is something I urgently hope to change.

Fortunately, I participated in the renovation design of the Holiday Inn Resort at Chongli. Before being designated as the hotel where the organizing committee of the 2022 Winter Olympics would stay, the hotel was originally designed and implemented as a three-star hotel. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the original structural system, and had extensive discussions and collaborations with colleagues from the mechanical and electrical discipline and equipment manufacturers. Ultimately, we were able to optimize the renovation to ensure excellent spatial effects and architectural experiences. Another aspect of the project that needed breakthrough was the enhancement of the building’s image. After conducting in-depth research on architectural forms of ski resorts around the world, we focused on the Whistler Resort style in Canada and successfully realized it in the building. As for landscape and interior design, we retained a modern Chinese design language. In this way, through the fusion of diverse styles, we created a unique architectural image.

This project made me fully realize that architecture is a highly comprehensive discipline. The final form, space, and experiential effects of any good architecture are inseparable from the support of other interdisciplinary fields and a more diverse design perspective. Therefore, I believe that the master’s program is an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect, to learn advanced design concepts. At the same time, I also hope to learn more cutting-edge architectural technologies and concepts, such as green energy-saving technologies, in order to integrate architectural design with the environment and climate, and create a more comfortable and climate-adaptive built environment.

With this in mind, I am writing to apply for admission to the Master of Architecture program at the University of Manitoba. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

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