Please refine and polish the following Statement of Intent, 要求：
1. 帮助我反思我对建筑领域的兴趣
2. 描述建筑对我的意义来让University of Manitoba的招生委员会更好地了解我是谁
3. 用英文完成
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, a haven for my imagination. Witnessing his hand-drawn sketches and the countless design drawings on his desk, I was immediately drawn to the joy and fulfillment this profession offers. 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, their response surprised me. 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.

They say that architecture is frozen music. Indeed, architectural styles across history have been influenced by societies and their cultural traditions. For instance, traditional Chinese wooden architecture and ancient European stone masonry architecture directly mirror the distinct social traditions, religious cultures, and aesthetics of their respective regions.

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. Their influence extends beyond the boundaries of their creations, inspiring individuals and nurturing their creativity and aesthetic sense.

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.

J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece, “Harry Potter,” constructs a magical world that enthralls readers with its rich fantasy elements, encompassing magic, wizards, and magical creatures. Personally, I adore Harry Potter not only for its message that “love can change lives,” but also because the magical world is teeming with wonders and adventures, borne out of an abundance of love and care given to its young protagonists. This unconditional love empowers them to take risks, explore the unknown, and chase their dreams with strength and bravery in the face of adversities. Undoubtedly, Harry Potter offers fantastic portrayals of architecture within this magical realm. For instance, Hogwarts Castle features a breathtaking central courtyard and staircases that constantly shift their positions. The grand dining hall offers a spectacle of weather outside, while a secret chamber lies beneath a restroom, and Gringotts Bank, an awe-inspiring underground labyrinth, guards the wizarding wealth and treasures. The Ministry of Magic boasts a magical atrium, courtrooms, and an array of astonishing departments. Each time I immerse myself in these books, I find myself marveling at the author’s boundless creativity and imagination.

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. It is not impossible for us to transform magical buildings from fantasy worlds into reality. Ultimately, architecture becomes a crucial component of cultural diversity.

In China, the construction industry has witnessed rapid expansion. However, amidst this booming era, I have often pondered about the implications of such “prosperity.” As I travel from Beijing to my hometown, thousands of kilometers away, or venture into more distant areas, I cannot help but notice the striking similarity in city architecture. If not for the unique accents and local cuisines, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern distinct architectural identities.

The relentless pace of construction has left us with limited time for introspection, hindering our ability to emphasize the localization of architecture. Often, our focus is fixated on the form and façade of buildings, disregarding critical factors such as the relationship between architecture and the environment, the interplay between architecture and local social culture, the incorporation of cutting-edge construction technologies and materials, and the overall experience of end-users. Consequently, during my master’s studies, I view this as an exceptional opportunity to pause, reflect, and delve into advanced design thinking. I am eager to explore how architecture can better adapt to future social changes, climate variations, and aging societies. My aim is to deepen my knowledge of architectural energy-saving and green building technologies.

In light of the above, I am writing to apply for admission to the Master of Architecture program at University of Manitoba. Thank you for considering my application.



Yours sincerely,

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