PERSONAL STATEMENT

The aesthetic appeal of the architectural surroundings at historical sites has been a driving force in my appreciation for architecture. The formidable visual impact of museums and other prominent structures in urban settings has played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue studies in this field. I am keen to acquire the proficiency to translate my thoughts onto paper and to comprehend the intricate conceptual basis behind architecture, so as to render my design process transparent.

With a passion for architecture, I enrolled in XJTLU in 2019 for a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and later continued my studies at the University of Liverpool. During my four years of study, I discovered that architecture encompasses not only exterior aesthetics but also space arrangement, light and shadow interplay, and structural intricacies. My mastery of software allowed me to express my ideas without limitations and produce clearer, more impactful work. In the early years, I aimed to produce architecture with an organic and flowing style, but in the final year, I sought balance by exploring a more regular form. My interest in architecture was initially sparked by structures with historical and cultural significance, leading me to focus on heritage conservation. My portfolio includes projects such as a study of vernacular architecture, a proposal for transforming a historical building, and a project called "City Yurt." I believe architecture reflects society and my projects "Desert Flower" and "Architectural Co-working Residence" address important societal issues like desertification and the economic impact of COVID-19 and remote work.

I am highly motivated to apply for an Architecture MArch at the University of Edinburgh. The two-year duration of the MArch program appeals to me, as it provides ample time to delve deeper into areas of the architectural study that particularly interest me. I found portfolios of studio work from previous years on issuu. The theme of people exploring the city's past, and subtle narratives being generated in the city, appeals to me, of cities and buildings turning on each other, of modern and historical, of occupation and re-occupation constantly playing out. Additionally, I learned that work on design projects in this program that are based on realworld scenarios, which will enable me to gain practical experience in the field. I am confident that this course will further enhance my ability to address social issues within a historical context and creatively adapt to future development. In my future study, I hope to focus on how average people can live a better life under big social problems. Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach to architecture is something that I find incredibly exciting. I am eager to collaborate with students and faculty from a range of disciplines, such as engineering, art, and computer science, to create truly innovative designs. Ultimately, I believe that studying at the University of Edinburgh will allow me to grow as an architect and help me achieve my career goals. My future career is heavily influenced by my six-month work experience. During this time, I gained practical experience on real projects, improved my teamwork and communication skills, and enhanced my time management skills. Through working on campus projects and residential developments, I applied my theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and gained a better understanding of the design and construction process. I also developed teamwork skills and communication skills by working with teams of architects, engineers, and contractors. However, the tedious repetitive work and high intensity of the job also impacted my future career plans. I plan to seek more creative work and seek a better work-life balance. After completing my Master of Architecture degree, hope to gain experience at a prestigious architectural firm, then establish my own studio with like-minded individuals. I believed that a March Architecture degree from the University of Edinburgh would give me professional recognition and enable me to find creative work after graduation. Practical experience from real-life context-based design projects will help me to adapt more quickly to my future work and will also help me to cope with more complex design requirements. The multidisciplinary approach will gives me the opportunity to interact with professionals from various fields. I fully believe that will have a better professional experience through my studies at Edinburgh University.

Apart from the profession of architecture itself, I also have a very wide range of interests. I have a passion for exploring and learning new things, and curiosity has always been a quality I am proud of. I have dabbled in experimenting with various traditional Chinese handicrafts. I am also an avid fan of city hiking and enjoy observing the wildlife found within the urban environment. Edinburgh is a vibrant city with a unique historical and cultural background and wonderful natural beauty that appealed to me.