‘Why I would like to be an Architect’ has been written by our work experience student Jesse.
I would like to be an architect because architects find a way to combine creativity and engineering into something practical that we all look at. The technicality of the drawing and engineering and the creativity of problem-solving and design can appeal to everyone. Over time, architects have created buildings that have stood for centuries, then burnt down and rebuilt, reshaped and we have carved our lives out around these buildings. I believe architects do not design buildings, but ways for people to live more efficient and pleasurable lives. For example, if your flat is too dark and small, an architect can be hired to make this clients life nicer and literally brighter. Another example would be if your high street is dull and full of concrete, industrial buildings, you need an architect to brighten things up and make everyone feel a bit happier as they pass down a street of beautiful, interesting buildings. Architects can create a space where people come together and socialise, like a piazza, or a place for privacy, like an everyday home. Architects like to mould cold, solid brick structures within peoples’ lives, to make them better. That is why we get so attached to buildings and that is why I would like to be an architect.
At Shape Architecture, they make lots of beautiful improvements to people’s homes and workplaces, here are a few of my favourite past projects. I really like the Wessex Primary School project as it looks bright, creative and different which is perfect for a primary school. Bright colours and interesting shapes help children learn better, so the Primary Coloured porch-style boxes on the front are fun and interesting for children. The full glass walls and skylights allow plenty of light in, creating a light, enjoyable learning space for the children. I also liked the basement project in Redesdale Street, Chelsea, London because the double doors at the end of the room create a focal point of the garden and create the feeling that you are surrounded by greenery. I like that the skylight in the roof looks upon the old bricks of the building above that creates a contrast between the industrial brick and the modern white paint that the room is decorated with. The windows at both end and the skylight allow the room to be light and bright, all through the day. The plain white cupboards allow all the clutter needed in a kitchen to be hidden from sight, allowing a slick, modern feel and the light to flow through the room. Another project I like is Rickham House in Maidenhead because the contemporary extension is an enjoyable, open space as opposed to the probably small rooms in the old Grade 2 listed Rickham House. One whole wall is a glass folding door that nicely opens out onto the garden, which floods the room with light and creates a soft transition from inside to out, even when the door is closed. The roof of the extension links back to the roofing of the surrounding buildings but has a contemporary twist that allows plenty of light in from above. The shape of the roof can be seen from inside the building, creating height and space.
