Motivation letter for M.Arch in Europe, Please help.

“Had my goal always been architecture, how did I know?” Architecture, for me, is a domain of creatively impulse momentum that coexists with diversity, design & technology. My advent into architecture cannot be defined under one circumstance but rather a “delving” into it. It bridges my interests and strongest aspects of my strengths: an eagerness for creativity and a tryst for solving complex issues.

From a young age, I was mesmerized by anthropometrical design and its analogy; starting from drawing perspectives, cardboard models and sandcastles to questioning each corner of my home “how can I make it better”. Father’s transferable jobs led me to every corner in India where I was revealed to diverse architectural icons and found it to be a perfect synthesis of aestheticism and intuitive functions. I learned that architectural language can be expressed by atmosphere, flow, transparency, obliqueness and even harshness. This got further nurtured by my exposure to construction process when our house underwent major renovations. The bliss I felt when my parents asked me about design suggestions, if only humorously,captured me into a dream of having a creative life. With utmost dedication, I opted for architectural studies.

If only I knew, Architecture could not be taught, rather it embeds an impregnable influence on oneself. Being a technological institute, IIT Roorkee showcased wide attention to applied machinery besides theoretical art. It is no wonder that the inter-departmental courses nourished me with the integration of strong designs and technology rather than choosing one over the other, hence abundantly magnifying my beliefs in creativity in digitalism. The wood-crafting, machinery & design workshops stressed me not to look for lightening but the tiny ways they can change user-perspective. This fundamentalism bagged me many internships outside formal education which spoke of this relation directly in terms of contemporary designs whilst revitalizing sustainability and technology; hence establishing an enriching experience for both user and designer.

Volunteering in a sustainability practice group at Auroville, India, I wondered if we could eliminate construction disasters by performing building models in virtual time, which to me, is also a facet of sustainability, further crystalizing my interests in performance architecture and virtual modeling. This encouraged me to gain a yearlong expertise in Building Information modeling (BIM) industry after graduation; where I was involved in core building modeling, high fidelity BIM and producing 4D animation to analyze construction activity in actual time. New to the concept of geometry interference detection, I studied its intricacies in depth and made myself accustomed to the technology. Due to my heightened interests, I was accredited with LEED Green Associate credential recently. I understood design isn’t separate from sustainability- it is a key to it; as 80% of the building impact is determined by its earliest concepts. Admiring KFW Westerkade in Frankfurt, I realized sustainable could also be as elegant when form and performance merge. This way, my aim continued to weave architecture, technology and sustainability aspects to overcome renowned issues, for instance, land scarcity, crime and terrorism, which, too often, hinder the betterment of our environment.

However, the current knowledge I mastered catered less to the scope this industry possesses. Even after a yearlong experience, I still couldn’t figure out an ever-rising question; how are we, architects, contributing to solve world issues? A crucial need for better insight & education is the key. The MA Architecture program at Greg Lynn studio is an iridescent opportunity to engage in a world class education of dynamic design & technology. Learning here would help uplift the challenging possibilities of reconfiguring our buildings to act smarter & safer. It, so profoundly reflects my ideology of creativity in digitalism and vice-versa. The idea of “machine vision” is very intriguing to me as it displays architecture cannot be just limited to multifaceted ubiquitous technology, rather a “growing” beyond the evolution of our imaginations vaguely known to me. I also show a deep enthusiasm for workshops curriculum where robotics diversify the interaction with material fabrications, enabling humans to transcend the limitations of their physical selves. Never had this opportunity before, I can now learn a lot from this comprehensive knowledge and weave out exceptional design characters in my projects. Forward-thinking attitude & technologically advanced community to form a stimulating design style; it is of no surprise that I am biased towards this culture. I find Studio Lynn, a place to merge disciplines and work beyond potential; so learning under the aura of excellent mentorship excites me. It would also be a privilege to interact with likeminded people who acknowledge automation aids design process, in order to achieve coherence.

My hypothetical thesis project will focus on overcoming the plight of humankind by developing transnational anti-terrorism architecture, if to say “defensive-intelligent-architecture”. Though some urban projects do display an appetite for anti-terror design within cities but what about borders? How can smart architecture lively help in phasing out cross-border crimes or is it even a possibility? Since terrorism is a modern war, it’s high time we recognize that encountering via forts and castles would soon be less efficient. I have been doing my personal research and felt the need for anti-terror architecture across borders. Analyzing for example, World War II mega-structures that Nazis built to defend Germany still stands today as a testament to defensive architecture. What if we merge two major disciplines, “intelligent” & “defensive” architecture of past to a certain extent and explore possibilities underground for safety and on-ground for defense. Can we as architects build, for instance, intelligent mega-bunkers that sense any upcoming invasion fleet so that we are better prepared, besides just watch towers? As a new interpretation for border sustainability, I intend to create intelligent-defensive architecture, if to say, which could accomplish the purpose of safety, living and defense, all at once.

Though a proud national, this arena of architecture hasn’t been much of advancement in India, which is in a state-of-violence-border country. The goal is to indulge my field into contributing to solve these issues, if not fully. It is clear to me that a proper inspirational education will provide me more comprehensive approach to design process. I am ardently enthused to learn every aspect of technology within which architecture correlates, with an aim to establish such scenario in Indian colleges; so that no one with potential is left out due to lack of resources, like in the case of many Indian students. I believe in free border-less transfer of knowledge and the pedagogy behind it. My respect for this Master’s program is immense as it ensures full flow of woven knowledge through flexible arenas and advanced technology, which will wing out exceptional design approach, hence seconding my future goals. Also, I feel that diewangdte community will benefit from the culture diversity that I will bring in and skills I developed throughout my career. Studying in a gorgeous city like Vienna will further support my creativity and solidify my interests in contributing to upcoming issues whilst making my own contribution to this immense educational community.