UCAS ID: 1748659361

 Portfolio Statement 

During my childhood years in San Diego, California, I was immersed in traditional Hacienda style architecture, characterised by stucco, clay, and wood accents. The open space used in the Hacienda style introduces light into the structure, something that Javier Senosiain uses alongside the natural and flowing composition of his work to bring life and complexion to the buildings he designs. The amalgamation of organic and natural elements with the obvious built up technical structure is intriguing. I feel inspired by the character of the buildings he creates and how they reflect certain themes so vividly through their structure. The use of fluid and rounded walls and ceilings creates the vision of an open and winding space that sparks the illusion of mystery and depth within the shallow buildings. His use of fluid structure in Mona Casino in Tasmania, Australia is a prime example of how Senosiain uses dynamic construction techniques to welcome organic and botanic nature. 

The use of botanics and green-space is simultaneously presented in the Beitou Library in Taipei, Taiwan. Not only is the impressive architecture a feat of inspiration but so are the sustainable measures taken to construct the library. The use of solar cells and rain collecting solar systems help to power and preserve the image of the building. With the current environmental pressures faced, I find the thought of sustainable construction stimulating. In October, I visited the Reichstag Building in Berlin, and was amazed by the contrast of the Neo-Renaissance style of the main building and the futuristic and modern design of the dome which marks the push for a new future for Germany following the World Wars. The Reichstag has been a constant symbol of political and historical conflict, taking a new role as a government building. I admired the light that the mirrors within the dome brought to the space and how its structure allowed for not only an insight into the history of the building and the composition of the structure itself, but also of the ever-changing city. 

The Manchester School of Architecture caught my interest due to the range of resources available within the institution. During my visit at University of Manchester for the open day in October, I was particularly intrigued by the various ateliers available which allows for students to develop and specialise their projects. The PRAXXIS atelier was specifically motivating as it offers me the opportunity to apply my passion for feminist ideals and objectives to my studies and career path. I know that my studies at Manchester School of Architecture will push and inspire me to produce the best work possible and allow me to develop relationships that are indiscoverable elsewhere. 

Berlin Textiles - 2024 

Mediums: fabric, cyanotype printing, embroidery

During my travels, I chose to capture compelling architectural structures within Berlin, whether it was due to their originality, their circular structure, their character or their detail. I wanted to experiment with mediums so I chose to create cyanotypes using digital negatives of my own photos on pre-treated fabric. I used a contrasting colour of thread to highlight key features within the photographs and stitched together each photo to create a collage to capture my architectural journey throughout Berlin.  I chose to create cyanotypes using digital negatives of my own photos on pre-treated fabric.

Newcastle Train Station - Line Drawing - 2023

Mediums: A3 white drawing paper, fine liners (0.05, 0.5, 1.0)  

Train stations are a key example of people within space and are a hub for human interaction. People of all backgrounds visit stations for all sorts of reasons. I wanted to show this within my drawing but also wanted to play with the perspective of the station. I did a live sketch initially and then developed this sketch further using a photograph. This allowed me to capture the movement within the building as well as the fine details which define it. 

Newcastle Train Station - Watercolour - 2023

Mediums: A3 watercolour paper, fineliners (0.05, 0.5, 1.0), watercolours 

To develop my previous project I chose to add a wash of colour using watercolour. I hoped this would help highlight the features and animation of the station, bringing life to the photograph. I also wanted to keep the piece simple, allowing for the perspective and use of patterns to stand out.  

Pink Tulip - Georgia O'Keeffe Rendition - 2023

Mediums: A3 white card, gouache paints 

This project is a rendition of Georgia O'Keeffe's painting, Pink Tulip. I have continuously been inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's work throughout my childhood and teenage years. Her use of botanical and organic images to portray a woman’s body is compelling artistically but also beautiful. I brightened up the colours of the painting to bring more life and contrast to the piece.

Pink Tulip Inspired Model and Collage - 2024

Mediums: white card, A3 white card, magazine clippings

I chose to develop an architectural model off of the rendition as I was inspired by the fluid structure that defines the painting. I wanted to ensure a clear structure that was organic and animated. I was able to achieve this by using extruding details that cast shadows on the model. To incorporate the colourful aspect of my rendition I used clippings from magazines to make a collage that encapsulates the meaning of the painting to me.

Pink Tulip and Model Sketches - 2024 

Mediums: white chalk, A4 black card

Using the model, I wanted to produce sketches to display my technical drawing skills. I highlighted the changing shape of the building using contrast from bright white chalk and a black background. I also drew a sketch of the painting prior to producing the model to inspire the design. 

Surf from a Birdseye View - 2024

Mediums: A3 canvas, water-based oil paints

This piece was inspired by my life in California, and how it has influenced my relationship with the sea and its portrayal in artwork. Water based oils allowed me to blend and create a cohesive piece, using an underpainting technique to make the blues of the water stand out and give the painting a warmth.

Lino Prints - Inspired by Morrocco - 2023

Mediums: linocut, block printing ink, black card

Lino prints allow for a display of harsh contrast between colours, space and shade, something which is prominent in everyday architecture. I was also able to introduce an element of detail into the piece using this medium and use different colour combinations to alter the piece as a whole. I chose to draw inspiration from Moroccan architecture due to its captivating dimension and detail.

Portrait - 2022

Mediums: A3 white card, oil paint, acrylic paint (title) 

By using oil paints for this piece I could develop my shading technique to add dimension to the portrait. I wanted to create a seamless finish to highlight the model's facial features. I could develop the colour pallet and richness of the colours used with this medium, something that I found essential to the value of the final product.

Online Models and Line Drawings - Work Experience - 2023 

Mediums (line drawings): A3 white paper, fineliners (0.5, 1.0) 

During my work experience, I helped design an online model of a pavilion based on floor plans that were introduced to me. I used Autocad, Sketchup, and Enscape to develop these online models. I used dimensions to ensure the perspective and proportions of the model. I then produced line drawings based off the interior and exterior design of the pavilion, stimulating an animated design.