Statement of Purpose Maryam Amrollahi Biuki Fall-2011

mary.ab@gmail.com

As far as I can remember I was always interested in creativity as a child, there are two obvious

images in my mind: The picture of me in the yard playing with mud, making awesome models

with it; the other one, my most loveable toy of all the times, my colorful Lego pieces. I love

playing with the mud and my Lego pieces, because with them I could experience and create new

things. That was always what I was seeking in playing, not just entertainment, but enjoying the

pleasure of creation.

Being brought up in Tehran/Iran I was interested in Architecture since an early age due to living

in an environment that valued the subject so much and was rich in its traditional ideas and

methodologies for the space it provides for its inhabitants. Art and design act as a basis for

human interaction and form a stage for them to engage with one another and their surroundings

on a daily basis. When I wanted to choose my major in university, my artistic talent as well as

my interest in architecture led me to choose Architectural Engineering.

I started architecture in Shahid Beheshti University (SBU), which is the most prestigious

architecture school in the country. During my study, I tried to experience anything that I can, to

find my way in architecture and design. I started each semester with a new idea, either for my

design projects or for my theory courses. I found out architecture like a world with different

regions, if you like snow there is somewhere for skiing, if you like beaches, of course you can

find it. The nature of architecture, which is the combination of art and engineering, make this

happen. I was browsing for my own way in this huge world, and now I think I have found it.

Going beyond designing a place, and taking it into a wider perspective where socio-economic,

cultural and environmental elements become more important is what interests me about

architecture. Initially I was inspired by Isfahan’s architecture where small details make huge

differences. To take inspiration from traditional solutions and to combine them with modern

ideas is very intriguing and I find taking the aesthetics of design along with issues of flexibility,

sustainability and adaptability very challenging. In addition, Architecture does not only need

good artistic skills but also needs a great and state of the art means of project production.

When I reached the second year, I met a teacher which changed my view to architecture, Prof.

Faridani. He is a structure engineer from Berkeley University, and now he is running Art of

Engineering Workshop in SBU. In his workshop I found the beauties of nature, and I learned that

it can be a source of inspiration for designing. All of nature’s mechanisms and forms are in the

best and most efficient way. Working in the workshop on Deployable Geodesic Dome, I also

learned something else; how working in group would cause significant results. And I tried to be

useful as a group member not solely.

After years in the architecture field, now I decided to focus my studies, interest and

talent on a more adventurous and imaginative field: computer modeling. In addition

to my academic work and my production background in architecture, my proficiency

as 3D Modeler gives me a wider perspective, more complexity and an extra tool to

illustrate my expertise as a designer. It is natural for me to combine my

architectural studies in search of new mediums to express myself in this domain

with the help of computer modeling. With work experiences as a Designer,

principally doing pre visualization and animation with 3D Max, I want to c ontinue

utilizing these interesting tools to put my creativity into action So I think Master of

Architecture/Master of Arts production in University at Buffalo-The State

University of New York best fits my willing and my educational background, and I

can enhance my design abilities in its environment. With a Master of Architecture

from UB, I look forward to adding to my experience, technical knowledge, and

gaining a deeper comprehension of architecture as a practice. I know my skills will

thrive in an academic environment of ASU's caliber, where excellence is the

standard and innovative thinking is encouraged.