Urban Design Masters personal statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I’ve lived in Ecuador my whole life, and I’ve witnessed the change and progress that infrastructure can bring—how roads connect communities, how parks transform neighbourhoods, and how poor interventions can negatively impact a city’s image and performance. I’ve always been passionate about architecture, especially residential projects. It wasn’t until after nearly six years of studying that I began to view my hometown through a different lens. I realised there is more than just individual buildings; the city itself is a form of architecture that needs careful stewardship. Many projects in my city focus on residential development, but influence plays a critical role in how they are designed. Many people adapt influences within tight budgets, sometimes creating places that jeopardize health. To save money, citizens often prefer to hire construction workers over professional architects when building their homes, resulting in unplanned cities with poor images and unsafe living spaces.

I’ve chosen this course because I believe it is necessary to learn how design can help solve the daily problems cities face. Coming from a small city with significant challenges in infrastructure, mobility, and recreational spaces, I see one key cause as the lack of understanding from both the government and citizens about the depth of analysis and effort required, and how crucial their participation is. One of the biggest issues in my city stemmed from a misunderstanding of spatial syntax analysis, where politicians used software results to plan a new transportation system without considering the urban environment that would be affected. It’s vital to view a city as a living organism. Architecture and urbanism, combined with an understanding of the social and economic behaviour of citizens, can help a city develop better environments.

Personally, I have always admired England’s approach to design and its outstanding architecture. The word "inspiration" hardly captures how much I value the creativity and culture of this country. Studying in England became possible only after I found a respected institution where I could deepen knowledge in the two important fields shaping evolving cities: architecture and urbanism.

With this degree, I hope to work in a public organisation involved in creating sustainable public spaces and developing local economies within the city and its growing areas. City planning is complex, and I aspire to contribute to improving my community’s quality of life.

Another career goal is to become a teacher. Architecture students often underestimate the challenges of finding employment outside academia and the societal impact of their education. By teaching at an Architecture and Urbanism faculty like the one I graduated from, I hope to convey the importance of design and integrate other disciplines to foster better urban growth outcomes. My former faculty collaborates with small local governments where students lead urban space analysis and design. I believe I can enhance this by introducing a scientific and creative approach to urban development, as opposed to the often politically-driven measures that have shaped our surroundings. Ultimately, my aim is to learn from the best school to help improve my local context.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Academically, my bachelor thesis led to an article that was published at the Congreso Nacional del Medio Ambiente (CONAMA) – Spain’s National Environment Congress in Madrid. Both the thesis and article have been referenced in related works. These projects resulted from months of research and data collection with support from my faculty’s research group. Our focus was on measuring energy efficiency in our city’s housing environment, highlighting the paradox of living in a country with limited environmental damage while facing risks from poor construction techniques that could be dangerous on a larger scale.

In addition to academic achievements, I have practical work experience. I worked for a former faculty professor whose patience and eagerness to learn more about architecture greatly influenced me. I started working at his studio while still a student, assisting with drawing and design for about a month before entering my final academic years. While focused on my bachelor thesis, I returned to work there until July this year.

Afterwards, I concentrated on my parents’ villa located on the city outskirts. Applying what I learned academically and professionally, I tackled the complex task of designing the retreat house while navigating neighborhood regulations and family expectations. At the same time, I began designing a small countryside house. Both projects are currently awaiting municipal approval to start construction. Beyond design, I also assisted people in handling municipal permits and licenses, enhancing my understanding of bureaucratic processes.

Furthermore, I have completed various online courses related to architecture and project management. Driven by curiosity, I taught myself Korean through online books and videos. I enjoy learning new computer programs and skills, often exploring different tools independently, motivated by my affinity for video games. This interest has helped me adapt quickly to different drawing and rendering software, constantly seeking techniques to improve efficiency and quality.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Outside formal education, my motivation to self-learn and develop skills has been a constant driver. I actively pursued learning the Korean language independently, which reflects my adaptability and determination. Similarly, my passion for video games has encouraged me to master various drawing and rendering software, helping improve my technical abilities and efficiency.

Designing personal projects like my parents’ villa and a countryside house has given me valuable hands-on experience dealing with regulations, client expectations, and the realities of architectural practice. This practical exposure complements my academic background and enhances my readiness for the course.

I hope to be selected for this program as it will significantly strengthen my capacity to become a better architect. I consider myself a dedicated student with a solid academic foundation, creativity, motivation, and technical skills. I look forward to contributing meaningfully and benefiting from the rewarding experience this course offers, leveraging the professional demands and academic pressure I have already encountered.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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