Personal Statement Letter

Personal Statement Letter

While studying for my Bachelor of Science in architecture, I realized that architecture typology was my passion. Architecture typology appealed to me because it promotes a holistic and innovative way of designing buildings. Moreover, typology aims at conserving the environment and energy, which are two elements that are in the pillar of the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF). Sustainability is especially crucial in Qatar in its goal of creating smart cities like Doha. In addition, typology offers solutions to the implementation of the triple bottom line despite its popularity. The graduate sponsorship research award will be valuable in furthering the goal of environmental and energy preservation for which QNRF champions.

Research Experience and Academic Achievements

My previous research qualifies me for this scholarship. Henceforth, I individually completed research titled Education city: The epic of master planning of the future educational base of Qatar, which was a project by her highness Sheikh Moza. My research analyzed the history and logic of project development as well as the lessons and guidelines for future planning guidelines in the indigenous architectural future. Similarly, I was part of a team that did research called Mud village for refugees in Syria, a joint project with Qatar’s Red Crescent. This research explored the likelihood of promoting mud architecture for different types of sand for social and economic sustainability in the community. I also worked as a team member in a research on student interaction within the realm of camps. This project was named Exploring livability, quality of life, and culture within Qatar university campus. Accordingly, this paper was published in the 2016 copy of the American Journal of Sociological Research, volume 6, issue, 4, pages 99-110.  Other studies in which I was a member include Blue urbanism in Qatar in 2016 that was funded by QRNF and In depth research on soil, climate, and plant species in collaboration with the environmental science center to design a permaculture garden for edible crops at herbs. My research projects focused on architecture that is relevant to Qatar’s population.

Equally, my academic achievements in architecture and technology make me viable for this sponsorship. I have a Bachelor of Science with a major in Architecture from the College of Engineering. Further, I scored a GPA of 3.75/4 and was awarded a high distinction in spring 2018. During 2018, I also pursued a course on Understanding and embracing change. In 2016, I finished my studies on Autodesk Revit, Animation, and 3D Design software. I am equally proficient in Photoshop design software, which I studied in 2013. In the same year, I completed a course on 3D max design software.

Objectives of the Proposed Research Field

Architecture typology aims to enhance sustainable practices in building through architectural designs. Architecture typology has an underlying thesis that to create sustainable designs, it is imminent for architects to shift to a different design process that improves building performance. The typology articulates a framework that responds to sustainability demands that promote sustainable designs. The new and advanced designs are incorporated in contemporary architectural practice. This research field is suitable for Qatar, which is concerned about sustainable urbanization. Architecture typology is also in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS)’s mission of preserving the natural and built environment. This research showcases innovation in architecture, a vision of QRNF.

Background of Research Interest

Architecture typology helps solve contemporary issues in architecture. Architecture typology fulfills the triple bottom line of the building that encompasses social, economic, and environmental issues. As a result of typology, architects can preserve the environment while pursuing wealth and quality of life that buildings bring. The typology promotes innovative building that includes technological and social needs. Architecture typology identifies present issues in architecture, such as diversification of cities, the diverse ways of life, and the organization of buildings according to the transcultural society. Forthwith, architecture typology is closely related to the environment and energy. An architect is tasked with designing buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, the architect is a key figure in ensuring that buildings have a minimum impact on the natural environment and conserve energy and biodiversity. As such, the construction techniques in architecture typology help in the goal of sustainability, functionality, and esthetics of building. Typology also challenges the tried and tested method, on which many architects rely given that these techniques are slow to respond to changes and have little sustainability. This architecture field also promotes a holistic view when it comes to designing buildings. Consequently, being equipped with skills in architecture typology is critical to transforming Qatar’s construction techniques for longevity. Architecture typology meets QRFN and Qatar’s overall goal of sustainable building.

Relationship between Research Interest and QRNF Mission and Strategy

Studying architecture typology is related to QRNF’s mission and strategy. For one, just like QRNF, which is committed to advance knowledge and education for original projects, my research also aims to introduce new concepts on sustainability in architecture, an element that is still mostly unknown and unpracticed in Qatar and globally. Furthermore, my research aligns with the energy and environment pillar of QRNF’s strategy. QRNF aims to preserve and improve the built and natural environment. Comparatively, my research focuses on the sustainable building by transforming the architectural design process to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. My focus on architecture typology is to identify these sustainable building designs. The architecture typology equally aligns with Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), whose mission is to develop programs that ensure sustainable development and energy consumption. QEERI focuses on preserving the quality of life and health of future generations, an idea that my research also supports. Moreover, the findings of my research will also enhance sustainable urbanization research areas. Some of the areas that my architecture typology covers include designing and building environments that foster healthy behavior and ensuring long-term benefits to Qatar in terms of large urban projects. In addition, architecture typology fulfills the urgency of environmental and energy preservation by QRNF, which is among the top research priorities for the organization. Again, my research is an integral part of meeting QRNF’s other pillars, such as health, computer Science and ICT, and social sciences, arts, and humanities. For example, furthering sustainability in construction enhances the wellbeing and health of the citizens through a positive and conducive environment. Studying architecture typology meets QRNF’s expectations.

Anticipated Outcomes

The research has several anticipated outcomes. The research is expected to showcase a new framework of sustainable design that promotes building performance not only in Qatar but the rest of the world. Additionally, the research should successfully identify architecture typology that supports environmental and energy sustainability per QRNF’s mission and strategy on energy and the environment. Based on the findings, this research should provide insight to leaders and industry players on how to enhance sustainability in construction in the wake of population boom within Qatar. Again, architecture typology should also meet QRNF’s vision of innovation and excellence in research work. This research should give ideas and insights on efficient construction.

Architecture typology has long-term benefits for Qatar and me. The ideas and information that stem from the research will preserve resources and a healthy environment for future generations. That buildings will not thrive in Qatar at the expense of the ecosystem or jeopardize resources. For me, being part of the solution through innovative research would be a career and personal fulfillment.