Innovations of engineering and architecture affect modern life and developments in these disciplines can improve our lives, contributing positively to model the world in which we live. The fast and unceasing expansion of urbanization requires to design not only comfortable and solid but also eco-friendly buildings. I was excited to study Engineering and Architectural Design to take part in the challenge of satisfying the needs of a growing population, providing solutions helping people to live sustainably. Longevity is another engaging aspect of engineering and architecture: engineers and architects build structures, which outlive their designers and bear witness relationship between humans and space.

I was born in Florence and I could appreciate what Michelangelo gave us: his first important architectural projects, the facade of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library, considered a turning point in architectural history, have stood as monuments to the Italian Renaissance period, surviving through many century of history. The area of engineering and architecture will enable me to combine my fascination with design, my enthusiasm for solving practical problems and my desire to work with other people. Leaving Italy and studying in England has greatly improved my language skills and enhanced my independence, confidence and ability to relate to people from different backgrounds. I particularly enjoy studying the laws of motion of physical objects and the forces that cause the motion and understand the behaviour of smallest particles, electrons, neutrons and protons. Generally, physics has provided me with the quantitative skills needed for analysing data and solving scientific problems, and a strong preparation for potential further study in engineering. Physics is the basis for engineering: structures must be solidly built, statically stable and able to withstand tensile stress and compressive forces. While many students do not appreciate chemistry because it involves mathematics, it is difficult to absorb, or it has its own language, it is exactly these complexities, which stimulate me.

I enjoy studying how chemistry deals with forming new substances from different basic materials and understand different chemical deterioration mechanisms, which act upon buildings and are likely to damage their structure, as well as mechanical stress. Chemistry interests me because its innovations give an important contribution in developing products and materials, which help to build construction with minimal environmental impact. High performance spray foam insulation, for example, lower energy costs, keeping heat and cooled air inside a building. I was unable to choose Design Technology or Arts Art in England, but in Italy I was been introduced to the design process, short design, and I made projects in wood, plastic and metal, used Computer Aided Design (CAD) and learned drawing techniques. In order to discover more about the career related to engineering and architecture, last summer I spent two weeks visiting some of my father’s construction sites with him.

I was fascinated by the working and mechanism, which regulate the construction. I could appreciate how a pillar can increase the stability of the building. I understood that a concrete roof weighs a lot and then requires more support than a wooden roof. Therefore, concrete walls, floor and roof must form a solid shell.   My ability to be disciplined, well-organised and hard-working has been proven as a member of the National Italian Ski Team, where I can say I understand what team work means and that dedicating your time for your passion is fundamental.

An important strength I gained was trying to achieve the best in every possible situation. I am aware of how difficult Engineering and Architectural Design is, but I am sure the skills I have acquired, combined with my determination, enthusiasm, capacity for hard work and an open and enquiring mind, lead me to believe that I can do it.