ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3 [ARC 2118]

Project 1 - Project 1 Journey for the 5 senses

Studio 3 emphasizes on the poetics and the experiential qualities of space in architecture. As for this project, it is an introductory project where students are required to explore different spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises.

At the beginning of this project, we were given a sets of poems to choose from in order to carry out the exercises to be done. my group mates and i have chosen the poem "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. The poem narrates the french revolution from the writers point of view. 

We were requested to produce two simple designs to portray or rather convey the poem through spatial experiences along the spaces. Each Design is specific for its spatial typology, namely - linear space and concentric space.

Linear Space

Presentation Board 

The Linear space was designed to emphasize on the believed feelings of those who lived during the era of the french revolution. Life was rather full of obstacles for the people of that time, in which the different obstacles introduced within the space represents. These obstacles gradually as the space transform from a protective structure to a open but defensive lattice "cage" until they reach a final struggle to pass the pond to break free. the entire journey brings back to the concept we had for the project which is to describe the revolution happening during the era the poem was written.

Below are actual pictures of the model which shows the spacial experiences through the journey.

perception changes as the boring form leads to a space gradually decreasing in height.
Symbolizes Oppression by authorities.   

Concentric Space

The concentric space was also designed according to the concept agreed by our group which is - Revolution. In this case, Revolution is represented by breaking through as perceived that revolution is a form of opposition breaking free from traditional ruling patterns or habits.

The symbolization of the above mentioned would be the glass cone protruding from a rather dull concrete box. An overall building that doesn't fit into its site, a building that is trying to stand out from the rest.

A cone that breaks open the dull box standing out from the rest of the site.

Large concrete columns represent the oppression given by the ruling party.

Through this project, I have learned much more about spatial typologies. Besides that, knowledge was also gained on how small design decision could influence the way the visitors/ users experience the space. Lastly, we have accomplished as a team to work together in order to produce the final product.

Project 2 - GENIUS LOCI: Site Analysis & Concept Development

For this project, our lecturers and tutors have brought us on a site trip to visit Labrador Park in Singapore. We were given task as a group to conduct a site analysis to further understand the site. Genius Loci of a site means the spirit of the site. After so, we were asked to develope a concept for a visitor interpretative centre which embraces the spirit of Labrador Park and fits into the site with harmony.

Site Analysis

Conceptual Sketches

Conceptual Design

Project 3 - GENIUS LOCI: Visitor Interpretative Centre

As a continuation of project 2, we have been required to produce a design for a Visitor Interpretative Centre (VIC) with a approximate floor area of 450sqm. For me, this project was a large step forward into architecture since the last semester as we were required to design with a sense of practicality and buildability.

Final Presentation Boards.

Sectional Model

Perspective view from model

Interior and exterior renderings generated using 3d modelling software 3Ds Max.

Photo montage of building into the actual site.

Architecture Design Studio 2 [ARC 1126]

     Design Studio 2 gives emphasis on process of prototyping space through the exploration of solids, planes, lines, frames, surfaces and openings, with considerations of functional and spatial relationship, as well as form-making. 
     The focus for this design studio is User and Context. Whereby, the design is no longer focus on our perspective and we are given a specific site and user to produce the design.

Project 1 - 
Familiar People,Familiar Faces : 
Diagrammatic Abstraction

Task 1 : Documentary
     A group of 5 was formed in the beginning of the semester. We were given architect - Enric Miralles as the key person for the documentary. Research was carried out through books and the internet to gather information about the architect. Besides that, we were also required to analyse one of the projects done by him. In this case, my group mates and i have chosen 'The La Clota House' as our research building.
     Through this assignment, we have gotten to know more in depth about the architects and their projects.

Task 2 : Conceptual Models and Drawings
     In this task, we were required to produce 5 conceptual models based on the project we have chosen - The La Clota House along with orthographic drawings.
     Through this task, we have further gain knowledge on analysing through images and drawings as we were unable to visit the actual site. Cross referencing was used to ensure the reliability of sources we found.

A series of models made to study the concepts before finalising the conceptual model series.

Site Visit

     For the following projects, a site visit had been conducted to Penang. In Penang, we visited the Penang Botanical Gardens to carry out specimen scanning. The aim is to produce designs which are 'Inspired by Nature' in project 2a and 2b. While visiting our site - Pantai Kerachut which was located in Penang National Park, data and images was collected to produce a detailed site analysis. Throughout the visit, we were separated into groups to carry out specific tasks due to tight schedule.

Site Analysis Report




Creature Scanning
These pictures were captured as inspiration for the project to come and they were later transformed into conceptual sketches and models.

Project 2a - Coastal Guard Tower
     In a group of two, based on the conceptual ideas that was produce through the creature scanning process. The design of the watch tower is produced. In this project, communication between my colleague and i was very important to harmonise both our viewpoints into producing a single design.





Project 2b - Retreat House
As a continuation of project 2a, we were required to design an retreat house for the coastal guard. The design of the retreat house i have produced is somewhat similar with the coast guard tower. Revolving around with the concepts of layers, repetition, and rhythm.



In this module, we were to work with a different tutor for every project. For me, this move taken by the lecturer have given me a chance to learn more as different tutors have different requirements and procedure of getting work done, hence it resembles working with different client for different projects giving more challenges along the way.

Environmental Sustainable Design [ARC 1413]

Environment sustainable design introduces us to environmental issues and the complexities that design and construction professions have to deal with to contain irreversible damage that human settlement causes to the environment. 

Project 1: Green-Go 2013 International Short Film Contest

A campaign film created to prompt the awareness of others to save water. Studies and research have been done to collect data and information about water wastage and pollution. Through this assignment, i have come to realise that consumable water is very limited and proper step to save water should be carried out in our daily lives.


Project 2: Appreciating Environment - Nothing is Considered Waste
     In a group of 4, We were required to visit construction sites to gather data on construction waste and waste management on site. We have gain on site experience especially when we spoke to the project manager regarding the waste management and construction waste issue. Meanwhile, we also collected waste materials on site to produce innovative products as part of the project. Later, all collected information was gathered and a research poster was produced describing the life cycle of the material we focus on which was plastic, steel, ceramic and wood.

Innovative product

Decoration / Display Rack

This product is made of unwanted pipes on site. Due to the odd lengths of the pipes. i have decided to trim them off to 1 inch pieces before joining them together. the overlapping of pipes creates unique shadows across the deco piece. Besides that, the product can also be used as an display rack for small items while its hung on the wall.

Through this project, critical thinking was in use to come out with innovative ways to use the waste collected on site and transforming them to become an product with a purpose.

Building Construction 1 [ARC 1523]

     Building construction acts as an introduction to principles and practices of construction technology and building components from basement and foundation, floor and staircase, beam and column, wall and openings, roof and ceiling. 
     In this module, we are required to visit actual construction sites which provides us on site visuals towards the construction procedure from the foundation to completion of the buildings.

Project 1 - Experiencing Construction: Experiencing, Documentation and Analysing Construction Processes
     In a group of 7, we were set out to visit multiple construction site to experience the construction process of different stages and later producing a report which consist of documentation of the seen processes and also analysis of the method of construction used. Through this project, we gain by getting on site experiences which will definitely benefit our future.

Project 2 - Integrated Construction Drawing

     Based on our design for our design studio 2 project - Retreat house. We were required to determine the most suitable construction method and produce the drawing illustrating the construction of these methods. 

Architecture Culture & History 2 [ARC 1323]

Cultural & History 2 is a subject that prompts investigation on the historical development of architecture through developments from the revolutionary period to the present day. For this semester,  the lectures have decides to let us study the historical buildings located in Klang.


Project - Architecture Heritage Building Analysis
In a group of 4, my group mates and i were given the task to analyse the SMK La Salle which was located in Klang, Malaysia. Through out this project, we have done many research to determine the architectural elements of the building. We have then gained knowledge on architectural style such as Art Deco which was used by the building. We were required to produce an essay documenting the architectural aspects of the heritage building.

Later, Presentation board for our analysis was produce with the aspect of user & context, response, changes and concepts of building each done by one of us. Interviews were carried out with the town council and also the school personnel to secure information about the changes in the school and its surrounding.

Building Materials

Exercise - My Home My Space

Through this project i was able to Recognize and recall types and properties of materials. At the same time put knowledge into practice while observing particular materials

Project 1 - Materiality and Space

While conducting the project, me and my group mates were given the opportunity to

 - Recognize and recall types and properties of materials.
 - Describe the general use of different materials in construction.
 - Explain the physical properties of building materials.
 - Explain the chemical properties of building materials.
 - Explain the effect of building materials on construction and structural qualities.
 - Analyze problems associated with different materials used.

 - Recognize Environmental impact building materials to inhabitants and environment and   

   recycling issues.

Through this project, i was able to understand further the context of this subject. and also improve on my critical thinking skills

This project has helped increase my alertness to know the material used in the space around me.

Project 2 -Integration : Material Specification

In this project, i was able to apply knowledge across the whole semester to help me determine which materials are most suitable to be applied in my design. 

 I managed to explain material compatibility with climatic, cultural, and aesthetic conditions and the applicability of material to occupancy and size of building, durability and structural requirement

Through this project, i have learnt to Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively and also reflect on my learning throughout the semester.

Architectural Culture & History 1

Project 1 - Precedent Studies

Gothic Architecture started in the high middle ages during the 12th century as an evolution of the Romanesque Architecture. Gothic Architecture key features are the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress. With these features, it carries the buildings into a design with greater height, light and volume. Gothic was best expressed on cathedrals and churches because Gothic Architecture promoted characteristics that made the buildings appeal to the emotions. (Cram, 1909)

Notre-Dame de Paris was an example of gigantism which later became one of gothic architecture’s characteristic. The cathedral has much higher and thinner walls as compared to buildings before as emphasis were given on verticality. As a result, flying buttresses and sexpartite vaults were introduced to support the walls of the cathedral. (Bruzelius, 1986) Notre-Dame de Paris has a skeletal structure which gives it a more “weightless” appearance and allows the placement of windows for natural light to enter at the same time as the people then believed that light was a gift from God. Pointed arches were used in the cathedral also to enable the construction of higher ceilings and provide more space.(Palmer,2008)

As the walls were no longer the primary support, stained glass windows were used, showing the heavy influence of naturalism during the Gothic period. (Levi, 2009) The basic design of a stained glass depends upon the arrangement of flat patches of colour using monochromatic shading and drawing in parts. (Stewart, 1961) The rose window located at the west facade of Notre Dame de Paris is one of the significant features of Gothic architecture and its set subjects are religious. Sculptures can be found abundantly at the exterior of Notre Dame de Paris as they served both iconic and didactic purposes. (Palmer, 2008) Figure sculptures usually stand in niches with canopies or arches over them and it occurs in bands arcading along the west fronts. (Stewart, 1961) Each sculptures were crafted individually with its own narratives.  

The west front of Notre Dame de Paris has one of   the most notable features which is its twin towers. Notre Dame in Paris is rare because its facade towers match. (Palmer, 2008) Scenes of the life of Saint Anne, the Last Judgement and the life of Virgin Mary can be found from the three west portals.These were the magnificent examples of Gothic art. The west facade is also the main entrance of the building. The strength and dull impressiveness of this facade is based on interplay between vertical and horizontal lines. The square of the facade stands for the created while the circle stands for the boundless.

In conclusion, prominent designs from the Gothic architect such as the flying buttresses and the pointed vault, wide usage of stained glass and the unique west facade made the Notre-Dame de Paris a true architectural marvel and also one of the most famous French Gothic cathedrals remaining up till this day. More research should be conducted in order to understand the building completely from its core till its surface.

References

Bruzelius C., 2012. The Construction of Notre-Dame. The Art Bulletin, 69(4), 540-569. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3050998 [Acessed 24th April 2013]

Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris., 2006. Cathedral for Art and History. [Online] Available from: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?article383 [Accessed 10th April 2013]

Cram R.A., 1909. Gothic Architecture. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved April 24, 2013 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06665b.htm

Hayes H., 2010. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Retrieved from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-notre-dame-cathedral

Heyman J., 1997. The Stone Skeleton: Structural Engineering of Masonry Architecture. Retrieved from http://books.google.com.my/books?id=IvuIvzwGClwC&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Levi N.S., 2009. The Stained Glass Windows of Notre Dame de Paris. Retrieved from The Photography of Ned S. Levi website: http://www.nslphotography.com/Cities/Paris-France/Stained-Glass-Notre-Dame/10180256_ZJNS6Z#!i=700931863&k=WwHF6Mz

Palmer A. L., 2008. In Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts.  Retrieved from http://architecture_history.enacademic.com/207/NOTRE_DAME,_PARIS

Steward C., 1961. Gothic Architecture. Simpson’s History of Architectural Development Vol. III. London. Longman.

Toman R. et al. ed., 2007. Gothic. Architecture Sculpture Painting. China. ULLMANN & KONEMANN

Presentation Board

Model 

After completing this project, i was able to recognize and recall appropriate verbal architectural vocabulary when referring to building types, styles and periods. Besides that, i was also able to exemplify the sequence of historical periods and how they are represented architecturally and thereafter classify the sequence of historical periods and how they are represented architecturally. 

While conducting this project, we managed to produce building analysis which document intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines, architectural language and contextual relationships. 

In this project, i had to learn independently to research about the buildings constructed during different periods. Besides that, i was able to put theories into practice especially while constructing the model. The construction of model had also given an introduction of the usage of balsa wood in model making to me and my groupmates.