Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture
Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Malaysia
Project 1: Journey for the Five Senses
1a: Precedent Study: Analysing spatial poetics & spatial typologies in architecture
This semester's design studio places an emphasis on developing spatial poetics.
In a group of 5, we were to chose two precedent studies based on their spatial typologies - centric vs linear. We were to research and analyze their spatial typology and how its distinct approaches to achieving spatial poetics.
The two projects which my group chose to analyze were Tadao Ando's Water Temple, and Sainte Chappelle de Paris. We were to produce a board for each building to present our findings.
This project allowed me to see the distinct spatial typologies and various methods of application in real life examples. The buildings which my group chose were also especially poetic in its spaces and from this I think I was able to learn a lot. Their approach in using natural light, circulation and scale were most interesting to me.
Project 2
GENIUS LOCI: Site Analysis & Concept Development
Site conditions & analysis
Personal Interpretation & Concept Development as a response
Project 3:
GENIUS LOCI: VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTRE (VIC)
The brief for our final project is to design a visitor intrepretive center for Pulau Jerejak - an island which has quite an untasteful history for some, but for others is rich with heritage. In comparison to the previous semester, we had a lot more to keep in mind. Site location, views, circulation to and within the structure, the environment and usage of space were some of the main factors we had to keep in mind - all whilst relating to the design concept.
My concept was the revival of the landscape and its history. Personally, when I went to the site, I felt slightly sad that such a site has been carelessly treated. The landscape is beautiful with untouched forestry, a tropical island and hilly contours. There are also several historical structures which have either been ruined or completely destroyed. With my design, I aimed to raise awareness and to have the users feel like they can do more to help the island by the end.
Please click on the images to view in large.
1b: The Journey for the Five Senses
Continuing on from Project 1a, we were to use the design strategies learnt from the precedents and design a walk themed ‘journey for the five senses’. We were also given a piece of poetry on which we were to base our designs on.
We were to keep in mind the following criteria -
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The design captures translation of poetry to architecture
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The design is informed by precedent studies
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The design is generated by exploration of space-making through the different spatial types
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The design considers users’ experiences (human scale, light/shadow, materiality)
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Vigorous process of making
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Communication through final model, visual presentation & verbal presentation
I really liked this project as I've always enjoyed poetry and having the chance to translate a piece of poetry to architecture was an interesting and exciting challenge. I think as a group we worked really well, and overall I think we were able to translate the right emotions and spatial poetics into the designs whilst at the same time using two distinct spatial typologies.
I sleep in the clouds, dream in the sky,
I'll keep dreaming as life passes me by,
I think my dreams keep me sane,
I dream of happiness, a life without pain,
some people say I'm stuck in this place,
and I'll never go anywhere,
but in my dreams I've already been there,
I know some day I'll have to wake up,
but I feel the real world is more like a nightmare,
I'm safe in my closed eye wonderland,
this poem goes to all the dreamers that understand,
no matter what they say...
keep your dreams but don't dream your life away,
Our site for the final project is Pulau Jerejak, Penang. We went there to conduct a site analysis and the above presentation was the result.
Following this, we were to present our concept design and approach as well as a collection of sketches to represent our personal interpretation of the site and its genius loci.