Architecture Design Studio 4

Project 1: Precedent Studies

1a: Spatial Typologies

Stage 1 is to seek and investigate existing knowledge on similar scheme and sustainable architecture that respond to the basic natural context such as the sun, wind, heat, cold, energy issue, and context. The main aim is to analyse architectural precedents for:

1. Spatial typology

2. Spatial programming

3. Poetic relationship between the built and natural setting.

1. How are the spaces organised or arranged?

2. How did it inform the way spaces are used, moved

through and experienced?

PROGRAMMING: What are the breakdown of areas and their functions? How are the spaces related?

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 3: Nature Appreciation Center

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.

Project 2: Site Analysis - Discovering the environment and social needs for contextual architecture

Stage 2 is to identify and analyse the site context for design exploration. In groups, carry out a thorough research on the subject and site analysis. Individually, a student is to Identify and analyse environmental and social needs of a site that lead to formulation of the design programme and contextual responses.

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.

1b: Poetic relationship between built and natural environment

1. What is the design strategies employed to celebrate the relationship?

2. How are the spaces articulated in terms of the poetics, sensuality and tactility of architectural spaces?

• Spatial types (how did the spatial typology used influenced the way spaces were experienced?)

• Flow of experience (identify key circulation/journey, and select at least 5 experiential spaces to study). For each space, study the following: Engagement with senses; Manipulation of light and its effects on space (natural & artificial); Texture and materiality; Scale and proportion of spaces (in relation to human)

• Co-relate the plan to one of the most interesting section of the building. Study the section and analyse how it is designed.

Comment on the relationship between inside/outside, volumes and scale of space, variation and hierarchy of spaces

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.