THE PLANS
*click to enlarge
The vertical arrangement of spaces has been done according to a hierarchy from public to private, fast to slow and noisiest to quietest from ground to second floor respectively.
The ground floor, which hosts the main market activity, is completely open and flexible as markets usually are. This allows for more interaction between the public and enhances the essence of a market being a communal gathering space. This level allows the users to see and buy art. Time spent here is minimal.
The first floor consists of a ceramic concept cafe where users are then directly involved in the making of art. There is also a space dedicated to showcasing local artists’ works. The activities on this level anticipate a longer amount of time being spent by the user.
The second floor, being most detached from the streetscape, consists of a literary arts market. This is ideal due to its more private, less noisy and introspective location in the whole complex. It also allows for plenty of space for the users to just sit and enjoy time pass by whilst looking down onto the street or activity within the building itself.
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In an attempt to regenerate the city’s creativity and artistic stimulation, an independent artists’ market is proposed. The context being a converging point of blue collar workers, office workers as well as tourists makes this a prime spot for the proposed program.
"Architecture is the most public of all the arts. It is the framework within which we live, rest and play. It must have firmness and commodity."
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- Francis Duffy
The proposed site is rather interesting and is at the converging point of two distinctive axes. These two axes are the main visual points to the site for both pedestrians as well as from vehicles. This was a major driver in the design development as I started to think of an organic response to these two axes.
The four diagrams above highlight the initial thought processes in figuring out the opportunities of the site. There were several things to be mindful of:
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1. The opportunity to encourage positive activity in the back-lane through better permeability of the site.
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2. The opportunity for the site to be a center of convergence of different activities, people and culture - being in a very strategic spot.
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3. The sun movement and the relationship of the site with its neighboring buildings’ height.
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4. How to fulfil the and follow the by-laws.
ELEVATION STUDIES
MASSING STUDIES
The elevation study diagrams illustrate the exploration of different forms and how it responds to the current elevation of the neighboring buildings. It proved to be difficult due to the major difference in height. Being an infill project, massing studies proved to be fundamental in exploring what was appropriate for the site.
The idea is to create a market which belongs to and can be fully customized by the artists - thus contributing towards the identity of the local context. The market should be able to provide an extension of this space for them to express themselves.
Location: Tun HS Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Scale: 1200 sqm
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Year: 2014
INDEPENDENT ARTISTS' MARKET
SECTION & ELEVATIONS