Project : CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURE STUDY & CASE STUDY PAPER
80% of final marks (individual)

 

Introduction
This project is driven by Architectural Design Studio 4, as an approach to support students’ design through extensive research within the framework of Contextual Architecture in Asia. The Contextual Architecture framework focuses on students’ selection of building, with research objectives defined through in-depth literature review, leading to a well-established case study paper structure and writing.
Assessments involve oral presentation and a written paper of 2,000 words. The final topic of the paper should be evolved in discussion and consultation with the tutors and should be finalised by the fifth week of the course. Students will present the summary of the paper with images in class – which contains an outline of the paper covering issues and themes explored, as well as a bibliography.

 

Objectives of Project
The objectives of this project are as follow:
 To integrate architectural design and research through a specific case study, supporting students’ design through extensive research within the framework of sustainability design in Asia.
 To introduce students to activities which culminate in the production of the study; collection, indexing and evaluation of information; analysis of information; compilation and organization of study; writing of study; assembly of illustration and text; design of layout; binding and presentation

 

Learning Outcomes of this Project
 Analyse and discuss in depth on the selected research area based on the selected building, within the framework of Contextual Architecture.
 Identify significant elements of Contextual Architecture through investigation on the selected building.
 Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of Contextual Architecture of the selected building.
 A paper (2,000 words, double-spaced).
 A power point presentation (10 minutes) – which contains an outline of the paper covering key issues and themes explored, as well as bibliography.

 

Contextual Architecture Study (30%)
1. You are to identify a building in Asia which you intent to investigate through observation and readings on contemporary Contextual Architecture practices and issues in Asia.
2. Based on the selected building, you need to conduct literature review on its vernacular architecture reference attributes such as culture, construction, structure, layout, & etc.
3. You need to conduct extensive literature reviews, to identify the Contextual Architecture elements of the selected building.
4. You need to show findings of the above in the form of a printed A2 presentation visual, with appropriate visual communication design and clarity of information.

Case Study Paper (50%)
1. Using the same building, you need to identify the specific topic/ issues/significance of study and then define specific scope of study.
2. Using the selected building, you are required to generate a good research title that reflects the research intention and specific scope of study, within the framework of Contextual Architecture and significance of study.
3. You need to create an concept mapping to highlight the specific topic/ issues/significance of study and scope of study. The concept mapping (*refer Appendix A) must include the proposed research title and research questions, to give an overview of the proposed case study paper. This visual may be used in your design studio presentation to show the research process carried out in generating the design proposal.
4. Depending on the scope of study, you may use examples of other relavant architecture design in Asia, to support your discussions and arguments.
5. In some cases, a comparative study might be appropriate, it is recommended to discuss with your tutors for approval to proceed.