DESIGN STUDIO 3
PROJECT 1. MEMORIAL THEMED 'JOURNEY OF 5 SENSES'
Part 1:
Precendent Studies: Analysisng Spatial Poetics & Spatial Typologies In Architecture
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Project 1 is an introductory project by which we are required to explore issues of spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. Working in groups of 4-5 students, we are to propose 2 schemes for a Memorial themed ‘journey for the 5 senses’. We are required to design the Memorials in the form of semi-open architecture by using two contrasting spatial types of our choice. There is no specific site for this design work. The story of our Memorial should translate the narrative of events given by our tutor, and it should be informed by precedents studies.
Objective
1. Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform
spatial use and experience
2. Identify and analyze case studies to inform the design project
3. Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses
and experiential conditions of space
4. Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with
considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures
5. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to
communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas.
Part 2:
‘Journey for the 5 senses’ Memorial
We are required to design two memorial builldings along with the 5 senses for Lee Kuan Yew and Lahad Datu incident. We were to choose to create either a concentric space or linear space for each of them and make a journey according to what we want to convey.
Throughout this project i learnt about the psychological response of human towards the senses within a space. Journey of five senses contain stages of engagement from discovery, experience to exploration. This includes the senses and how human's mind respond to it. The way human response and thnk differently along with the senses is what make the spaces an meaningful building. And i learnt that, it's always important to syncronize our thought and the thought of for whom we're building it in order to create a perfect memorial space for them.
Linear memorial for Lahad Datu
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Concentric Memorial for Lee Kuan Yew
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PROJECT 2. GENIUS LOCI: SITE ANALYSIS & CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Lembah Bujang Journey Sketches
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Historical research: Historical tracings of the MACRO site
Mapping a site over a series of significant stages in the course of its history provides a description of the life and memory of a place. They can provide inspiration for a contemporary idea that connects directly with past archaeology/memory/history of the site.
Conduct a historical research on the place. Data could be in the form of literature (published/unpublished), old photographs, maps/plans etc.
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Objective
1. Ability to record and analyse the character of place
2. Ability to convey/communicate findings
3. Ability to conclude/make sense of findings for the subsequent design work
4. Ability to produce a meaningful concept which is communicated well via drawings & model.
Throughout this project, i learn how to analyse the importance of both cultural background and site analysis before i can execute it into my concept and forms. For one to design a space, one must respect both the culture and the site in order to create a great design. In this project i was able to analyse deeply to be converted into my concept but i failed at executing my form. My form would have been better if i stick to my concept and dont put in too much idea into it, it was a common mistake but i did it anyway. I know now that to avoid this mistake again, i must not confused my self with all the ideas in my head, i should stick to one and explore deeply into it.
PROJECT 3, GENIUS LOCI: VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTRE (VIC)
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Project 1 introduced and explored the formal and poetic articulation of architecture in a site-less condition. Project 2 established a Design Concept as a driver for architectural development. In Project 3, the design brief calls for an architectural response to design AN INTERPRETIVE CENTRE emphasising a strong engagement and relationship to the site, spatial experiences and programmatic requirements.
The interpretive centre will serve two purposes:
 To provide a physical point of reference with visual significance that keeps alive the culture/history/memory/essence of the site
 To provide accommodation to house and display relevant material and interpretive material for public access and information.
Solutions relying heavily on landscape are encouraged. Visitors should be inspired and informed in ways that somehow express the spirit of the place (genius loci).
Total floor area: 450sqm (covered internal and external spaces), 2 storeys
ROOM REQUIREMENTS for the space are as follows:
Reception
Foyer / Public gathering space
Display / Exhibition / Gallery space
Book / Souvenir shop
M&E / Utilities space(s)
Office
Toilets
Pantry / cafeteria
Storage
1 MISC Space to be defined by designer
(10 rooms / spaces in total)
The above rooms are REQUIRED. The TOTAL floor area of your building should be approximately 450 sqm.
Your designed should be developed taking into account the climate, culture and context of the building. Your building must EMPHASISE THE USE OF MATERIALS WITH HEAVY THERMAL MASS (CONCRETE, NATURAL STONE AND/OR BRICKWORK). The use of timber (if any) should be limited to roof structures and/or secondary elements and finishes. You are required to indicate MATERIALS and show an appreciation of BUILDABILITY in your final presentation.
Objective
1. Generate design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context
2. Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materials/texture
3. Design a small scale community building which response to the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), functional program and users’ experiences
4. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas.
This project focuses about the feeling and meaning each individual can experience when they enter a certain space. From my concept 'provenience', i wan people to feel the discovery and valuability of lembah bujang. The journey from one particular space to another gave different meanings and feelings. In the duration of 4 weeks, i did a mistake again. I focused too much on my concept and form, i forgot about my space. I was able to put in the spaces and the feelings into it but i didnt search deep enough to make it memorable. I realise that we cannot prioritized form 1st, it needs to be inside out, from space to form, form follows function. The art of space and practicality is what makes a design, a great design.