Module Introduction
This module introduces the principles and methods of analysis, abstraction, and synthesis in design thinking that are common to many design fields, including building and architecture. The key emphasis of the studio is “User and Context”, which investigates the relationship between user and natural environment. In this studio, students will undertake a series of studio-based exercises; firstly, an investigation of the architectural spaces and construction through precedent studies; and secondly, an exploration of form and space through architectural conceptualisation. Finally, students will design a small freestanding structure that meets user requirements and engages with the site context.
Project 1: Diagramming Architectural Principles
This assignment taught us how to diagram architectural principles through the process of abstracting and simplifying an idea so that it can be easily understood. We were required to investigate how architecture and spaces are created from establishing design intentions and the making of architectural elements: architectonics - solid, planes, lines and frames. The idea of using pure and diagrammatic models to express the architectural idea would be in-cooperated into this assignment.
A small timber hut, in hue city, Vietnam. Designed as part of a homestay project where tourists can spend their holidays in dorm-style space. located at the corner of the site, the project aims to encourage the connection between people and their surrounding elements, and between people themselves.
About Sahi W&D
For Project 1, it was a group work. My group members consist of Daphne, Gwen, Ridhwan, Zia and myself. We were tasked to analyze the structure and come up with various diagrams and models to explain how the spaces are created after the design intentions are established. We were also tasked to draw the plan and elevation of the structure. After discussion, we delegated the tasks equaly among ourselves. I was in charge of site context. The duration of the project was 3 weeks. The drawings below will explain the context, circulation, space planning and concept of the structure along with the orthographic drawings. Our tutor is Ms Indrani and she has guided us appropriately through this project.
.png)
_edited.jpg)
ORTHOGRAPHIC DRAWINGS
DIAGRAM ANALYSIS WITH MODELS
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Conclusion
In conclusion, I learned the importance of diagramming and how it helps an architect build a structure. Every aspect is important in aiding to build a good structure for the community. Not only that, I learned how to work in a group with others and make sure that we have good communication between one another to finish the project. The TCGP Iearned are Disipline Specific Knowledge and Communication Skills.
Project 2: Designing with Architectural Principles + Materiality
.png)
In the previous assignment, we learned how to analyse and diagram architectural principles. Now, we need to use the architectural principles from the first assignment; to explore your conceptual and operational procedures in order to produce a significant gesture of architectural spaces. Our main task is to generate and craft Introspective Architectural Folly that has spatial experience, with a maximum volume of 125 m3.
For this project, we were told to work in groups of 3 or 4. So I decided to team up with Daphne and Gwen to carry out this project. We applied the principles and concepts from Project 1 to this Project. Our tutor was still Ms Indrani.
Design process and sketches
.png)
.png)
We did precedence studies on Virginia Commonwealth University by Steven Holl and The Plongeoir. We studied the design intentions, concepts and principles and see how we can apply it to out structure.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Concept models
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
We also built 2 concept models to show how we develop from our sketches. We also used different materials to show materiality. We also built models to show the circulation of our structure.
Final Model and Drawings
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Conclusion
After accomplishing this project, I realized the importance of applying various principles to a structure. It helps the basic form of the structure and the space planning. Not only that, I learnt how to incorporate the feelings and introspective of the user. It is important for this project because it allows the user to reflect back and consider, like how time passes by, we will grow and consider, it is a journey. The journey that will lead us to the present which is now. Due to the pandemic, the way architects must design their buildings will change according to the users. It is a way to train us to incorporate the feelings and interaction of the user. Lastly, I feel glad to work with teammates who are responsible and teammates who help me grow. The TCGP Iearned are Disipline Specific Knowledge and Communication Skills and Interpersonal Skills.
Project 3:Designing with Architectural Principles + Materiality + Context + User
.png)
Aligned with the ARCASIA COVID-19 Guidelines, for this final project, we were tasked to design a solitary haven at Wawasan Recreational Park Puchong. Solitary haven denotes a
structure that is designed for a clean and healthy living and working environment with access to nature to boost the immune system and improve psychological wellbeing. The Solitary Haven must correspond to the immediate site context. The relationship
between the design and the context is important in making the architecture unique to its
landscape and activity. The objective if this project is to introduce the notions of concepts, program and process in architectural design, understanding of user specific design requirements, space, form and function in architectural design and introduce awareness of site-specific design and the process of site analysis.
Site Visit
Our first task is to conduct a site visit to Taman Wawasan in Puchong. It is located in the South-east of Taylors University. It is a residential park where the main users are the residents that live there. We were separated into 2 groups respectively Group A and B to carry out macro site analysis. We each split into different subgroups to carry out specific site studies. For my sub-group that consists of Lim Xuan Yun, Sow Win Thong, Qistina, and Natasha, we did circulation around the park. Not only that we were told to choose the microsite with want to build our structure at which will be elaborated at Workshop 1.
Macrosite
Site Layout
Workshop 1
For Workshop 1, I teamed up with Lim Xuan Yun, Sow Win Thong and Low Tze Hong to create Site Analysis diagrams and Design Vignettes. Not only that, we were told to create Site Use Alternatives individually. This workshop was to educate us on how to design our structures according to site as we brainstorm for different ideas.
Workshop 2
For Workshop 2, we were taught and told to produce an idea for our structure. The requirements are to produce Floor plans, Sections, and Elevation drawings along with Site plan. For me, I produced initial drawings and ideas for this workshop that will be further improved every week. Not only that, this Workshop also served as interim for tutors to give feedback to us. The tutor who gave me feedback was Ms Alia.
Workshop 3
For this Workshop, we were educated on how to produce sectional details. We also had a session with some seniors so they can give their feedback on our designs and drawings. It was a very fun session as I got some good feedback. Not only that, our seniors also gave us tips on how to improve our designs or drawings. I was very grateful to those seniors who took their time to guide us further.
Progress sketches and test models
Every design will start out with various sketches. This time, I started to form my design with my floor plan. It was different that what I usually did last semester because I usually created my form before the floor plan. Not only that, I decided to go with a simple floor plan so that it is easy for the users to access, which is me and my cousin. Not only that, I also tried to come up with various design strategies to the design intention I had to optimize my design. Furthermore, to test out the form I created 2 test models before I move on to build my final model.
Final Model, Slides and Presentation Board
Conclusion
This project took around one month plus of hard work and research to complete. Starting from the site analysis and design process. It wasn't easy because most of these were new but I was willing to learn. I learned that how we create our structure must match our surroundings so that we can create sustainable designs or designs that can be intergrated into nature. It is important that we adapt to the new way of designing buildings or structures because this pandemic has shaped our lived very differenly. Not only that, after my presentation, I did receive a lot of critical feedback from the reviewers. I made a few mistakes but that's where I will learn from them and do better in the future since this is a learning process. Looking bac from foundation and semester 1 of degree, I have made a lot of improvement in tidiness or drawings and also arrangement of presentation boards. I still have to improve more on deisng and read more architectural books. Overall, this was a fun semester and I look forward to our next semester to learn more new knowledge. The TCGP Iearned are Disipline Specific Knowledge and Communication Skills and Interpersonal Skills.