DESIGN STUDIO 2
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 through prototype studies; and secondly, an exploration of form and space through architectural conceptualisation. Finally, students will design a small freestanding building that meets user requirements and engages with the site context.
Project 1: Famous Architects, Fabulous Houses – Diagrammatic Abstraction
This was group assignment and the objective of this project was to investigate how spaces are created from the making of architectural elements: architectonics - solid, planes, lines and frames. Upon completion of this assignment as students we were to be able to achieve a level of understanding on the works assigned and were able to apply the idea and concept in the subsequent project.
For this project my group and I were assigned to assess and understand The Precise house by Jimmy Lim a famous Malaysian architect. The project was eye opening and it helped me understand how architects crate spaces and rhythm in their designs and this could be understood by studying aspects such as the circulation of the house, how the natural ventilation and light came into the House and more
Project 2: Gazebo at Taman Tugu Kuala Lumpur
In group of 4,we were to design two GAZEBOS one for active zone and one for passive zone that will be located within the 27 hectares Taman Tugu in Kuala lumpur.
The aim of this project was to generate structure, form and space through architectural conceptualisation. As students we were supposed to explore the importance of using the art of crafting and making: drawing(s) and model(s) as a critical design tool as part of the design process.
Although my group mates and I were only 3 unlike all other groups, we still manage to work and finish everything on time. it was a stressful assignment and it made me realise on how much designing needs plenty of researches as one can come up with good design that not only aesthetically looks great but also it should contextualise with the site its in.
Project 3: Weekend Lodging at KL Forest Eco Park
This was the last project we did for the second semester and it had two task one was a group task where we were supposed to do a site analysis of the whole site respectively to which one you were assigned and the other task was and individual one where as one is to design a Weekend Lodging at KL Forest Eco Park. And since Weekend Lodging denotes ‘A place where one escapes for relaxation, recreation and vacation for a short period of time.’ This Weekend Lodging had function as habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living, dining, showering, cooking, storage and such within the built up space of maximum 150 m2
For this project we were required to be able to
Interpret and analyse simple site context
Interpret and analyse client’s character and needs in relation to the design of a small building
Design a simple building type that meets user requirements and respect site context that
balances both internal (architectural spaces/layout/circulation) and external (aesthetics and forms) design values
Through this project I have learned the importance of doing a critical site analysis so as to emerge with a good design that not only is good but contextualizes with a site. I have also managed to understand spaces and relation of spaces within a building and how one can arrange them within their design and lastly the project helped me understand the importance of a client's characters or wants while designing a building so as whatever one design can be helpful and functional to the client's needs