Project 1_Precedent Study and Analysis

Introduction



Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this assignment, students will be able to :

• To produce building analysis which document intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines, architectural language and contextual relationships.
• To produce graphical development, expansion and elaboration of intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines, architectural language and contextual relationships as integration to design project. 

Tasks

A. On-line Group Forum (10%) (Individual-80% and Group-20% Assessment)

On-line group forum is used in this exercise as an effective virtual learning discussion platform for
students to work as a team to help each other in exploring the precedent studies of a chosen
building with cultural, historical and architectural significances.

Through the active on-line discussion forum, students even outside class session will be able to
exchange views, share and debate the knowledge derived from the precedent studies to best
grasp as well as to encourage a comprehensive analysis of the underlying conceptual ideas of the
building. This on-line forum discussion will also prepare them for their verbal presentation during
Studio critic session.

The study of precedent required students to gather architectural information, so that they truly
appreciate the essence of the building; have in-depth understanding of the building systems at
work, as well as recognize the series of important elements that realize design aspects of the
building.

Students are required to answer the questions listed below for the On-line Group Forum:

Brief General/Background Questions:

1. Who is the architect or founder of the building?
2. Where and when was the building built?
3. What is the form, or shape of the building?
4. What is the function or purpose of the building?
5. What materials / methods are used for construction?
6. What makes your building historically significant / meaningful?


This project,
An analysis presentation board consists of illustrative and abstractive diagrams, drawings and text.
The drawings should include actual and conceptual design ideas of floor plans, building sections,
analysis diagrams and sketches expressing clarity and in-depth investigation of the precedent
studies. The drawings should be composed on one A2 board only and strictly hand-drawn and
hand-written.

You should find as much information on your assigned building as possible. Some projects have
more information available than others. Your assignment is to provide an in-depth analysis of the
building and provide thorough reflections of the questions listed in the subsequent section. 

3D Abstraction Model (20%) (Group) 

3D Abstraction Model is a model expressing the details of some aspect or part of a building. Only 
the most significance and relevance is extracted and simplified in order to express the important 
and noteworthy design concept analysis of the building. 

In this task you will create an abstraction model to communicate your precedent and conceptual 
analysis. Your model should be in the form of 3D abstraction expressing the building significant 
Partí of the precedent studies and conceptual analysis. Models should communicate the important 
structure and components, as well as the creative and innovative ideas and concepts. 


The model is 30 cm x 30 cm in dimension with 10 cm depth. Material: Balsa timber. 

Submission

Building: Notre Dame de Paris (Gothic)
Group Members: Crystallina Alecia, Choong Lai Mun, Megan Chung and Ronn Chua

I. Online Forum
What is the form and shape of the building:

-Notre-Dame de Paris, France is one of the finest Gothic style Catholic cathedral in this world

-Notre-Dame is very tall (35 metres high) and was the first church space with higher ceiling so that the interior filled with more light

-The layout of Notre Dame De Paris is in a  in a form of Latin cross (Basilican Floor Plan), serving as a reminder that Christ is the saviour and unifier of men (as most French cathedrals)

-A transverse, or horizontal, structure bisects the nave (the length of the church) to create a cruciform shape as seen in this aerial view of Notre Dame

-It oriented along an east-west axis with the entrance on the west end

-It built with great skeletal stone structure with pure structural logic

-As the Gothic architecture,it emphasized strong vertical lines, high vaulted ceilings, minimal wall space, pointed window & door openings and buttresses walls

Flying Buttress

-Notre-Dame de Paris was among one of the first architecture with the use of flying buttresses in order to provide the exterior support

-A free-standing support attached to the outer walls to resist the lateral thrust of a vault

Pointed Arch

-It shows the pointed arches in order the balance or make the vaulting spaces of irregular space. Just like the Malay mosque that we can see in Malaysia

The Ribbed Vault

-The ribbed vault used columns to support the weight

-The rib vault which is a relatively thin stone vault set of the framework

 Large Windows

-It has 113 windows (to enhance the light)

-North Rose Window in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris , the red and purple colours of the window are gold nanoparticles of different shape and size mixed into the glass.

-The stained glass windows of the Notre-Dame are very beautiful and a significant number of them date from the 13th century when the cathedral was constructed. 

II. Analysis Presentation board

Analysis on Building plan-section/elevation analysis (i. Plan to Section or Elevation, ii. Natural light
penetration).Also, how does the building reflect the spirit of the time and place for which it was built and
what is the initial ideas and design concept of the building?

III. 3D Abstraction Model

Abstraction Model

 

with Gothic Details: Flying Buttress, Ribbed Vault, Pointed Arch, Rose Window

Reflection

In this project, I learn that different style of architecture in different period have their characteristics. In this modern day, we the architecture students should have to know different style of architecture as this may help us in creating idea and style needed for specific building.
As a successful architecture student, we should have to observe, research and get a well deep knowledge on building style. In this project, I did know many things about Gothic style and it does give me some inspiration and information on Gothic cathedral.

In order to finish the abstraction model with accurate information, my teammate and I help each other to complete it on time. I also get other info that I missed out from them and they are helpful and fun to make history not that boring. They are awesome people and I would happy to group with them.

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Project 1_Self-Expression through Object

Introduction
This project aims to introduce students the elements and principles of visual art through designing
a mask. Students have to dig deeply themselves,  identify their true self and then design a mask that reveals their most powerful identity or personality.In making the prototype of the mask through hands-on and process-driven design method, students will explore materials, joints, surfaces, form and positioning of the ‘mask’ on the face.


Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this assignment, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Draw the attention to subjective matters which play a major role in architecture 
• Produce objects to communicate ideas 
• To explore one form of generating design concept/idea 
• Construct a representational piece of art based on the initial ideas that have been abstracted and 
• Redefined through the process of translation and interpretation

e free to choose your techniques and materials. There is no limitation for the dimension of the mask,
as long as it can be worn properly. It can be in contact with your face, head, neck or upper shoulders. 

Tasks

Students have to analyse and interpret their self-identity. The identity has to be specific rather than general and they will develop one key idea. Students will finally create a 3D mask free to their techniques and materials(no limitation for the dimension of the mask). Students are required to give a verbal presentation and produce:

•  1 final model of mask (1:1 scale) 
•  1 A2 presentation board (consist of drawings, diagrams and caption in 50 words) 

Submission

Mask: Onionionion

I. Mask

II. Presentation board

Reflection

In this project, I learnt to using the design elements and principles properly on one design in order to express the meaning. I also learn to explore materials and form to create the meaningful and suitable design. I go through many process until I get a final product which can suitably describe my mask and myself.

I also think critically and creatively while choosing the materials in order to bring out my personalities on the mask. I try to make a eye catching and different materials that is the "bra" to show that you have to open me gently if you want to know me.

This is really a fun project and ice-breaking project as I know my friends well too.  

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Project 3_Dream Space for the Self

Introduction
In this project students are required to consider both subjective and objective parameters at the
same time in designing a space. Going through this exercise students will get the real essence of how
architectural design will start from a notion and develop through a process affected by multiple forces.
In Part A, students will undertake the studio based exercises explore basic design principles, materializing meanings, ‘reading’ and ‘understanding’ architecture, as well as identifying spatial qualities which had evolved through applying design principals.. And in Part B, students will required to apply all your understandings from project 1, project 2 and project 3 (part A) to design a dream space for an idol in a given site.

Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this assignment, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Design a space that embodies and expresses an idea or conceptual narrative 
• Be able to identify, articulate and apply basic design principles in spatial organization and relationships 
• Be able to create, articulate and illustrate the poetic of spatial quality 
• Be able to produce and choose wisely among variety type of models with the aim of generating and developing design as well as better presentation of idea 
• Advance communication skills through sketching internal expression of space, diagrams and variety type of models 

Tasks
In Part A(i), students are required to do the studio based exercise about "Pathway, Entrance and Focus Point" and produce:

• 1 Study Model (with limited shape given)
• 1 A2 Presentation Panel

In Part A(ii), students are required to do the studio based exercise about "Horizontal","Vertical" or "Base Plane".Students have to choose one building, understand it and produce:

• 2 A2 Presentation Panel

In Part B, the design will start with depicting expressive quality of the site, characteristics of your idol, activities supposed to happen in your dream space. Students will develop the dream space and produce:

• 1 Final Model (1:50 scale and clearly represents the design and its elements)
• 2 or 3 A2 Panel

Submission

I. Part A(i)
Sculpture Building: "Birthday Cake" Tower / Temple?

II. Part A(ii)
Building: Tony Stark's Mansion in the movie "IronMan"
Main Element: Hori

III. Part B

Dream Client: Nick Vujicic (Intention: Positive Spirit)

Reflection

To design a meaningful space for your client, the very first step is to understand the client. This is what I learnt in this project. A better understanding of your client is important so that the space is designed for him not other unrelated people. We have to create a better and useful space for his purpose.


By using the design elements and principles, I have create the functional space and it then form in shape of unity. Proper materials is used like the frosted glass tile is used to let the light in while also provide privacy for female who wear dress. Creativity is played by connected the building to the site. I try to use the tree on site as it provide shade from hot climate in Malaysia.

This is a educated and fun projects as I learnt many not only design but also the architectural drawing and elements throughout this projects.

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Project 2_Life Capsule

Introduction
This project is assigned for students to is to heighten the awareness of students about the human body, interaction of space and body, and explore the role of reasoning and logic in shaping the form. Students have to understand "Life Capsule"which thoroughly examine and consider anthropomorphic and ergonomics -body dimensions, body movements, human behaviors and user needs.

Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this assignment, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

• To explore objective parameters of design process through solving real-life architectural problems 
• Be able to distinguish and discern the role of scale and proportion in the relationship between the 
• human body and a designed space or enclosure 
• Understanding of human factors to the design of space (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is 
• for the task) to improve comfort, safety, and productivity 
• To explore the relation of form and function 

Tasks
In a group of 4, students have to give a 5-minute verbal and produce:

• 1 or 2 A2 Presentation Panel
• Capsule Model  (1:10) 

Submission
Group members: Chin Jo Vi, Evon Low, Edwin Ho and Ronn Chua

         

Reflection

In this project, I learn to concern about elementary user needs and create an awareness of scale and proportion of human metrics to create a meaningful space in a limited size given. Throughout this project, my team and I have fulfill the space with functions and needs. Beside the physical design we also put a lot effort and ideas in create a artistic and conceptual shape. With "the form follows function", we learn about the mother's behavior on taking care of her baby and shape the  functional  nursery.

I have a great team with people of different strengths and skills so that we are balance and well in produce the design, model making and presentation panel. I did learn many skills from them like how to draw a proper architectural orthographic.And I have improve my social skills when having project with these awesome people.

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