Project 2(B)_Retreat House

Introduction
Individually, students are to further develop the project 2A into a retreat house at Fraser's Hill.
A retreat denotes "a place affording peace, quiet, privacy and security" where its occupants would reside for a short period of time. The retreat house must function as habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living, dining, showering etc. within the built up space of 150 square meter.
The relationship between the design and context as well as client's character in making the retreat house unique to its landscape and activity.

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

• 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 

Tasks
Individually, students have to produce the following tasks:

• Site Analysis with important info pertaining to the retreat house design on A1(potrait) size paper (non-glossy)
• Presentation board with full set or architectural drawing on A1 size paper (tracing/cartridge) scale 1:50
• Model made of white board and/or balsa wood

Submission
Assigned Client: Magician

I. Site Analysis Board

II. Presentation Board

III. Model

Model

Model

Model and Conceptual Model

Reflection

Throughout this project, I interpret and analyse simple site context and it will be helpful for me in the future semester. I also learnt to interpret and analyse client's character and needs in relation to the design of a small building. Now, I know to 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.

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Project 1_Diagrammatic Abstraction

Introduction
"Diagrammatic Abstraction"is a architectonic project that assigned for students to study the architectural elements in spaces: solid, planes, lines and frames.
The idea of using pure and diagrammatic models to express the architectural idea would also be in cooperated into this assignment.

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

• Ability to identify master architects and their works 
• Understanding basic architectural compositions of solids, planes, lines and frames. 
• Ability to ‘diagram’ and analyse architectural work of selected architect 

Tasks
In group of 5, students have to produce this following tasks:

• A complete set of architectural drawings of the selected project (private residence)
• Investigate and formulate the findings into a set of 10 models (10x10x10cm)

Submission
Assigned Building: Masters' House (Kandinsky-Klee House) by Walter Gropius
Members: Ronn Chua, Chin Jovi, Edwin Ho, Lim Li Ern, Evon Low

A documentary video on Walter Gropius' Kandinsky-Klee House

I. Architectural Drawings

Site Plan

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Section A-A

Section B-B

Section C-C

East Elevation

South Elevation

West Elevation

North Elevation

Axonometric

II. Diagrammatic Models

(i) Asymmetrical Balance

(ii) Massing

(iii) Interlock Spaces

(iv) Unit to Whole

(v) Horizontal Elements

(vi) Hierarchy

(vii) Circulation

(viii) Pathway

(ix) Natural Light

(x) Grid Structure

Reflection

Throughout this interesting assignment, I learnt to investigate and to explore how spaces are created from the making of architectural elements, the idea of using pure and diagrammatic models to express the architectural idea would also be in cooperated into this assignment.

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Project 2(A)_ Site Analysis and Bird Watch Tower

Introduction
As a group, students are expected to complete a site visit to record important information pertaining to the project. A completed site analysis should be available in your design studio at all time for references during the design process.

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

• Ability to generate structure, form and space through architectural conceptualization, with the emphasis on the user requirement, ergonomics and site responding to develop an architectural proposition.
• Understanding  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. 

Tasks
Site Conditions & Analysis
In a group (combination of three tutorial groups), students have to conduct site analysis of the physical context, social, cultural and/or historical issues within the overall site.
Student have to collect data and produce the following tasks:

• Site topography / contours 
• Access and Circulation 
• Existing Structure and Materiality of the site surrounding 
• Vegetation and Hydrology 
• Views and Vistas 
• Historical and Cultural 
• SWOT 
• Site Model scale (1:50)

Bird Watch Tower
Individually, students have to produce:

•  Five sketches on personal interpretation of the site

In a group of two, students have to design a bird watch tower for specific client/character for the purpose of bird watching/contemplation/simply just to enjoy the view. The structure should correspond to the site and adequate access, circulation and fenestration are mandatory. 

Students are assigned to produce the following tasks:

• Bird watch tower model (3x3x3 meter)
• Presentation board with a series of detail drawings scale 1:50

Submission
Site Conditions & Analysis
Assigned Site: Allan's Water, Fraser's Hill

My group and I

I. Site Analysis

Bird Watch Tower
Assigned Client: Magician
Group members: Ronn Chua, Lim Li Ern

Li Ern and I

I. Bird Watch Tower model

II. Presentation Board

Reflection
Throughout this project, I interpret and analyse simple site context and it will be helpful for me in the future semester. I also learnt to interpret and analyse client's character and needs in relation to the design of a small building. Now, I know to 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.

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Project 1_My Community My Commitment

Introduction
The project "My Community My Commitment" is about environmental-community related issue in our local community. The issues have to be genuine and any solution provided must have an impact to the environment as well as the community. This allows students to explore the sense of environmental and community engagement, examine and reflect on notions of community as its active member. Though interactive and dynamics exercises, students will gain a deeper understanding of environment and their responsibility to community.


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

• Produce a complete documentation of the entire project from proposal up to completion 
• Produce a multimedia presentation on the issue and process taken to resolve the issue
• Able to demonstrate problem-solving skills
• Recognize role and responsibility of an architect towards environment and society
• Exemplify creativity in attempting to explore the current environmental circumstances 

Tasks

By working in team, students have to identify an environmental-community related issue in local community. The issues have to be genuine and any solution provided must have an impact to environment and community.

In a group of 10, the understanding of sustainability and responsibility as a designer should be reflected throughout the execution while exploring the issue, writing an effective issue-solving-proposal, execution of the project on site, engaging the site and community and creating the awareness and impact via the solution/product.

Besides completing the community services, students also assigned to produce the following tasks:

• Multimedia presentation of the entire project from proposal to completion
• Documentary Report

Submission
Selected Organisation: Good Samaritan Home (GSH), Klang

Group Members: Ronn Chua, Vicky Lee, WeeMin Chia, VoonYin Wong, Eelyn Cheong, Jacquelyn Tan, HuiYu Teoh, Evon Low, Jovi Chin, Edwin Ho

Group Photo

Multimedia Presentation:

Report:

Appendix:

Reflection

It has been such an interesting experience running this environmental-community service. Even though it was a long and challenging journey/task, we finally completed the task satisfyingly at the end. From this project, I learnt to be a better person in caring the community and environment. In a team, I learnt to communicate with my group mates and able to learn from their creativity and discipline while planning the tasks. As architecture students, we are able to solve the problems and improve the community with our architectural skills. I'm happy with my team and we wish to visit the orphanage home again.

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Project 1_Precedent Studies

Introduction
The evolution of Architecture was very rapid and revolutionary during the Modern Masters period as compared to other periods. Throughout the lectures, you will examine the principles, ideas and contributing factors that shaped Modern architecture. The project gives the students the opportunity to work with a group of peers to investigate the Architecture of Modern Masters. The project is designed to increase students’ ability to analyse visual evidence with specific reference to Modern Masters as precedent studies.

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

• Increase understanding on the principle, ideas and contributing factors of the architecture of Modern Masters
• Learn how to create understanding in your audience visually by composing factual information and descriptive sketches on a presentation board
• Ability to analyse and identify specific architectural features in terms of space planning, technology, details, form and the aesthetics of the architecture of Modern Masters

Tasks
Students are to form a group of 5. Each group will choose ONE modernist architect. There will be a maximum of 4 groups for each architect. You are to propose 3 THREE buildings by the architect, which will be finalized upon discussion with the tutors. You are to conduct architectural analysis on the selected building and produce:

• Analysis Presentation Bord

Submission
Building Selected: Fagus Factory by Walter Gropius
Group Members: Chin Jovi, Lim Li Ern, Edwin Ho, Evon Low, Ronn Chua

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 2_Web Book

Introduction
Klang Valley is a rich source of architectural heritage dated from pre-colonial, colonial, post independence until present times. The historical richness creates a very vibrant architectural fabric. The modern architecture emerges rapidly from 1950’s to 1970’s as the economic growth spurs. This follows the international style that spreads across the world in 1930’s to 50’s. However, many historical modernist buildings may face risk of being demolished to make way for more contemporary buildings. Thus, by recording and documenting the buildings, we can contribute to preserve the historical evidence of the valuable Modern Architecture in Klang Valley. The findings are to be compiled in essays and to be submitted using a web book platform. Web book is a publication in digital form, consisting of text (report), images, or both.

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

• Increase understanding on the principle, ideas and contributing factors of Modern Architecture
• Able to analyse and identify specific architectural features of Modern Architecture
• Able to document architectural heritage in the form of writings, descriptive diagrams and photography
• Able to create a web book as a mean to publish academic materials

Tasks
Students are to form a group of 5. The group will conduct a research to document the architecture on a selected building. Students are responsible to ensure that the building is in a good shape and easily accessible. The process of liaising and follow up with the authorities may take a long time. Therefore, the group must have a backup plan before choosing the building. Each group will have ONE main selection and TWO alternative selections from the given list. The group is also highly encouraged to choose their own modern buildings around Klang Valley and produce:

• Documentary Web Book

Submission

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.

Read More