Project 1_Experiencing Construction

Introduction
The design process is ongoing from conceptual design stage right through to construction. The preparation of construction drawings plays an important role in this process. In this project, students will have to experience the construction process.

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

• Produce a complete documentation (pictures, sketches and drawing) and analysis of construction elements 
• Understand and explain construction elements and its components. 
• Understand current construction technology on local construction sites 
• Explain current material and technology in relevance to present construction industry 

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
Site Chosen:

1. Bangalow @ Taman Tun Dr Ismail
2. LRT Station @ Puchong
3. 3 Storey Courtyard Villa @ Karisma Hill

Group Members: Ronn Chua, Edwin Ho, Jovi Chin, Pinky Chan, Joyee Lee, Evon Low, YeQun Lim

Group Photo

Documentary Report:

Reflection

Throughout this project, I had been introduced basic principles and procedures of construction process through real life project (experiential learning).Besides, I understand the sequence and coordination of construction at site as well as the technology/methods responding to site context.This project allows me and my mates to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of construction, material and technology and we are trained to produce manual sketches, drawings and detailing relating to the building chosen.

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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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