Architectural Design Studio 3 ARC2118

  Project 1:Journey for the 5 Senses

Basically for this project, it consists of two main tasks which are the precedent studies that requires us to analyse the spatial poetics and spatial typologies in architecture. While the second task is to use the design strategies based on the first task, hence, design a walk themed "Journey For The 5 Senses".

We were grouped into five for the investigation on the poetic space.For the first part of this project, we have selected two linear and concentric design examples as our case studies.

Selected case studies:

(1)Villa La Rotonda (Concentric design)

(2)The Pod Pavilion (Linear design)

Presentation Board of Villa La Rotunda

Presentation Board of Villa La Rotunda

 Presentation Board of The Pod Pavilion

      Presentation Board of The Pod Pavilion

After completing sets of the case studies, we were then required to move on with our concentric and linear design.Images below show our final design for this project:

View 1 of the concentric model

View 2 of the concentric model

Interior View of Concentric Model

Overall looking of linear model

View 1 of the linear model

View 2 of the linear model

My group for this project

Throughout this project, I get to understand more about what spatial typologies and spatial poetics are.Spatial poetics is related to human five senses. It also means that a space should have the ability to tell a story, leading a user to get into it.Story, can be a simple one yet a complicated one. But it should be able to enhance user's experience. While spatial organization, is a key considerations for designers in architectural design. The study and exploration of different spatial organization methods is important in design because it informs human occupation, behavior and experience within architectural spaces. Lastly, to complete this project, a good communication between group members was really needed. In this project, all of us spoke up our opinions and worked hand in hand, trying not to drag the completion time. 

Learning Outcomes of this project:

1.Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience.

2.Identify and analyze case studies to inform the design project.

3.Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space.

4.Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human-scale,natural light, materiality and textures.

5.Produce drawings(both 2D and 3D), modelling, verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas.

Project 2 : GENIUS LOCI 
[Site Analysis & Concept Development]

The design brief of this project calls for an architectural response towards the sense of place with a strong engagement and relationship to the site and programmatic requirements.

There are two tasks in this project, where the first one is a group work. In the same group as previous project, we were required to conduct a site analysis of the physical context within the identified micro site. While for the individual part, we had to produce our own personal interpretation of the macro site in the form of sketches and also our concept development for the next project.

The selected site for this project is the Labrador Nature Reserve, which situated in Singapore.

Site analysis of Labrador Nature Reserve of my group can be obtained over here

While the figures below show my conceptual sketches:

Conceptual sketches 1 (Position of fort)

Conceptual sketches 2 (Invisible barriers which located in the middle of the sea.)

Conceptual sketches 3 (Way of fauna protecting themselves.)

Conceptual sketches 4 (Ant Habitat)

Following are my concept development for the next project:

View 1 of the conceptual model

View 2 of the conceptual model

Overall looking of the conceptual model

Site plan of the conceptual model

Ground floor plan and first floor plan of the conceptual model

North elevation and section A-A of the conceptual model

Throughout this project, I realized that it helped me develop more understanding about the site and its context. This time, the area selected was way more smaller than the previous studio project. Hence, it gave us more time to prepare a detailed site analysis. At the same time, with the aid of online data, our task became more convenient and much information can be obtained within a short time. Furthermore, it turned me into a more observant person as preparing a site analysis needed everything in details. Any tiny mistakes were not allowed to be made. Lastly, this project gave me a chance to make sure my concept was confirmed where it really helped in saving my time to get my work done in the next project. 

Learning Outcome of this project:
1.Produce site analysis which document, interpret and analyze the site context and the 'genius loci' of place.

Project 3 : Genius Loci 

[VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER]

This project, the design brief calls for an architectural response to design an interpretive center emphasizing a strong engagement and relationship to the site, spatial experiences and programmatic requirements. The requirement space to design is 2 storeys, covering 450 meter square.

The interpretive center here will serve two purposes :
(1)To provide a physical point of reference with visual significance that keeps alive the culture/history/memory /essence of the site 
(2)To provide accommodation to house and display relevant material and interpretive material for public access and information.

The following are my conceptual models for this project :

Conceptual Model 1

Conceptual Model 2

While images below show my final works for this project : 

Sectional Model View 1

Sectional Model View 2

Sectional Model View 3

Sectional Model View 4

Close up view of sectional model

Final Presentation Board 1

Final Presentation Board 2

Final Presentation Board 3

Final Presentation Board 4

Throughout this project, I have learnt that primary circulation of the users played an important role in a design. Besides that, flow of the experience such as flow of a space, intermediate and transition spaces, the variation and hierarchy of spaces, inside and outside relationship, manipulation of lights, texture and materiality and scale and proportion are very important, too. Without considering all the elements mentioned just now, a design wouldn't become a perfect one. Lastly, of course, spatial poectics have been considered from time to time to ensure users' experience in my design.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Generate design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context.
2.Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materials and texture,
3.Design a small scale community building which response to the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), functional programs and users' experiences.
4.Produce 2D drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design ideas.