Monday, 2 December 2013

Environmental Sustainable Design ARC1413

This module aims to let us be able to :
1.Recognize the effects of growth on the environment.
2.Identify local climatic and environmental concerns;utilizing strategies which will encourage effective local sustainable design principles and building practices.
3.Exemplify creativity in attempting to explore the current environmental circumstances.
4.Exemplify environmental strategies already adopted in the vernacular architectural language of Malaysia.
5.Exemplify and explain the concept of sustainability including environmental and ecological sustainability.
6.Recognize role and responsibility of an architect towards environment and society.




Project 1:Green-Go 2013 International Short Film Contest

The main idea of this project is to increase our awareness of current environmental issues locally and globally. 

Hence,we are required to do our part by producing short films that reflects our concern and to part of the change for a better world.This time,I chose to produce a campaign film which themed "LIFE IN PLASTICS,IT'S FANTASTIC?" as my film topic.

Feel free to watch my video here,Plastic Awareness 

Throughout this project,I was able to improve my ability to control time management as producing a short film,balancing time in gathering data and producing video were needed.Any delaying in both aspects will affects the end product of this campaign film.Besides that,I also got to know how serious plastics actually brings harm to the society nowadays.Lastly,my documentation and presentation skills were improved,too.This is because based on the information that I have gathered,I need to plan and edit them into a satisfactory one so that I can bring the plastic awareness message well to everyone.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Recognize the effect of growth on the natural environment.
2.Explore the concept of environmental and ecological sustainability.
3.Exemplify creativity in attempting to explore the current environmental circumstances.
4.Recognize role and responsibility of an architect towards environment and society.



Project 2:Appreciating Environment[NOTHING IS CONSIDERED WASTE]

This is an assignment where we were exposed to general construction material wastage and it aims to introduce basic awareness of waste and environmental stress and to create the awareness relating environmental issues relating to construction issues towards us.

So,in a group of four,we have chosen two construction sites around Kelana Jaya which allow us to explore more on how and why waste is produced on the site that help in our documentation part.We were then required to produce a research poster of our studies and findings.While for the individual part,we were to produce a beautiful object which made only from construction waste(that we collected from our site visit).



The following are my final works for this project:
Group Presentation Board(Research and documentation made on the site)
My Individual Object(In Process Stage 1)
My Individual Object(In Process Stage 2)
So,here comes my final product-MINI WATERFALL.It was made by the broken tiles which were collected from the site visit.All of the tiles were then stick together using cements.Image above shows the side elevation of the mini waterfall.
Front View of the mini waterfall


Throughout this project,I have learned the methods that waste can be avoided or reduced,reused or recycled in the construction industry.At the same time,by composing life cycle analysis for our studied materials,I got to know more about how those materials are currently being recycled and how it could be creatively recycled in a proper ways.Last but not least,when producing my individual object,I realized that construction waste is not just a waste,it might helps us in increasing our creativity to produce something which is more creative and useful as nothing should considered as waste. 


Learning Outcomes of this project:

1.Produce a complete documentation and analysis of waste on construction sites.
2.Analyse and explain the reason why waste is produced on site.

3.Explain innovative and creative method that can be adopted in reducing and recycling wastes.

4.Create a creative and meaningful object from construction waste to demonstrate their awareness and appreciation of environment.

5.Recognize role and responsibility of an architect towards environment and society.


Architecture Culture & History 2 ARC1323

This module aims to make us be able to :
1.Describe the development of the main strands of Western architecture over the last 200 years.
2.Identify some of the issues involved in the interrelationship between theory and design as exemplified in various historical periods and places.
3.Interpret architectural language in relation to the development of Western architecture between Industrial Revolution and post World War 2.
4.Differentiate the way in which many varied factors contribute to the development of form.
5.Compare how architects have used architectural language in various historical periods and places.
6.Analyse the broad issues which inform the development of architecture between Industrial Revolution and post World War 2.



PRE-WAR SHOP LOTS AT JALAN RAYA TIMUR

This project focused on examining architecture history through a chronological survey,looking at how has local technology,materials,climatic conditions,culture and beliefs influenced the architectural design of pre-war shop lots at Jalan Raya Timur .Through the surveys and interviews,I was able to understand the basic architectural theory of those shop lots through a consideration of intentions,concepts,patterns,architectural language and contextual relationships.

For this project,each of us were divided into four person a group.We were then required to study about the different architectural elements at the exterior and interior part that have been adapted to pre-war shop lots at Jalan Raya Timur to best serve the practical and functional needs of the local community.Hence,prepare a report and an individual presentation board based on the research that have been collected. 

Feel free to read my report here,Pre-war Shop Lots at Jalan Raya Timur

While the following is my presentation board:
Individual analysis presentation board of mine on USER & CONTEXT part


Throughout this project,I found that it was a series of assignment that encourage us to have further understanding about the architectural style of the buildings in Klang area.Majority buildings are erected before World War 2 occurred and are used ever since.Besides that,in order to get further information about the buildings research,we got to interview some of the folks that had witnessed many of the historical moment happened at Jalan Raya Timur.Apart from that,we were encouraged to deal with some government department to get more facts and evidences,too.In a nutshell,it was always that enriched to try out some new experiences.

Learning Outcomes of the analysis of pre-war shop lots at Jalan Raya Timur:
1.Interpret architectural language in relation to the development of Western architecture between Industrial Revolution and post World War 2.
2.Differentiate the way in which many varied factors contribute to the development of form.
3.Ability to extract important information and present them in our own style.

Building Construction 1 ARC1523

This module aims to let us be able to :
1. Define the application of building components in real life examples. 
2. Infer the relationship between buildings and sites. 
3. Explain complete constructional procedures of the various components of building with suitable design. 
4. Compare structural elements according to the materials used. 
5. Select suitable structural elements for their design project. 

6. Design and apply a structural element for their design project. 




Project 1:Experiencing Construction [EXPERIENCING,DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYZING CONSTRUCTION PROCESS]

The main idea of this project is to introduce us the basic principles and procedures of construction process through real life project,and also let us to understand the sequence and coordination of construction at site.

Hence,in a group of eight,we are required to select few ongoing construction site to study and record construction of different building elements that we have learnt in this module.We were then required to produce an A3 report complete with visuals.sketches and manual drawings including the detailing and documentation of our findings to show our clear understanding towards construction.

So,feel free to read my completed report here,B.Con Project 1

While the following are some of my sketches in this project:
Wooden Formwork of Staircase (Process 1)
  Wooden Formwork of Staircase (Process 2)
     Wooden Formwork of Staircase (Process 3)
       Wooden Formwork of Staircase (Process 4)
  Longitudinal section of a concrete stair

Throughout this project,I was able to develop an understanding towards the principles of construction,sequence of construction activities,importance of basic detailing,construction
joints and material application through real life projects.Besides that,my sketching skills was improved,too as manual drawings and detailing were required to complete this assignment.Also,this assignment turned me into a more observant person as documenting needed everything in details.Last but not least,my recording skills,documenting skills and presentation skills improved a lot when this project kept going on because ammendments and tutorials were given from time to time to improve ourselves.In all words,this assignment brought a new yet unforgettable experience to all of us.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Produce a complete documentation(pictures, sketches and drawing) and analysis of construction elements.
2.Understand and explain construction elements and its components.
3.Understand current construction technology on local construction sites.
4.Explain current material and technology in relevance to present construction industry. 



Project 2:Integrated Construction Detailing/Drawings

This is an assignment designed to allow the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of construction and application form from prior project.It emphasis in producing manual construction drawing.Besides that,it aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the strong interrelationship between technical knowledge and design.In other words,it focused on the challenging task of addressing the appropriate methods of construction,integration of structure and the selection of materials whilst addressing the many other complex issues that are part of the design process.

Here for this project,we are required to explain with illustrations,based on the suitable construction elements,materials and detail/joint solutions which are applicable to be proposed for our final studio design.

Following is my final work for this project:
Individual Presentation Board

Throughout this project,I was able to develop the understanding of the structural elements in construction and its application in the construction industry.Besides that,it also helped in improving my sketching and writing skills as I completed this assignment all by manually.Lastly,a better skills of data gathering was developed as researches and readings were needed much,to ensure my building can be developed in response to practical considerations.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Select suitable structural elements for their design project.
2.Design and apply a structural element for their design project.


Architectural Design Studio 2 ARC1126

 Project 1:Famous People,Familiar Faces [DIAGRAMMATIC ABSTRACTION]

This is a project which enables us to investigate and explore how spaces are created from the making of architectural elements that involved of architectonics(solid,planes,lines and frames).Besides that,the idea of using pure and diagrammatic drawings to express the architectural idea would also be in cooperated into this assignment.

For this project,it was a group assignment.It was somehow divided into three parts which included the video making part,producing a complete set of architectural drawing of the building chosen and also transforming our understanding towards the building chosen into a set of five models.  

So,let's feel free to watch my first part work of this project(video making)here,Dirty House by David Adjaye


While the following is the set of architectural drawings of Dirty House: 
Site Plan
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
West Elevation
South Elevation
Section Through Lobby (A-A)
Section Through Studio 1 (B-B)


After completing set of architectural drawings of Dirty House by Ar.David Adjaye,here comes to the third part of this project-model making.We were required to produce five models which were precise and informative to express the analysis of the ideas hidden in Dirty House.


The following is a series of our conceptual models of this project:
Nine different conceptual models representing the aspects of lighting,structure,circulation,hierachy and contrast.

After trying out and having few discussions among each members,here comes our final ideas for the model making:
Our final models with its description.
A custom made casing to place all the models in it.Black color represents the exterior part of Dirty House(as Dirty House is also black in color).

Me,with the completed set of architectural drawings,conceptual models and the final models.

Throughout this project,I got to know more about architecture masterpiece by different architects.A lot of researches and and findings were required to complete this assignment.Hence,at the same time,my documentation skill was improved,too.Lastly,the most important point is,I felt that this assignment did achieve its learning outcomes highly as it helped me in broadening my knowledge and vision.



Learning Outcomes of this project:

1.Ability to identify famous architects and their works.

2.Understanding basic architectural compositions of solids,planes,lines and frames.

3.Ability to diagram and analyse architectural work of selected architect.


Project 2A:Bay Watch

This is an assignment which designed to generate form and space through architectural conceptualisation,with the emphasis on exploring the user requirements and simple spatial organization skills and site responding to develop an architectural proposition.

So,in a group of two,we were required to designed a bay watch tower within the volume of 3 x 3 x 3 meter for the forest rangers for the purpose of monitoring,guarding and observing.

By making our understanding towards design process clearer,we were required to produce conceptual drawings based on our choices of plants that we captured during our site visit to Penang at the early stage before this project officially starts.

The following shows my choices of plants and every conceptual drawings which represent them:

After that,it came to the part where we needed to produce conceptual models based on the conceptual drawings above.

While the figure below shows my conceptual models:
Four different conceptual models having different concepts and meanings.
Generating conceptual drawings and models were just a series of exercise for us.After completed these exercises,we were officially needed to start designing our bay watch tower.

The following are some of the pictures for Project 2A: 

Study Models (which helps in confirming concept for our bay watch tower)

Final Model (in scale 1:50)
Final Presentation Board 1 (Introduction,Perspective and Site Plan)
Final Presentation Board 2 (North Elevation,South Elevation,First Floor Plan,Second Floor Plan)
Final Presentation Board 3 (East Elevation,West Elevation and Section A-A)

Throughout this project,I have learned the importance of developing concept in designing process.Without a proper concept,one could not continue on with their design work as they will stuck in the half way.Besides that,it also make me able to create and develop a conceptual narrative by applying the basic design principles and terminologies.



Learning Outcomes of this project:

1.Generate form and space through architectural conceptualisation.

2.Understanding the importance of using art of crafting and making drawings and models as a critical design tool.

3.Ability to diagram the architectural work.


Project 2B:Pantai Kerachut Retreat House

This is a project where we are required to design a retreat at Pantai Kerachut,Penang.This retreat must function as a habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living,dining,cleansing,cooking,storage and such within the built up space of 150 square meter.And this time,my clients are also the two forest rangers from Project 2A.

The main idea of this project is to introduce the notions of concept,program and process in architectural design.Besides that,it also aims to introduce awareness of site specific design and the process of site analysis.Furthermore,it helps in increasing our understanding towards the user specific design requirements.

The following are my final work for this project:
Final model (East elevation) with the surrounding context
  
Final model (Main entrance/North elevation) with the surrounding context


Final Presentation Board 1
Final Presentation Board 2
Throughout this project,I have learned that how the human anthropometry and ergonomics relate to and inform the space and surrounding context.Many considerations have to be made so that I can have an effective design on this retreat and also,at the same time,meets the basic requirements of my clients .Last but not least,this project enables me to have cognition on the application of materials to achieve specific spatial quality at different spaces.



Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Interpret and analyse simple site context.
2.Interpret and analyse clients' character and needs in relation to the design of a small building.
3.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 value.

Thursday, 11 July 2013

Building Materials ARC1513

Project 1A:My Home My Space

This is an assignment which designed as an introduction to building materials that are commonly used in the local construction industry.

Hence,we are required to identify five materials that are being used in any space in our home.After that,a catalogue of these materials and the descriptions of them through photographs and sketches are required,too.

Following is my final work for this project: 
Material Catalogue
Throughout this project,I was able to identify different materials which are used for the construction finishes and furnishings.At the same time,I also got to know more about the general usage of the selected materials.Last but not least,I was able to improve my documentation and presentation skills because all of the information that I have gathered needed to be planned and ammended before I could hand in this project in a satisfactory condition.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Recognize different types of materials and their properties.
2.Identify and describe the findings.


Project 1B:Materiality of Space [An Experiential Exploration]

This is an assignment which is designed to allow one to understand the reasoning behind choices made by certain designer in terms of concept,functional use,environmental response,environmental profile,structural requirement and availability of resources when selecting or proposing a building material for a space or building.

So,in a group of four,we have chosen a residential building which named as Palmiera at Kinrara Residence which allows us to experience and explore most of the building materials that covered in the module at there as our choice.We were then required to produce two group presentation boards,a mood board and also an individual presentation board for ourselves.

The following are my final works for this project:
Group Presentation Board (Introduction about Palmiera)
Group Presentation Board (Descriptions about materials being used)
Mood Board
Individual Presentation Board (Descriptions about materials being used)
 
Throughout this project,I was able to develop an understanding of the choices designers make in choosing the building materials based on the properties of these materials.Besides that,I also got the further information about the physical and chemical properties of the building materials being used in the existing building.Last but not least,I realized that it was so important for one to know the standard construction terminologies for the materials used.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Produce a complete documentation and analysis of materials in respect to physical and chemical properties.
2.Identification of various types of building material(finishes and structural).
3.Understand the effects of building materials on aesthetics and structural qualities of a space or building.
4.Understand the appropriateness of material used in context several factors occupancy,concept,climate.
5.Acquire analytical skill in understanding selection of building materials for a building/design.
6.Understanding of application or installation of material as finish and structural material(simple construction).


Project 2 Integration:Material Specification

This is an assignment designed to introduce the process materials selection process by designers during designing stages and also to expose us to latest development and technology relating to the building materials.It focused on the challenging task of selecting materials for a design project responding to several issues such as site context-material compatibility with climatic,cultural,and aesthetic conditions,applicability of material to occupancy,size of building including the durability and structural requirements,environmental impact building materials and recycling issues.

Here for this project,we are required to explain with illustrations,based on the materials proposed for our final studio design.

Following is my final work for this project:
Individual Presentation Board

Throughout this project,I was able to develop the understanding of how the building materials selection can affect the aesthetic and structural values of our design.Besides that,it also allowed me to demonstrate my understandings of the building materials proposed in a proper way.Lastly,by completing this project,a better skills of data gathering was developed as references and researches were needed,otherwise there would be insufficient of information needed.

Learning Outcomes of this project:
1.Apply understanding of various types of building material which affects the tactile and chemical properties of a design,building or space.
2.Exploration and identification of various types of building materials and technology.
3.Understand the effects of building materials on occupancy,aesthetics and structural qualities of a space or building,environment and etc.
4.Produce drawings to visualize the architectural effects of proposed materials(spatial quality).


Monday, 8 July 2013

Architecture Culture & History 1 ARC1313

This module aims to make us be able to :
1.Recognize and recall appropriate verbal architectural vocabulary when referring to building types,styles and periods.
2.Exemplify the sequence of historical periods and how they are represented architecturally.
3.Classify the sequence of historical periods and how they are represented architecturally.
4.Compare the sequence of historical periods and how they are represented architecturally.
5.Differentiate the ways in which many varied factors contribute to the development of form.
6.Produce building analysis which document intentions,concepts,patterns,disciplines,architectural language and contextual relationships.



Villa Capra,Northern Italy


This project focused on investigating historical works to enrich architectural designs and ideas.Through the study of Villa Capra,I was able to inform and expand my own architectural vocabulary and expand the design concepts of mine.

For this project,it was divided into four parts which included the essay(group work),analysis presentation board(individual work),model-making(group work) and verbal presentation(group + individual work).

Feel free to read my essays here,Villa Capra

While the following are some of the pictures of this project:
Individual analysis presentation board of Villa Capra
Learning Outcomes of the analysis of Villa Capra:
1.Study of the historical building through drawings and sketchings.
2.Research of the structure of the building through site analysis.


Overall looking of Villa Capra in balsa wood
Elevation of Villa Capra
Dome hall statue on each portico of Villa Capra
Section of Villa Capra
Learning Outcomes of model-making Villa Capra:
1.Research from the analysis was transform into physical balsa wood model.
2,Physical structure and characteristics of the building were studied through the model making process.
3.Model making's skill was further polished through this activity.

Throughout this project,I could understand the history and structure of Villa Capra more in details.Furthermore,a good communication between group members was needed to complete the essay,verbal presentation and model-making part of this assignment.All of us spoke up our ideas,and did some researches here and there to improve our weaknesses.And so,we chose the best one to perform it.In a nutshell,it was always that fun to learn the history of historical building.