Architectural Design Studio

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO 1

ARC 60105

PROJECT 1: SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH OBJECT

The first project of Design Studio is as introduction to elements and principles of visual art through designing a mask. We need to dig deeply inside ourselves and design a mask that reveals our most powerful identity. The true self of me is a passionate person. I started to investigate the materials that relate to my personality, and also the elements and principles of art, the form and surfaces of the mask, while making the prototype of the mask through hands-on and process-driven design method.

Through this project, I learnt to generate ideas and abstracting conceptual narratives for design. I learnt to communicate my ideas through an object that I had created. Besides, I learnt to construct a representational piece of art based on the initial ideas that have been abstracted and redefined through the process of translation and interpretation.

PROJECT 2: LIFE CAPSULE

This group project was 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. We are required to design a life capsule for 24 hours use. The limited space will challenge us to thoroughly examine and consider anthropometry and ergonomics- body dimensions, body movements, human behaviors and user needs. We need to understand how the human body relates to space, and further developing an understanding of scale and proportion in the relationship between body and space.

Through this project, I had explored more about the role of function and objectives parameters in the design process: 3D thinking, looking from different angles, applying different types of drawings and creative models are essential to develop the design of the confined space. I was able to distinguish and discern the role of scale and proportion in the relationship between the human body and a designed space or enclosure. Furthermore, I had understood of human factors to the design to improve comfort, safety, and productivity. Space are more important compare to form in this project.

PROJECT 3A

EXERCISE 1

For this project 3A, it had been divided into two exercises. For this exercise 1, in a group of two, we are required to explore basic design principles, materializing meanings, ‘read’ and ‘understand’ architecture, as well as identifying spatial qualities which had evolved through applying design principles.

Through this exercise, I had understood more about architecture form and space, for examples: base plane, vertical elements and horizontal elements. I had also increase my understanding in design principles. For our group, we choose to do on Parterre de Broderie, Palace of Versailles, which is basically form by base plane with design principle of symmetry, axis, rhythm and repetition.

EXERCISE 2

PROJECT 3B: DREAMSCAPE FOR THE SELF

For our final project, we are required to design a private space for our dream client, which comprised of 2-3 spaces. The building floor area should not exceed 110 square meters and maximum height of 15 meters. The space we build should represents the personality of our client, and also translate the needs and desires of our dream client. My dream client was Thomas Edison. He is an American inventor. After the confirmation of my dream client, I started to search about his bibliography and investigate on his personality and his needs. To suit his personality, I decided to build a secret lab for him. We are required to produce 2-3 panels of A2 board and also a model scale 1:50.

Through this project, I learnt how to design a space that embodies and expresses an idea or conceptual narrative. I was able to identify, articulate and apply basic design principles in spatial organization and relationships. Besides, I was 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. I learnt to design a space that fulfill the need of client and fully used the space given. Lastly, I had advanced my communication skills through sketching internal expression of space, diagrams and variety type of models.

For this exercise, in a group of two which same as exercise 1, we are required to create a sequence of spaces to create a composition including ‘Entrance’, ‘Pathway’, and ‘Focal Point’. We are required to think three dimensionally about the design of the space, and then draw a series of four perspectives sketches that represent the sequence of movement and quality of requested spaces.

Through this exercise, I had a better understanding of what entrance, pathway, and focal point are. Besides, I learnt how to include this composition in a space, and also the design principles.