Architectural Design Studio 4

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO 4

(ARC60206)(ARC2128)(ARC2126)

PROJECT 1:EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENTAL POETICS: TAYLOR'S "GATEWAY"

For this project, in a group of 3, we are required to design a gateway for Taylor's University which serves two purposes: student activities areas and security surveillance. We need to design based on the response to natural context and existing context. The site is located next to the sport facilities area which facing the lake. Based on the site analysis that our group had did, we came out with the concept of irregular, which inspired by the site contour and also our rock climbing activity. Our gateway used the contour as part of our design and having well ventilation with the openings at the north and south. The beautiful scenes of Taylor's is captured at the social area.

Reflection:

Through this Project 1, I had learnt to identify and analyze environmental qualities and the contextual needs of a site. I was able to generate ideas based on the environmental poetics and create poetic in building in response with the quality of environment, and thus enhance the user experiences. I understand the importance of analyzing the surrounding site context before develop an idea, in order to create a design that suit the original site and user need. Besides, I also learnt how to decide the materials for a building with the consideration of the activity and also the building surrounding.

PROJECT 2: NATURE APPRECIATION CENTRE

For this project, We are require to design a Nature Appreciation Centre(simple public building) with the facility accommodating several related functions such as exhibition, learning and recreation in suburban context. Our chosen site is Pulau Banding which is located at Gerik, Perak. Our Nature Appreciation Centre will act as a gateway to Royal Belum Rainforest. Pulau Banding is a 243-hectare man-made island, sit on the 130 million year-old Royal Belum Rainforest, known for the nature based activities such as fishing, bird watching, camping, visiting orang asli settlements and etc. For this project, we are required to have site visit to Pulau Banding to carry out site analysis including topography, climate, wind direction, sun path and etc. Besides, We are also need to research on the socio-cultural events in Pulau Banding. We need to design our Nature Appreciation Centre to be clustered and passive design approach. The design should merge harmoniously with the nature and site, and provide poetic experiences for the users.

For Design Studio 4, it themed "engaging environment and community". This studio explores design by harnessing environmental qualities and conditions for human and environment sustainability through a project with a specific community of users within a given context. Firstly, I had learnt the importance of applying site analysis into building design. I was able to consider site topography and vegetation, socio-cultural events, program and passive strategies when designing my Nature Appreciation Centre. Besides, I had learnt to identify and analyze environmental qualities and contextual needs of a site. I was able to create architectural spaces with the consideration of environmental poetics. For Project 2, I had used the knowledge I had gain from Project 1 to design a simple public building. I had learnt the important of relationship between my building and site context(existing plants and existing building). Next, I was able to design a clustered building with a strong connection of spaces in the building. Lastly, I feel that this semester is challenging for me. I want to thanks all the lecturers especially my tutor: Ms. Alina Choong for leading and guiding me through the semester.

Models:

Reflection:

Through this project, firstly I had learnt the important of group work in conducting site analysis and research on local culture and history. Same as Project 1, I had learnt how to generate ideas based on the environmental poetics and also the users need. I had came out with the concept devolution as I want people to reverse from busy life to I had chosen tree planting as my activity in Nature Appreciation Centre because there is no tree planting activity provide for tourist in Pulau Banding. Besides, as it is a gateway to Belum Rainforest, users can expose to the basic knowledge of trees types before truly explore the forest. Next, I had learnt how to lead my users through my building. The public spaces are design to be open so that users know where they should go and discover. Besides from providing recreation, I was able to make my building as a place for people to learn and gain knowledge.

Reflection(Studio 4):

Concept: Devolution

Gateway to Royal Belum (Individual)

Interim

Final:

For my Nature Appreciation Centre, my concept is devolution. My intention is want people to escape from concrete jungle to where they belong- the nature. Belum Rainforest is a 130 million year forest which rich in endangered species of flora and fauna. As a gateway to Royal Belum, my Nature Appreciation Centre provide a function for people to learn about trees types through tree planting activity. Tree planting activity suitable for families. Living in this fast paced society, people are busy with own life and not knowing the importance and beauty of our mother nature. Through tree planting activity, people can truly exposed themselves to nature by involving five senses. Tree planting activity are according to the forest types. Starting from the water pond(aquatic plants), to mosses and ferns, flowering and fruits plants, to trees and eventually lead into the jungle trail(forest).

My Nature Appreciation Centre design based on the concept devolution, which according to the grid line starting from the pillbox(manmade) and spread out to the jungle trail(nature). The grid line are from rigid to random. This grid line also affect and create the tree planting area arrangement. When people see form outside of my building, it is mostly concrete. The more you enter the building, the more open and void can be seen. The moment when standing at the cafe, users can view most of the activity and spaces in my building, which will lead them from one space to another space. The deck can be access through the cafe and also between children exploration and library area. The spaces are all connected with the tree planting area. Children exploration area are divided into two spaces which: one is provide science information while another part is provide children a opportunity to learn about tree types through collecting plant's seeds, flowers, leaves and etc. Existing tree on site is being maintained and become part of the design of my Nature Appreciation Centre.

Boards: