Architectural Design Studio 2

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO 2

ARC 1126/ARC 60205

For the first project of Architectural Design Studio 2, we are required to investigate and explore how spaces are created from the making of architectural elements: architectonics-solid, panels, lines and frames. In a group of 5, we are required to produce a complete set of architectural drawings in A3 size tracing paper of the selected project- Villa La Roche. We are then required to investigate and formulate our findings into a set of 10 models (10x10x10cm). The model should be precise and informative to express the analysis of the ideas hidden in our chosen Villa La Roche.

From this project, I had understood the basic architectural compositions of solids, planes, lines and frames. Besides, I had learnt to identify master architects and their works. I was able to "diagram" and analyse architectural work of selected architect. For Villa La Roche, it was designed by Le Corbusier and it was one of his masterpiece. It's an modernist building built with the 5 points. Lastly, I had learnt to appreciate the work done by the architects in modernism era as I started to get familiar with it.

PROJECT ONE: FAMOUS PEOPLE, FAMILIAR FACES

DIAGRAMMATIC ABSTRACTION

Here's our video presentation:

PROJECT 2A: SITE CONDITION & ANALYSIS AND BIRDWATCH TOWER @ FRASER'S HILL

For this project, our chosen site was Paddock, Fraser's Hill, Pahang. In group of 5, we are required to conduct a site analysis of the physical context, social, culture and historical issues within the overall site. We need to collect data and record on our chosen topic using physical maps and diagrams. Our chosen topic was site orientation and climate. We are required to conduct, collect and record down the information to be compile into a presentation slides.

Through this project, I had learnt to conduct site analysis on the site and record every single useful details according to our chosen topic. Besides, I had also learnt the importance of group work on data collecting and analysis.

Here's the link to our Paddock's site analysis presentation:

http://issuu.com/edwardtehakamandawson/docs/site_analysis/1

PART 1: SITE ANALYSIS

PART 2: BIRDWATCH TOWER

For this project, we are required to design a bird watch tower at Fraser's Hill for the purpose of bird watching activities and the enjoyment of views for our chosen clients. Individually, we are required to produce our personal interpretation of the site in the form of abstract sketches. In a group of two, we are then need to select a site in Paddock and built a bird watch tower with a volume in 3x3x3 meter. Our chosen client was a filmmaker and the chosen site was site 2. Our design need to suit the personality of our client and also correspond to our chosen site. At the end of this project, we are required to submit our own sketches and the presentation boards with a series of detail drawings and a series of models which including one final model and three study models.

Through this project, I had learnt to design a space with the consideration of both user and site context. I learnt the importance of an living space that brings comfortable to my client and also the site context when design a building. Besides, I learnt to get inspiration from mother nature and produce the abstract sketches which then become the design elements in our bird watching tower. Basically, I had learnt to generate structure, form and space through the architectural conceptualisation, with the emphasis on the user requirement, ergonomics and site responding to develop an architectural proposition.

My sketches:

Our presentation boards:

Bird watching tower

PROJECT 2B: RETREAT HOUSE

For this project, we are to further develop our project 2A into a retreat house at Fraser Hill for our client, which was a movie maker. The retreat house must functions as habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living, dining, showering, cooking, storage and such within the built up space of 150 meter square. The relationship between the retreat house design and the site context was important in making the retreat unique to its landscape and activity. We need to reflect our understanding of how architecture is created by applying the basic design principles and spatial organization skills. Besides, we need to illustrate an understanding of how a building is conceptualize and transformed into reality. As a group of two, we are required to produce an A1 site analysis board of chosen site. As in individual, we are required to submit a final model with two A1 boards.

For my client, which was a movie maker, he is a person that are confident, organize, creative and etc. Based on his personality, I designed a retreat house for him that named "Focus". Its design came with the consideration of my client needs and also the site context.

Through this project, I had learnt to interpret and analyse simple site context. I can interpret and analyse my client's character and needs in relation to the design of a small building. I was able 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. Next, I had learnt the notion of concepts, program and process in architectural design. I was now more aware of site specific design and the process of site analysis.

My presentation boards:

Retreat House perspective views: