Project 1 : Diagrammatic Abstraction
Famous People, Familiar Faces
In the first project, the students were divided into groups of 5 and was assigned a particular architect as both group name and figure to research on. My group mates and I were given the Swiss architect, Mario Botta. We then had to choose a building designed by Botta to analyse and diagrammed. The research then was extracted from a particular building that had been chosen and produce a set or A3 sized architectural drawings and 5 conceptual models (6x6x6 cm).
The objective of this project was to introduce us to prominent architects, as well as their projects and mainly to explore and understand the elements that had been implemented into their projects, which are considered to be a constant characteristic among the designs.
A3 sized architectural drawings of St John the Baptist by Mario Botta:
Conceptual models (6x6x6 cm):
Video presentation introducing Mario Botta:
Project 2
Site Analysis
Project two was made up of two parts; project 2A and 2B. In order to proceed to project 2A, we were required to conduct a site analysis. The class was divided into 2 major groups, A and B, each assigned with a different site in Pantai Kerachut, Penang. Site A covered the hill side and the beach, while Site B covered a nearby lake and an open field. I was assigned into the group that was in charge of analysing Site A.
Pantai Kerachut is located within the Penang National Park, on the west coast of the cape at the north-west of Penang Island. Because it is a remote beach, we had to go through a 2-hour hike through the Park in order to get there. The major groups were further broken down into sub-groups, each responsible to observe, record and format site data obtained on site. Some of the elements include; site plan, climate, existing structures, infrastructure, circulation, activity, landscaping etc.
Compiled site analysis
Part 1
Site Analysis
Project two was made up of two parts; project 2A and 2B. In order to proceed to project 2A, we were required to conduct a site analysis. The class was divided into 2 major groups, A and B, each assigned with a different site in Pantai Kerachut, Penang. Site A covered the hill side and the beach, while Site B covered a nearby lake and an open field. I was assigned into the group that was in charge of analysing Site A.
Pantai Kerachut is located within the Penang National Park, on the west coast of the cape at the north-west of Penang Island. Because it is a remote beach, we had to go through a 2-hour hike through the Park in order to get there. The major groups were further broken down into sub-groups, each responsible to observe, record and format site data obtained on site. Some of the elements include; site plan, climate, existing structures, infrastructure, circulation, activity, landscaping etc.
Compiled site analysis
Part 1
Part 2
(View of Pantai Kerachut taken from Google Earth)
Project 2A - Bay Watch
This project aims to generate form and space through architectural conceptualisation, emphasising on exploring the user requirement and simple spatial organisation skills to develop an architectural proposition. As part of the designing process, importance of of using crafting and making skills are demonstrated as a critical design tool.
The students were divided in groups of 2, with a chosen site and a specific user. My partner and I decided to choose within the context of Site A, the beach area and our client being a life guard. The requirements of this project was to design a bay watch tower that corresponds to the site chosen like activities of a life guard, adequate access, circulation and fenestration.
This project aims to generate form and space through architectural conceptualisation, emphasising on exploring the user requirement and simple spatial organisation skills to develop an architectural proposition. As part of the designing process, importance of of using crafting and making skills are demonstrated as a critical design tool.
The students were divided in groups of 2, with a chosen site and a specific user. My partner and I decided to choose within the context of Site A, the beach area and our client being a life guard. The requirements of this project was to design a bay watch tower that corresponds to the site chosen like activities of a life guard, adequate access, circulation and fenestration.
Project 2B - Pantai Kerachut Retreat
For the final project, which is individual, I had to design a retreat house for the same client as the previous project, the life guard. Also located on the beach, the house is built using a combination of timber and concrete panels. I wanted it to have a more natural look and the design to be synonymous to the existing structures on the beach.
The objective of this project to introduce the notions of space, form and function in architectural design and the awareness of the site specific design and the process of site analysis.
For the final project, which is individual, I had to design a retreat house for the same client as the previous project, the life guard. Also located on the beach, the house is built using a combination of timber and concrete panels. I wanted it to have a more natural look and the design to be synonymous to the existing structures on the beach.
The objective of this project to introduce the notions of space, form and function in architectural design and the awareness of the site specific design and the process of site analysis.
