Green info-shelter: exploring the environment poetics
This project explores the environmental poetics of a structure that responds to the basic natural context such as the sun, wind, heat, cold, energy issue, and the existing context. A small space was to be designed within an open area with application of ideas of environmental sustainability in architectural design.
The given site was situated beside the commercial block of Taylor’s University, between the CODA gallery and the pick up point of a roundabout. The proposed design was inspired by the concept of flow of the circulation on site, thus the organic form of the structure. It is orientated in a way that the seating area is covered from the glaring hot afternoon and evening sun, while still being able to look out to the pick up point at the roundabout.
Materials proposed for this structure are metal framework to hold up the structure, aluminium cladding on the exterior, and timber cladding for the interior and seats. Reasons for using metal is for its sleek and modern aesthetic and quality, suiting the modern feel of Taylor’s University. The timber provides a cooling effect through thermal mass during the day.
Project 2
Nature Appreciation Centre
This project calls for design of a simple public building with some complexity that includes the complexity of site topography and vegetation, socio-cultural events, and variety of strategies for sustainable design. It explores design solutions that harness environmental qualities and conditions for human and environment sustainability with a specific community. It should also explore design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilising clustered spatial typology and passive design approach.
The given site is situated in Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak. It is located at the very tip of the south-western part of the island, nearby the existing Belum Rainforest Resort. The design proposed was based on the yellow bamboos, which are abundant on site. The design expresses the verticality of the bamboos through the columns supporting the roof, and the modular shapes of the bamboo through the windows. The reason why bamboos are used as inspiration are because not only are they abundant on site, it is also used as the main building material for the existing Native’s houses.
The position of the buildings are determined from the location of trees and by offsetting from the existing structures, creating a gridded arrangement. Ramps are provided throughout the site to accommodate wheelchair users, and a jetty for visitors who wish to travel from and to the site by boat. The overall design is kept simple in order to not overpower the presence of the nature surrounding the proposed building.
