Architecture Design Studio 2

Project 1: Diagrammatic Abstraction

This is a group project that required us to produce a complete set of architectural drawing of the selected project on A3 size tracing paper manually. Then, we are required to formulate our drawings into 5 conceptual models through analysis of the ideas hidden in the project.

My group members for this project were Surayyn, Diyana, Meera and Sonia. We were given the well known architect, Shigeru Ban to carry out our studies. We looked through some of his projects and we personally felt that The Paper Concert Hall best represent him through the type of materials he used (paper tube). We did a documentary video about his life and also a brief about some of his projects, like The Cardboard Cathedral, Paper Log House, Paper Dome and more. Through this project, I learned how to identify famous architects and their works. Besides, with the help of my groupmates, I learned how to diagram and analyse the architect's works and translate it into conceptual models, like balance and symmetry, geometry, massing, unit to whole and plan to section.

Below is the storyboard we created for the documentary video

This is the documentary video we did about Shigeru Ban and his works.

Belows are the orthographic drawings we did for Paper Concert Hall.

Some mock ups we did for the conceptual models

Model that shows that it is a temporary structure

Model that represents unit to whole

\

 Model showing plan to section

Model that represents balance and symmetry

Model showing geometry and massing

A photo of the 5 conceptual models

Project 2

Project 2 is divided into 2 parts, 2A and 2B. The site is in Pantai Kerachut, Penang and we actually went to site to carry out our site analysis. It took us around 3 hours to hike from Teluk Bahang to Pantai Kerachut. Although it was very tiring, it was a very nice experience for us. We were divided into different groups to carry out the site analysis. We interviewed the rangers working in Penang National Park to get more information and details about the site. 

Project 2A: Bay Watch

Project 2A is a project in a group of 2 to create a watch tower for the lifeguard in Pantai Kerachut for the purpose of monitoring and guarding by starting off with volume in the form of solid cube 3 x 3 x 3m. We are also required to produce a series of detail drawings manually and also a model in 1:50 scale.

Surayyn was my partner for this project and we decided the use camp site as the site needs a lifeguard  to monitor and guard. We studied and analysed the site and we also did some case studies about watch tower. Later on, we came out with some designs and also mock up models through some inspirations and concepts we had. We explored different kind of forms and designs to get the best design that suits the site and site context. Through this project, I had learned how interpret and analyse the site context. Also, I learned how to design a simple architectural space and the relationship between space and function.

Before starting off this project, we were required to do an exercise by finding for inspiring photos we took in Botanical Garden, Penang and translated it into a 2D and 3D conceptual model. Here are the 4 photos I chose to use and also the 2D and 3D models respectively.

Below are the conceptual models of the 4 concepts we used for our design.

This model represents density

This model shows focus

This model represents movement

This model symbolizes randomness

 

This is the first mock up that shows density and movement. Density is shown through the sizes of the opening and also it creates movement visually

 

This is our second mock up that shows randomness through the structures along the ramp and also density through the decrease of the height of the structures.

 We decided to try out something different for our third mock up. It is a half cylinder that represents density through the arrangement of structures.

The 4th mock up is a combination of density and randomness.

After exploring the design through all the mock ups, we came out with a final design that combines all the elements of our mock ups. This design consists of density, randomness, focus and movement. The name of this watch tower is The Merawak Lookout. The term"Merawak"is derived from 2 words, which are "Meranti" tree and also "Rawak", which is a Malay word for random. The structure is built to ensure the safety and order of the camp site. The structure is built from treated Meranti wood to prevent the growth of fungus and it is about 3.5m from the ground.

Below is the presentation board of The Merawak Lookout

                                                                                                          

 

A perspective view of the Merawak Lookout model

A top view of the model

A front view of the structure that density and movement can been clearly seen

Project 2B: Pantai Kerachut Retreat

Project 2B required us to design a retreat for one of the rangers at Pantai Kerachut, Penang. This retreat donates a place affording peace, quiet, privacy and security. Besides, the retreat must function as a habitable architectural spaces within the build up space of 150 square meter. This project explores the relationship between architectural tectonics, functions, and space in architecture. We are required to produce 2 A1 size presentation board and a A3 size model in 1: 100 scale.

The concept of my design was the journey hiking from Teluk Bahang to Pantai Kerachut. The key elements are horizontality and verticality. While we were hiking, I realized we started off from a straight and long path ( symbolizes horizontality ) but once we go into the forest, the slope gets steeper ( symbolizes verticality ). First of all, I started off with some bubble diagrams to get the layout of the design. Moving on, I explored different kinds of form by playing with massing.

Below are some mock ups I did by translating the bubble diagrams into three dimensions form but using this method was not very efficient as I realized I will miss out exploring different kind of forms.

So I decided to play with massing to try out different kind forms to get more interesting ideas.

This is the first model I did but the retreat looks quite separated as it is divided into 3 blocks

Decided to try out different kind of fenestration on the exterior of the retreat

Connecting the three blocks by a short pathway to make it looks like a one retreat

After finalizing the layout and form of the retreat, I started designing the fenestration of the retreat, like the windows, doors and type of material used. This retreat is drafted in a horizontal linear form to represent horizontality and it lies in coextistence with the forest so that the ranger can experience the falling leaves, freshness towards air and scenic view. Next, the retreat is approached by a frontal approach by a long pathway from the camp site and there is a very clear hierarchy form can be seen at the entrance of the retreat to give a welcoming and pleasing feeling to the ranger. Besides that, there is a repetition of vertical and horizontal curtain walling to symbolizes verticality and horizontality, at the same time it allows sufficient natural lights to penetrate into the retreat. The most interesting part of the retreat is the ranger sitting on the roof to enjoy the beauty of the nature by looking at the surrouding trees and listening to the sound of wind and beach. 

Front view of the model

Another view of the retreat model

My final presentation board (1)

My final presentation board (2)