Internship Training and Report

11.     Paramount-Mixed Residential Proposal     

          The first project I was given is Paramount-Mixed Residential Proposal, which is located at Machang Bubuk, Penang. Before starting the first task, I read through the design brief for the requirements of this mixed development so that I get a general understanding of the site context and conditions. The land is around 214,600 sqm, located along Jalan Kulim, which is currently zoned under agriculture. The client wanted a mixed development proposal to provide a complete community for live, learn, work and play. aLM ARCHITECTS proposed a mixed residential with the concept of ‘Urban Village’.

         I was assigned to complete 2 sets of floor plan drawings using AutoCAD. The first floor plan was a duplex. A duplex house is a house that consists of 2 separate entrances for 2 households.  I have learnt the basic techniques used by the firm to draw plans using AutoCAD. For example, there are specific colours which represent different line weights so that all the drawings look systematic. Also, this method aids the staff in the firm to complete their drawings in the same way. The second floor plan I was assigned to complete is a bungalow. Throughout the process, I learnt some typical dimensions for doors and walls. I also found out that there are specific colours that represent specific materials used by the company.

22.     Seraimas - Affortable Housing Proposal

           The second project I was assigned is Seraimas - Affortable Housing, located at Ujung Batu, Butterworth, Penang. The proposal for Seraimas consists of 1,108 low cost unit condominium, 1 community mall, and 600 units low cost flat. Green feature, community living and sustainable maintenance are the main concept for this proposal.

          The first task I was assigned for this project is to create massing models of the existing squatters in the area. I used some basic skills I have in Sketch Up to finish it. After completing the first task, Ar Mei gave my colleague and me to complete a task together. We were assigned to create a simple storyboard. The story begins with relocating the first batch squatters to a completed low cost flat nearby. Then, construction of the low cost flat begins and then relocation of the residents back to the newly built flat once it is completed. Slowly, there is a community mall and a condo being built at the end. Overall, I have learnt the importance of a storyboard as it shows the process of the condominium development through simple diagrams to the client.

33.     Permatang Tinggi – Condominium Proposal

          The third task I was given during my internship is Permatang Tinggi- Condominium. The location of this proposed condominium is at Butterworth, Penang. This proposed condominium has 2 types of unit’s layout. Also, it has 2 floors of commercial lots at the ground level.

         I was told to do some slight changes on the floor plan. I improvised the floor plans by changing two blocks of commercial lots into one and adding more parking lots in the condominium. Furthermore, I was very lucky to be taught on plot ratio by Ar Mei. Plot ratio, which is also known as floor area ratio, is the ratio of the total floor area of a building to the size of the land which the building is built. Through this task, I have learnt how to calculate plot ratio and how to make use of an area to create more space. After improvising the floor plan, I was assigned to make some changes on the 3D model too. I duplicated the 15 floors condominium into 30 floors via Sketch Up. At the same time, I modified the size of the commercial lots. It was a great chance to enhance my skills on Sketch Up.

44.     Ultra Sentosa – Semi-D

          Next, the forth task I was given is Ultra Sentosa – Semi-D by completing a building plan for a Semi-D. The location of this single storey Semi-D is at Bagan Samak, Kedah and the total floor area is around 143 sqm. Through this project, I started to know what a building plan is.

           After exporting the 3D model from Sketch Up, I was requested to complete the elevations and sections. It was my pleasure that my colleague, Johnny guided me throughout this task. He taught me some detailing in drawing sections. From this task, I have learnt typical dimensions for column and beam as well as some basic roof truss arrangement. At the same time, I have learnt to arrange the layout of a building plan submission drawing.

5.     Harta Intan-Hostel

                Furthermore, Harta Intan-Hostel was my next task. This is a proposed 12 levels hostel for TAR College, located at Agyll Road, Penang. The building proposed used to be Zurich building.

                I was given the task to make some addendum for the building floor plans, complete the floor plans for the 1 bedded hostel, and also making 3D models for it. It was a fresh start for me as that was my first time creating the 3D model start from scratch in this architecture firm. Although it was mainly focused on interior, it was a great opportunity for me to learn something new in interior design wise.

6.     TPPT- Teluk Kumbar Heights Proposal

           The design proposal for TPPT- Teluk Kumbar Heights recognizes various needs of people thus it offers a flexible space which can be customized according to their needs. It involves 3 blocks of condominium with 28 floors each. Every typical floor unit offers easy marketing potential with either single unit (620 sqf) or double units (1240 sqf) for larger space requirements.

           I was assigned to assist my colleagues to complete the presentation slides proposal. My task was to modify a floor plan and some photo editing via Photoshop. While drawing the floor plan, we have the chance to brainstorm the furniture arrangement, etc. to create a better space. Also, I was given the opportunity to use my creativity while editing a 3D perspective of the proposed condominium. With the help of my colleague, I managed to learn some new skills in Photoshop.

7.     JMR – Link Lex Residential Unit

                JMR- Link Lex Residential Unit is a 33 levels commercial suite located at Butterworth, Penang. The status of this project is still in design development and it is expected to be completed in the year of 2016. The site area is around 1.996 acres.

                I was assigned to assist my colleague to complete the floor plans drawings. In term of task wise, there is not much different of this project compare with Paramounth-Mixed Residential Proposal as it was mainly drawing floor plans via AutoCAD. As I got more familiar handling it, there was not a problem to complete it.

8.     Maytech - Bionic

                Maytech - Bionic is a project which comprises of 2 blocks of condominiums linked by a sky bridge at Bukit Mertajam, Penang. The site area is 6.88 acres. It is under the status of construction and it is expected to be completed in the year of 2016. It is also known as one of the most fast selling condominiums.

                This is the project where I have the chance to know more about construction drawings. I was assigned to make some addendum on finishes detail, door and window detail, fire rated door detail and ceiling detail since the floor plan has a little bit of changes. Throughout this task, I know some building-by laws, specific locations for fire rated door, doors and windows detail and etc.

9.     TF Land – Semi-D

                TF Land – Semi-D was my second last task. The site is at Machang Bubuk, Penang. It contains of 38 units of 2 Storey Semi-D, 96 units of 3 Storey Semi-D and 28 units of Bungalows.

                 I was assigned to prepare the construction drawings for the 2 Storey Semi-D. The first task I was given was to prepare the detail drawings, like window and door schedule, staircase detail, toilet detail and roof detail. As all the drawings were previously done by my colleague, my job was just to make some changes and add some details into the drawings. Then, I was also told to add in the 38 units 2 Storey Semi-D floor plans into the site plan by adding the dimensions as well.

10.  Sunway Perdana – Blanket Hotel

                 This was my last task in my 8 weeks of internship. It is a budget hotel located at Bandar Sunway Seberang Jaya. It was previously two shop lots and the owner converts it into a budget hotel. The total floor area is around 1264 sqm. The construction of this hotel is almost 80 percent done.

                 I was given the chance to go for a site visit on this task. My task was to check whether the building in construction process is the same as the drawing plan. My colleagues, John and Zul were very helpful. They taught me some basic measuring techniques and things that I need to be cautious while paying my site visit. There are some changes on the floor plans as the contractor wants to cut down the budget. So we marked down all the things that they have changed in our floor plan as it will be easier to make changes on plan submission later on. From this task I can see how architects deal with contractor on site.

           

Conclusion

           First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ar Mei and Ar Liew for supervising me throughout these 8 weeks of internship. I would also want to thank all my colleagues, who are so willing to help me and share me with information so that I get more familiar with this architecture world. Last but not least, my tutor, Mr Keith who came to visit me during this internship module.

          In a nutshell, these 8 weeks of internship have been very fruitful to me. I was given the chance to learn and explore things that I am not familiar with. It is my pleasure to learn new things and gain different knowledge from every new task I was given. Besides that, I am very thankful that I know some basic requirements for Building Submissions Drawings. At the same time, I can see how an architecture firm works. It is good to see how this firm assigns every staff to complete different tasks every single week. But most importantly, I have learnt the importance of team work. The power of team work will make a project or work to be done successfully which makes them uniquely best, just like aLM ARCHITECTS.