PROJECT 2 : NATURE APPRECIATION CENTER (NAC)

This project calls for a simple public building with some complexity that includes 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 through a project with a specific community of users. It requires exploration of design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilizing clustered spatial typology and passive design approach. Overall, the design work should contribute to and merge harmoniously with nature and the site, and provide the best of experiences for the users. Chosen site to be Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding located up in the north of Peninsular Malaysia, an in-depth site analysis has been carried out throughout the site visit to obtain relevant information needed for the design. The design process started out with conceptual ideas which are then translated into building forms and further refined into a more comprehensive building. Overall, this NAC design intends to strengthen the relationship between nature and man as well as provide means for users to understand and appreciate nature without having distractions from the current world. Below shows the outcome of this project :

1) Site Analysis

2) NAC

Learning Outcomes :

1. Exploration of clustered typology.
2. Able to identify and incorporate environmental qualities and contextual needs relevant to design.
3. Application of sustainable design ideas.
4. Appreciation of nature and architecture.

PROJECT 1 : GREEN INFO-SHELTER (EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENT POETICS

In this project, it explores the environment poetics of a structure that responds to the basic natural context such as sun, wind, heat, cold, energy issue and the existing context. Chosen site to be on the open space of CODA, SABD in Taylor's University, a green info-shelter with relatively small scale is to be designed to accommodate users of that area; students & visitors (waiting/info shelter). Particularly, this design has to be able to adapt to local climate and context with regards to achieving a sustainable design. Below shows the outcome of this project :

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to identify and analyze environmental qualities and contextual needs relevant to design.
2. Application of sustainable design ideas.
3. Introduction of material usage and construction methods.

PROJECT 2 : DOCUMENTATION STUDY

This project involves the study of streets in an Asian city to understand the historical and social aspects of a city by examining the development of tradition, modernization and globalization of streets. The chosen street is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur surrounded by both historical and modern architecture. Jalan Tun H.S. Lee also shows great history and is one of the prominent streets in KL. Multiple site visits has been done to obtain necessary information as well as photos needed for a photo journal. The final submission comprises of, 1) history of street, 2) photos from the street & 3) street map as shown below :

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to understand the historical developments of the street.
2. Identification of a broad range of issues related to the historical and chronological transitions of Asian architectural history.
3. Interpretation of architectural language in relation to the development of Asian architecture and urbanism based on theme of tradition, modernity and globalization.

PROJECT 3 : MH17 MEMORIAL

In this project, we are required to design a memorial in remembrance to the MH17 incident that took the lives of many innocent. This project organized by matterbetter based in Amsterdam is an open competition but was incorporated as Project 3 as part of this module. It is intended to raise awareness of the saddening accident through architecture. Based on the incident, a concept has been derived which is further translated into a building form. This conceptual design highlights the importance of three aspects; love, offer & unity. Overall, this memorial design hopes to reconnect people from around the world irregardless of the families involved so as to put this tragic event in the hearts of people in aid of making the world a better place. Below are the boards that shows the conceptual works of my design :

PROJECT 2 : PERSONAL VALUES STATEMENT

In this project, we are required to reflect our self being in the form of a written paper known as a Personal Values Statement (PVS). A PVS has been produced that outlines my character and defines my personality. This PVS is individual and personal hence, it is unique on its own. No two persons are the same. The process started with completing a survey followed by exploration and deep introspection in order to gain understanding of myself. This perspective is reflected in this PVS that also highlights the utmost important values in my life. Overall, this PVS is intended to raise the consciousness of my own background, experiences and abilities to promote experience in design that are consistent with my personal values. However, with regards to the personal matters and information splurged onto this writing, I consider this PVS to be private and confidential. Hence, it will not be published on this media. If you need any inquiry about this PVS/project, feel free to drop by a comment below.

PROJECT 1 : THINK SHEET

A Think Sheet is a single page typewritten submission of thoughts in response to an assigned reading. Each Think Sheet is personal and reflects my own experiences and values as they relate to the subject of the class. A Think Sheet is not a book review but it documents personal thoughts in response to the reading. A total of eight (8) Think Sheets out of ten (10) readers has to be submitted weekly. Below are the eight (8) Think Sheets submitted with relevance to respective readers : 

PROJECT 2 : EXTENSION OF AN R.C. BUNGALOW

This project is an integrated component where it involves structural theory, force calculation and basic structural proposal. As per prerequisite, a residential building of two storeys has been chosen; S11 House. Roof plan, floor plans and foundation plan has been drafted to help in the design of the extension. Overall, the extension has to be able to provide at least six types of beams subjected to different loads respectively and four columns (roof to foundation) analysis. A series of calculation has been made to justify the design of the extension and collectively recorded. A final report composed of 1) S11 House Drawings, 2) Extension & 3) Calculations is submitted.

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to identify the basic structural systems of beams and columns.
2. Further understand the concept of structural analysis.
3. Understanding the principles of forces and load distributions.
4. Able to generate relationship with the real world designs as per calculations.

PROJECT 1 : FETTUCCINE TRUSS BRIDGE

In a group of six, a truss bridge design has to be produced and built from fettuccine using suitable adhesives. Several truss designs has been studied as well as precedent studies on existing bridges to aid in the construction of a physical bridge. The bridge has to be achieved a clear span of 750mm and a maximum weight of 200g. The final bridge was put to a test until fail. Attached below is the report comprising of 1) precedent studies, 2) truss bridge designs & tests, 3) final truss bridge & report & 4) individual component.

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to evaluate, explore and improve attributes of construction materials.
2. Understanding and application of load distribution in a truss.
3. Identification of tension and compression members in a truss structure
4. Able to explore different arrangement of members in a truss structure

PROJECT 2 : APPLICATION OF BUILDING SERVICES

In this project, a  domestic size building has been chosen as the medium of study and application. With relevance to Architecture Design Studio 2, Retreat House design has been used for the application of building services. Understanding of building services from Project 1 is adapted into this project when proposing and designing appropriate systems for the building which include, 1) electrical supply system, 2) cold water & hot water supply system, 3) sewerage & sanitary system & 4) drainage system. Drawings, diagrams, symbols, images and other relevant information has been provided to aid in the understanding of implementation of building services. On top of that, application of by-laws such as from Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) has also been proposed to justify the design. A total of two A2 boards has been produced as follows :

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to identify relevant information related to water supply, liquid waste disposal, mechanical air-conditioning, fire safety and vertical transportation system.
2. Further understanding of building services and by-laws.
3. Able to describe the planning of building services within the total design and construction process. 
4. Able to describe the installation of building services within the total design and construction process. 

PROJECT 1 : CASE STUDY & DOCUMENTATION OF BUILDING SERVICES SYSTEMS

In this project, a building has been chosen prior to conduct a research and analysis regarding the building services present in the building. The building picked was Setia City Mall, Shah Alam as per brief; building has to be at least four-storeys high. Four types of building services were highlighted in this study which are, 1) mechanical ventilation & air-conditioning system, 2) electrical supply system, 3) mechanical transportation system & 4) fire protection system. Throughout this project, multiple site visits has been done to obtain relevant information as to validate this paper. A final report and summarized boards has been completed as follows :

1) Report

Learning Outcomes :

1. Identification and understanding of relevant information related to water and electrical supply, sewerage, mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning as well as fire protection systems.
2. Understand how each building services functions including the connections and position of different parts equipment.
3. Understand the principles and systems as well as space implications and regulations related to different building services.
4. Application of by-laws.

PROJECT 1 : CASE STUDY PAPER

In this project, we are required to carry out an extensive research within the framework of sustainability design in Asia. The sustainability design framework focuses on the building assigned for site visit which is the Belum Rainforest Resort located in Pulau Banding, Grik, Perak. The title of proposed is as follows; Adaptation of Design Features of the Orang Asli Dwellings to Counter Heat Gain in Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding. An oral presentation has been carried out alongside a final report of about 4000 words to validate the findings of this research. Below is the final report :

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to identify significant elements of sustainable design through investigation.
2. Understand the importance of sustainable design.
3. In-depth view of the site which can be applied in future designs.

PROJECT 2 : UNDERSTANDING FORCES IN SOLID STRUCTURE AND SURFACE STRUCTURE

In this project, we have to understand both solid and surface constructions respectively. Moving on, we are assigned to select a building to further conduct research to aid in the development of the latter process and the physical model. The building that our group have identified is, Haesley Nine Bridges Golf Club House, Korea by architect Shigeru Ban. The component that we intend to highlight is the construction of the surface of this building. The interesting form of this architecture draws our attention. From there, we have conducted a thorough research to understand the building more deeply such as the concepts adapted, materiality and the approach in construction. Based on the gathered information, we then brainstormed for ideas on the physical model we are supposed to produce. Based on trial and errors, we have came up with a final design for our physical model and then proceeded into the making of the final model showing the form and details of the construction. To sum up, we have also produced a brief report regarding the building constructions to aid in the understanding of the building as well as to clarify our findings. The development process have also been recorded together with evidences to clarify our findings. Below are the final submissions :

1) Report

2) Final model

3) Individual component

Learning Outcomes :

1. Able to identify the basic structural systems in constructions.
2. Further understand the construction of surface structures.
3. Able to generate relationship with the real world designs based on the studied building.
4. Understand the studied building in depth.

PROJECT 1 : SKELETAL TOWER

In this project, we are assigned to build a tower using popsicle sticks as the main component and connectors like toothpicks, skewers and threads but no adhesives like glue. However, the number of sticks should be hundred or less and it is required to have a height of at least 30 centimeters. Based on the requirements, we drafted a few designs along the process and tested before concluding a final design. The aim we are achieving is to have our tower to withstand a great load while still minimizing the weight of the model which are affected by the number of sticks and the components that build up the whole tower. This is crucial in order to have a higher efficiency value. To sum up, we have been quite successful in the attempt to achieve our goals as our efficiency value is considerably high. Below shows the process to the final design and test :

1) Mock-up model

Us, with our mock-up and final models.

2) Final Model

3) Testing

The testing process was recorded. Link to the video, here.

For more photos and information, click here.

Learning Outcomes :

1. Understand construction systems.
2. Recognize the implication of construction systems in design.
3. Able to analyse issues of strength, stability and stiffness of structures.

PROJECT 3 : DESIGNING A VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER (VIC)

Moving on from the previous project, the final task is to incorporate all the information and interpretations gained throughout into a design. In this project, we are assigned to design a Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) on the site chosen. The design of this center has to translate the context, history and all necessary information from the site. Therefore, after much considerations and plannings, I have came up with a design that is based on my concept which is, DEFENSE & NATURE. This design intends to let users understand the functions of the Labrador Park in Singapore both, in the past and in the present. The final design can be identified below from the final boards that presents my idea.

Below are the physical-sectional model at the scale of 1:75 :

Learning Outcomes :

1. Understand the history of the site and connection with the structures, remnants etc. 
2. Able to analyze and conclude data and communicate the findings.
3. Able to understand and translate the poetics of the space.
4. Realize the importance of a design to be strongly dependent to the site.
5. Ability to translate concepts into forms.
6. Able to generate visualization through both 2D and 3D modelling and drawings.