Architecture Design Studio I

Architectural Design Studio 1 [ARC 60105] is structured as an introduction to architectural design. Themed “Body & Space”, this studio emphasises the inhabitation of space by the self that concentrates on the internal conditions of space. This studio introduces the basic design principles of architecture as a ‘user-based art’.

Exercises are planned to introduce architecture as a combination of subjective (mental, poetic & sentimental aspects of design process) and objective (sensible, rational & pragmatic aspects of design process) parameters with the user at the center of them.

The first project involves the interpretation of ‘self’ as an introduction to the elements of visual arts and using them to express subjective ideas through the process of making an object.The second project tackles the issue of objective & practical parameters, in relation between form and function, scale, proportion, and anthropometry by designing a small detailed space. Subsequently, in the final project, students will undertake a series of small studio-based group exercises for better understanding of space and the application of principles of design, leading to the design of an individual space – considering both subjective and objective aspects of architectural design.

Project 1: SELF EXPRESSION THROUGH OBJECT

This ice-breaking design project is an introduction to elements and principles of visual art through designing a mask. A mask is an object normally worn on the face for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment.

In this project, students will have to dig deeply inside themselves, remove the ‘masks’ of the characters they're wearing, identify their true self and then design a mask that reveals their most powerful identity.

Initial Development of my mock up mask: 

Progress:

Final Outcome:

Presentation board:

Overall, through this first project of Architecture Studio I, it allowed me to explore the elements and principles of art and learned how to apply each principles to communicate subjective ideas through objects. Furthermore, I've learned the basic methods of generating ideas and abstracting conceptual narratives for design. It also allowed me to understand myself better.

Project 2: LIFE CAPSULE.

The main aim of Project 2 is to heighten the awareness of students about the human body, interaction of space and body, and explore the role of reasoning and logic in shaping the form.

This will be done through designing a confined space which we call ‘Life Capsule’ for a 24-hour use. This limited space will challenge the students to thoroughly examine and consider anthropometry and ergonomics -body dimensions, body movements, human behaviours and user needs. The students will then progress on to understand how the human body relates to space, and further developing an understanding of scale and proportion in the relationship between the body and space. 

For this project, we are divided into a group of 3 to design a space for 24 hours use for a single occupancy, which we called the 'Life Capsule". My group members for this project are Chan Boon Haw & Chia Yi Ling. 

Our presentation boards: 

Exterior perspective:

Interior perspective:

Throughout this second project, I have a better understanding of human factors to the design of space in terms of its size, shape and how appropriate it is for the task, to improve comfort, safely and productivity. Not only that, I've learned to distinguish and discern the role of scale and proportion in the relationship between the human body and a designed space. It also allowed me to further explore the relation of form and function.

Project 3: DREAMSCAPE FOR THE SELF.

For the first four sessions of the tutorial,  we're divided into a group of two to undertake small studio- based group works to explore basic design principles, materializing meanings, 'reading' and 'understanding' architecture, as well as identifying spatial qualities which had evolved through applying design principles.

Here are the works of me and my group mate, Chia Yi Ling:

PART A

PART B

For the final project, students are required to apply all their understandings from project1, project 2 and project3 (part A) to design a dream space for an idol in a given site. The design will start with a narrative/storyline –depicting expressive quality of the site, characteristics of their idol, activities supposed to happen in their dream space etc. - and develop through sketches and study models to give a physical shape to their narrative and ideas. 

Presentation boards: 

Interim model: 

Final Model:

Entrance perspective:

Description 

We're required to design a dream space for a dream client in the given site. In this matter, my dream client is Justin Timberlake. He's a singer song-writer, actor, dancer and many other things. He's born with music in his blood, and he showed himself as  a natural performer from an early age.

My design serves as his overall private work studio. The design approach of this space is derived from his character as a man with an extraordinary vision, who defines his own dreams. whereas this work space held a reminiscent of his past and present experiences, hence the name, The 20/20 Experience.

The design form is originated from his name initials, JT, Justin Timberlake for short. The 20/20 Experience are divided into three spaces each represents a stage of his career. 

The first space, Courage stage

It's a dimmed pathway that represents his decision of stepping out on his own as a solo music artist. This pathway portrays the process of the aftermath of his decision. The configuration/circulation of the path is derived from the movement of JT's performance.

The second space, Conviction stage

This is the stage where he is more convinced that 'this is what he wants to do', and he wants to convince people through his music. Entering a Concentration space, the difference in height of the overhead plane roof  seperates the two spaces serving as a music space where the design of two concentric circles allow better sound flow, making this space 'all about the music.' This could allow JT to concentrate and immerse in sound.

The third space, Commitment stage.

Elevated base plane to create a stage-like dance studio platform where he could dance with nature and have a better view of the surroundings. He will experience as if he is dancing with the trees through the reflection of the mirror. This is due to his passion in performing and dancing, symbolising his commitment that this is a lifetime thing

To sum it up, I've included principles like repetition, hierarchy by shape, contrast in colour, rhythm and transformation in my design.

Throughout this final project, I am able to design a space that embodies and expresses an idea or conceptual narative. Not only that, I am able to identify, articulate and apply basic design principles in spatial organization & relationships. In addition, I've also learnt how to create, articulate and illustrate the poetics of spatial quality to produce and choose wisely among variety type of models with the aim of generating and developing design as well as better presentation idea. Last but not least, I've also gained advance communication skills through sketching internal expression of space, diagrams and variety type of models.