P1 : MEMORIALS | eportfolio

PROJECT 1 : MEMORIALS THEMED 'JOURNEY OF THE FIVE SENSES'

Task One: In a group of five, we are required to select two precedents for analysis prior to the design of two memorials. They can be local, national and/or international examples. One precedent must be pre-modern movement, and one precedent must be contemporary. Also, one precedent must be linear, and the other concentric. For our selection, the buildings we chose were Crystal Palace (Pre-modern, Linear) and 911 Memorial Plaza (Contemporary & Concentric).

Task Two: Following on after precedent study, we are required to apply elements from precedents onto our design of memorials by which it could be the aspect of spatial poetics, experiences, senses, typologies, etc. The themes for design of the two memorials are given based on two current issues: the passing away of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Merdeka 60th celebration.

MEMORIAL 01 : RAMA IX MEMORIAL

UNSEEN PRESENCE

"How will Thailand live without you, father?" cries one distressed man.

"I lost one of the most important people in my life. I feel fear, uncertainty over the future," says another.

While the Thais mourn and sadden at the unfortunate demise of the nation’s most respected monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, most of them have started to forgo the vision and values he has left behind after his death. Apart from just commemorating all great contributions and identity of him, the memorial intends to convey a message: what he has done is building a foundation for the future and what's after it depends on how the Thais sustain the achievements and lead Thailand to reach its peak.

Sited at a park in Bangkok’s CBD, everyone is welcome.

MEMORIAL 02 : MERDEKA 60TH MEMORIAL

UNITY IS STRENGTH

On this 60th anniversary milestone of Merdeka, we mean not only to celebrate but also to confront the real challenge - can we sustain our achievements despite the odds and progress even further? Or do we slow down and weaken, fail in many areas or even fade away?

Looking back, there has been grave anxiety felt by most Malaysians, as the nation does not promote a greater sense of belonging, cohesion or national unity. Therefore, the memorial aims to send out a clear and unmistakable warning: if national unity is not strengthened, there is no way for Malaysia to be stronger, and in turn be divisive instead.

Sited at a hillside, the memorial commemorates the growth of population from 8 million to 30 million and the progressive structure of the economic plan for every 5 years in the past 6 decades.