ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO I
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Architectural Design Studio 1 is structured as an introduction to architectural design. This preliminary design module aims to present and explains design through the expression of the perception of ‘self’ and the body. We as students will undertake a series of studio-based exercises and assignments that introduces the fundamental methods, principles and approaches in design thinking and basic spatial design.
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PROJECT 1 : SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH OBJECT 'REPRESENTING ME'
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This ice-breaking design project is an introduction of the basic methods and approaches in generation of ideas and conceptual narratives. This aims to be achieved through the exploration and creative representation of one self. We will be exposed to various means of exploring ideas by translating it through an expression on various art forms designed for the studio work, based on our personality or personalities. Each of us will be given freedom to communicate and express form and come up with an abstracted form of oneself.
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Task: We are required to select a character from Pokemon and generate idea through the character's interests, preferences, attitude, personalities, etc. Representation of the character must only be interpreted in abstracted form. We are allowed to explore the form of work, be it a poster, an object, table cloth, decorative items, light installation, etc. The final outcome of this project is required to take shape as a piece of an artwork installed at our work place of the designated studio zone. Meanwhile I chose the character 'Tangela'.
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PROJECT 2 : SELF-EXPRESSION THROUGH ARCHITECTURAL SPACE 'SMALL SHELTER'
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The main aim of Project 2 is to expand on the interpretation of the self (or multiple selves) by exploring the relationships between the human body and designed form. This involves designing a ‘shelter’. The user or the users will define the use of the space and its form based on their intention, activities and human body dimension. We as students will also be introduced to basic design principles such as rudimentary ways in which each how each component dictates the form. and be further developed an understanding of scale and proportion with relation to the human body.
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Task: We are required to form a team of 2-3 members and propose a shelter design which is not exceed 3.5 cubic meters. We shall translate and explore space and form in relation to human body (anthropometry) in a series of conceptual sketched and study models. We will then specifically translate our design intentions through designing ‘small shelter’, using choices of materials that are durable and marginally weather proof while exploring its architectural expression. Each group is required to produce full scale model installation that encompasses spatial and form quality in the final submission. We are then required to camp for one night in the shelter to test the design of the shelter.
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PROJECT 3 : DREAMSPACE FOR THE USER ‘SPACE FOR THE SELF’
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Project 3 is the final project which incorporates both the creativity and its functionality; identity of user, comfortability of user and creativity in articulating the space, as a complete user experience.
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Task: We are required to design a space for the self by attaching it to the walls/surfaces of an imagined ‘city’ in an empty abandoned lot in between two buildings. The space is to fit a specific use (as a dream space: for viewing, space for contemplating, space for self-exploration, space for exercising, space for dreaming, space showcasing and so to speak a dream space for the user). Being the user of the space, we are allowed to make our personality more interesting, therefore an effective well thought of theme and written narrative is needed. This understanding is then required to be architecturally translated into a series of connected spaces (2-3 spaces) that successfully establishes the quality and articulation of the interior and of exterior design. We are also required to consider how well design conforms to both the physical and non-physical requirements of the user.
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REFLECTION
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Through this project I am able to generate design concepts through the process of exploring various sources and abstracting ideas. I learned to identify key architectural design elements and principles with the ability to discern how they inform space and form as well as to utilize a process-oriented approach involving sketching and model-making as tools for generating and developing design ideas.
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Frankly speaking, this module is the most interesting among the all. Sometimes we might get frustrating, sometimes we might get disappointments, sometimes we might get negative feedback, sometimes we might get emotional, sometimes we might get downcast, sometimes we might get fight in a group due to inconsistent ideas keep floating up in our minds, sometimes we might get to stay up till the morning, sometimes we might get multiple free foods from other unrelated events, sometimes we might get to eat multiple suppers, sometimes we might get surprised, etc. All and all, though most of them are negative ones, still attach to form a line of endless memories. It is not merely nostalgic while I am reminiscing now, but it is also a not-so-easy journey where unbelievably I have gone through, and of course I know, more and more are on their ways. I have all through this module, ranging from true friendships, staying up late to rush for projects to building a livable tent, etc. Unexpected, truly unexpected. It is undeniably an exciting journey and I expect more for the next.
Architecture, let us begin!
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