Environmental Sustainable Design

Project 1

Green-Go 2013 International Short Film Contest

Project 1 in ESD required us to produce an awareness video to increase the awareness of environmental issues locally and internationally. We were encouraged to produce a short video that is creative, shocking, funny or explicit eye-opener in the three categories: 'Life in plastic, is it fantastic?', 'Water-the drop of life' and 'Stayin' Alive'. The short videos should be either a campaign film that is shorter than 60 seconds or a short film that is not more than 4 minutes. The video can be shocking, saucy, dumbfounding and can be in any genre (cartoon, animation, puppet film. documentary, interviews etc.) I have chosen the short film format and decided to work on the topic of 'Stayin' Alive'. This topic is basically about species going extinct- reasons why that happened, the effects of it and how can we try to overcome the problem. My focus was on animal species extinction and I tried to bring over a message to the audience so that extinction would stop.

Here is the link to my awareness video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EB60wvtfU



Project 2

Appreciating Environment - Nothing is Considered Waste

Project 2 was divided into two parts, group and individual. In this project, we were to produce a complete documentation and analysis of waste on construction sites. We should analyse and explain the reason why waste is produced in construction sites, and to overcome it, giving creative and innovative methods to reduce and recycle wastes. All these documents must be compiled and shown in an A2 size research poster, it should show our studies, findings, innovative solutions and good visuals of each of our products. As for the individual part, we were to create a creative and meaningful object from construction waste to demonstrate our awareness and appreciation towards the environment. This object should remain durable and beautiful for 3 weeks outdoor. The size of the object was limited to A3xA3 size maximum. Originality will be important in producing the object. The object that I have created was a tree made out of wasted steel wires. The bottom of the tree is a candle holder, it indicates that if we keep cutting down trees or burning forests from their roots, our trees in the future will be made out of steel instead. The top part of the tree acts as a key hanger, which also symbolizes houses we live in. The houses that we live in were built on the price of trees.

Research Poster

Tree of Life

Tree of Life with keys hanging

Architecture Culture & History 2

Project : Architecture Heritage Building Analysis

Our history 2 project was a 13-week project. In a group of 4, we were to select a building and study the function of the building type to serve the community within its vicinity. From our
observations on site, we needed to identify the different architectural elements (exterior and interior) that have been adapted to site to best serve the practical and functional needs of the local community as compared to the similar building type found in another region. Also stating how local technology, materials, climatic conditions, history, culture and beliefs influenced the design of this building. We were encouraged to conduct interviews, library research, photography, sketches and drawings to record our findings.
The site for this analysis was Klang. We have chosen the MPK (Klang Municipal Hall) as the building that we will analyse on. Throughout the project, we have visited the site several times to collect the data needed, conducted interviews with related people, researched in the national archive, and took plenty of pictures on site. 

For the group part of the project, we were to compile a complete report on the heritage building selected. A report including facts about the building, contextual condition, architecture elements, and the design concepts of the building. The report needed to have approximately 2000-2500 words. It took us sometime to collect all the information needed as some of them were hard to obtain. However, after organizing the data that we have, we divided out jobs and managed to come out with a written report.


Moving on to the individual part of the project, we separated the information into 4 parts, history, user and context, design concept and architecture elements. Each of us focused on a topic and made a analytic board of it to present it to our lecturer. This analytic board was to help us explain the findings and show how much we understand about the building.

Here you can read the complete report

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8hgiOMglBrhTGhld0JRYk9ualk/edit?usp=sharing

Analytic Board of MPK

Building Construction 1

Project 1

Experiencing Construction: Experiencing, documentation and analyzing construction process

Our task for project 1 was to select ongoing construction site which visibly covers most of subject topics covered in the syllabus. Our selected sites must be medium rise or low rise buildings, for example: bungalow, terrace houses or maximum 4-storeys building. We were to identify different types of building elements and its construction process, details and materials. We were asked to study and record construction of different building elements, which we have learnt in this module. We should be able to show and apply ourknowledge in the details of the building construction drawing that we should provide a reflecting of our understanding of the construction itself. It should be an A3 bound report complete with visuals, sketches and manual drawings inclusive of the detailing and documentation of the project we have selected. The sketches must be hand drawn, neat, clear and annotated. The report should include construction process, methods, material, site context. We must be able to explain the specification of material used in construction, dimensions and sizes of components, standards of descriptions, procedures of constructing the components, and also construction response to site context (environmental issues related to sustainable development) in the report.

This was a long and difficult project as we had trouble finding a suitable construction site. Our visits to the construction sites were delayed but nevertheless successful. By visiting the site and talking to people there, we managed to understand the process of how a building is built from foundation to roof. The site visits helped us greatly in doing the report as we got to see the details ourselves. However, we did our fair amount of research to understand better and to be able to produce quality drawings.

Here is the link to view our report
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91P5xhXvWIDRWVpemZFc05EdFU/edit

Project 2

Integrated Construction Detailing/Drawings

This project is a continuation of the first project-an integrated project where it involves construction detailing solution for final project in design studio. This project is designed to allow the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of construction and application from prior project. Emphasis in producing related manual construction drawing. In this project, we should develop and demonstrate some knowledge of construction, materials and structural theory in a small scale design project. Our task for this project were to identify and propose 3 details for selected element or part of the building apart from providing the necessary plans, section and elevations. The 3 architectural details should cover the roof, superstructure and the foundation. The details must be drawn manually and have appropriate specifications, symbols and dimensions to reflect the proposed materials clearly. The selected detail should be details of interesting construction solutions for our own design. 

Similar the the previous semester, our final project was a integrated one with Design Studio. This time, it was much harder as we have learned more and basically know how a building is built. I have chosen the construction materials and methods that I thought was appropriate for my design. 

A2 presentation board of integrated project

Design Studio 2

Project 1

FAMOUS PEOPLE, FAMILIAR FACES

DIAGRAMMATIC ABSTRACTION

The first project of Design Studio 2 was divided into three parts, an introduction video, A3 drawings and also models. It was back to the basic, introduction. This time, it wasn't about self introduction, instead it was an introduction of a selected architect. The architect that we have chosen was Glenn Murcutt, an Australian architect. In order to make a good introduction video of Glenn Murcutt, we in a group of 5 did plenty of research to truly understand his style and works. This part of the assignment enabled us to identify various architects and their respective architecture style. The next part of the project required us to produce a complete set of architecture drawing of a selected project (private residence) from the architect. After lots of analysis of Glenn Murcutt's works, we decided to work on the 'Ball-Eastaway House'. We thought that this project shows a great amount of architecture elements in Glenn Murcutt's design style. Finally, we had to investigate and formulate our findings into a set of 5 models (6x6x6cm). The models should be able to precisely show the information of the analysis. We were asked to use not more than 3 colors and the models should be beautifully crafted and placed on an A3 MDF board for display. After all the works were done, we presented our conceptual models alongside the architecture drawings to our lecturers.

This project proved to be a good project to kick start a new semester. It was an interesting way to learn more about various famous architects and to actually study their projects ourselves was an amazing opportunity. This group work also required a lot of mutual understanding between group mates, thankfully my group mates were really up for it, which made things so much easier and fun. I have learned to analyse and identify key elements in a building instead of just looking at it as a whole in the past, it was a satisfying experience that i felt a connection between Glenn Murcutt and myself.

Here is the link to our intoduction video of Glenn Murcutt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Egm6nukbuI&list=WLtmXmOZ1EG8kGNsShrXXA-nJgEaVDXzC9

Conceptual Models

Conceptual Models

 Set of architecture drawing we produced on Ball-Eastaway House.

Project 2a

Bay Watch

To conduct project 2, we had to go to Penang for a site visit. The site that was given was Pantai Keracut, Teluk Bahang, in the Penang National Park. In group of two, we were to begin with a volume in the form of a solid cube 3 x 3 x 3 meter. By selecting a beach/water sport activity, we needed to design a life guard post for the purpose of monitoring/guarding. It shall include the activities of observing, resting, eating etc. in which furniture and equipment must fit and be incorporated with the spatial planning. This structure should correspond to the site that we have chosen. Adequate access, circulation and fenestration are mandatory. For this project, the site analysis was vital. Every information must be considered before designing the coastal guard post. Similar to the previous project, we needed to produce a 1:50 scale model with drawings to support it. With the concept that we got from pictures taken during our time in Penang, we developed our design several times to come out with a form that we think fulfills our concept of diverting motion. Our model were then rested on an A3 board and were presented with 3 pieces of A3 drawings.

Pictures where we got our inspiration from, we wanted to show how motion reacts to still and how it is diverted. In our case, our tower acts as a diversion of human flow.

Coastal Guard Post

Coastal Guard Post

Project 2b

Pantai Keracut Retreat

Project 2b is a continuation of project 2a, using a similar or derived concept from the coastal guard post, we were to design a retreat house at Pantai Keracut. This retreat must function as a habitable architectural spaces to enable the activities associated with living, dining, cleansing, cooking, storage and such within a build up space of 150 square meters. The relationship between the building and context is important to make the building unique to its landscape and activity. I have decided to focus and explore on the concept of motion and still. Through tutorial sessions, my idea strengthened each time. Thus, helped me to get a firm understanding of what experience i want to put in my design. I have incorporated a few information from the site analysis into the design because I felt it was important to cause as little damage as possible to the nature and the site while designing. Turtles appeared to be my main concern because they come onshore to lay eggs almost every month. The spatial organization of my design was almost decided by the nature, bubble diagrams helped in placing the basic needs where it is needed. After the design was set, I worked hard on the layout of the presentation board to showcase my retreat design in the best way possible.

This project opened my eyes toward the real world. I have experienced how to work on a selected concept and to never waver upon it. Explorations helped to generate ideas that further developed into designs. I noticed that we cannot forcefully create a form or a design, the design comes itself when you truly understand the concept behind it. I have also realized how important a site analysis is. Without the site analysis, we cannot know what the context is like and will not be able to do what is best for the site. The information that we managed to collect were very helpful. Moreover, I have seen how people can get inspired by just anything in the world, even small things that we do not notice in life. I think I have gain a lot in the sense of architectural knowledge after this long and hard semester that prepares me well for the next one.


Here are some pictures of the presentation boards and models displayed for presentation purpose:

Building Materials

Project 1a 

My Home My Space

In the first project of Building Material, we were asked to produce an A2 board to show at least 5 different materials in our home. In this board, we were to show pictures of building materials to understand the compatibility of materials to the design concept. It required some effort on researching as this was our very first project. After some analysis, I have picked a few important features and materials to show in my board, also highlighting the suitability and characteristics of the materials.

Project 1b

Materiality of SPACE: An experiential exploration

The following task was a task that required much more work. In a group of 5, we were to select a commercial / residential building (a fun, creative space) which allow us to experience and explore most of the building materials covered in the module. Task A was a group work, we needed to produce two A2 boards in landscape orientation and a Mood board which is separate on its own. In these boards, we have to give a brief introduction of the selected building and also reason for selecting the space. For the Mood Board, we should include color, pattern, photographs, sketches and informative design elements to reflect the material used and  the ambience of the space. Identification of Materials were an interesting task in this project as we got to visit the building that we have chosen, in our case, Cyberview. We did plans, sections and elevations to indicate the materials used. We also explainedthe types of material that are used in a specific area/space. After some discussion, we were able to understand the application of Materials and were able to explain the suitability of material used in context to concept, occupancy and climate. In addition, we gave our own opinion on the suitability of materials used and possible replacements.

Task B was an individual work. In one A2 board, we were supposed to give experiential analysis of the Material and Space. The visit to Cyberview helped us in understanding the design intention and concept in relation to the selection of materials. I also shared my experience within the space and got to feel how the material selection and its application within the space affect user experience. To make the board look interesting, I have added photographs to help support my analysis.

Task A

Task A

Task A

Task A

Photos taken in Cyberview

Photos taken in Cyberview

Photos taken in Cyberview

Photos taken in Cyberview

Project 2 Integration

Material Specification- Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of Building Materials application and properties through materials specification or proposal for final studio project

Project 2 is an integration of Building Material and Design Studio. After focusing on documentation and analysis of the existing materials in building of different concept, functional use and site context architectural space, this assignment will challenge us with the task of selecting materials for a our hideout design responding to several issues such as site context- material compatibility with climatic, cultural, and aesthetic conditions, applicability of material to occupancy, size of building, including durability and structural requirements, environmental impact building materials and recycling issues. We were encouraged to explore the information that we have and to show the proposed materials on plans, section and elevation from the structure to the finishes materials for floor, wall, roof, ceiling, floor and wall finishes, etc. All these have to be done in the form of sketches, diagrams, pictures, captions and annotation. After my design had been approved in Design Studio, I researched on the suitability of the material types, environmental impact, physical and chemical properties of these materials, to ensure that the best materials were being used in my hideout. All findings were composed on an A3 board and were presented alongside the Design Studio boards as it was an integration project. It was a proud experience to be able to identify suitable materials for my own design.

Architecture Culture & History 1

Project : Precedent Study

The only project in architecture culture and history consists of 4 parts, it requires us to truly understand the historical building that we have chosen. This project focuses on investigating historical works to enrich architectural design and ideas. Through the study of existing buildings, we were able to inform and expand our own architectural vocabulary and develop design concepts. In a group of 4, we were required to conduct analysis on specific building through drawing, model-making, written and verbal presentations. More specifically, we were to submit a study essay, an individual analysis presentation board, a detailed model and finally to verbally present them.

The historical building that we have chosen was Santa Maria del Popolo which is located in Rome, Italy. After rounds of research and studies, we were able to gather sufficient information about Santa Maria del Popolo. We did a draft to highlight the things that we wanted to focus on in producing the essay and it was approved after tutorial sessions. It meant a lot since it showed us that we were on the right track. Following various discussion with the group members, we have picked up important facts and information on Santa Maria del Popolo and managed to produce a 500 words research essay. We were able to give adequate evidence as a result of our research on the building.

Here you can view our research essay.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8hgiOMglBrhM25na0NWUlI1QzQ/edit?usp=sharing 


The second part of the project was the analysis presentation board. The presentation board should include floor plans, building sections, analysis diagrams and sketches. The drawings produced should be able to communicate the depth of our analysis of the building. Drawings should be composed on one A2 board and hand-drawn and hand-written. For this project, I have decided to focus on Chigi Chapel which is located in Santa Maria del Popolo because I think it has a very interesting history and is a beautiful architectural creation. I did plenty of research before planning the layout of the presentation board to make sure I have a good balance of information on the presentation board. My analysis has included the building concept, the structure of the building, circulation, spatial organization, sketches of the building and also the main focus which is the magnificently built dome.

Analysis Presentation Board

Moving on to the third part of the project, which was the most interesting one in my opinion, the model making part of it. We were restricted to using only Balsa timber in producing the model. The model is 30 cm x 30 cm in dimension with 10 cm depth. The focus of our model was again on Chigi Chapel as we all agreed upon it. To show the interior of Chigi Chapel, we have done a sectional model of the building. We also thought that the columns in Chigi Chapel look interesting as they have a lot of details in them. To show the details of the column, we did a close-up model of the capital. Another attraction of the Chigi Chapel being the tombs of Chigi brothers, which we also made to compliment the entire model.

Finally, after all the works are done, we were to prepare for a verbal presentation to communicate your precedent study of the historical building. With the help of our analysis drawings and details in model, we were able to complete our verbal presentation well.

Design Studio

Project 1: Self-Expression through Object

REPRESENTING ME

The first task in Design Studio was a rather easy and fun. Rather than being an assignment, it was more like an ice-breaking session to introduces basic methods and approaches in the generation of ideas and conceptual narratives. We were asked to find a creative representation of ourselves and to be able to narrate it in front of the class. We were given advice to be adventurous and experimental in identifying an abstract idea of ourselves. My first attempt to introduce myself was a self-portrait that shows two sides of me. This can be explained by how close an individual is willing to get to me. Before getting to know me, I tend to have a cold attitude towards people and will be rather dead, but if one bothers to break the ice and get to know me, I think I will be able to show a different side of me that is much more colorful and alive. A hemisphere on top of my head represents the thing that is very influential towards me and is constantly on my mind, football. The background of messy lines and dull colors shows my untidiness and tendency to opt for a boring lifestyle while the splashes of paints represent little sparks somewhere in my life. However, after more exploration I think I have found a better way to describe or represent myself, by using a mere passion fruit. Passion fruit is not only my favorite fruit, it also symbolizes my character pretty well. Passion fruit might not look pleasant on the outside, if you have not tried it, you would not even consider buying it at a fruit store. It has a dull and dead look on the outside but once you cut it open, a fresh smell comes out and the taste is beyond words can explain. Well, at least that is what I think. Passion fruit has a strong taste of a mixture of sweet, sour and bitter, I think that describes myself well, if one can open up my heart, that brave individual will find the greatness in me that is unlike what it looks from the outside. A metaphoric comparison of myself and passion fruit sums up my first project in Design Studio. This project helped me to understand that ideas come from exploration and not just from sitting down thinking about it. I have accustomed a new way of generating ideas by not setting myself any limit and continuation of exploration.

Self Portrait

Passion Fruit presentation

Project 2: Self-Expression through Architectural Space


ME IN SPACE

Project 2 was the next big step in Design Studio. Our task was to express our personality using a 1:1 scale installation. In our respective tutorial groups, we were divided into groups of three and to explore about how human body inform space and how it reacts to space. After few tutorial sessions, we were able to come out with a general idea of what feel we want to give in our installation. The material allowed to make this installation was limited to only one, cardboard. Before deciding to create a specific space, we had to explore the possibilities and properties of cardboard. After having a rough idea of how cardboard hold up and bend, we made a basic shape of our installation to make sure it has a solid foundation. Our concept basically relates back to our personality of being reserved and self-protective. Triangular spikes are used as basic shapes of our installation to give a terrifying look to it. If one does not be careful, they might be hurt by the spikes. One will have to be very cautious in making steps but once they made it to the comfort zone, they will have a much easier time where they can sit can look at the outside world from our perspective. To give a very dangerous and uneasy feel to the installation, we experimented time after time to place the spikes at suitable positions. We also decided to add the number of spikes and a variety of sizes to increase the intensity inside the space. We did that by sitting inside our installation to get the right scale and proportion that fits us perfectly.

The installation in this project was the first one that I have done in 1:1 scale, it was fresh to me to produce such a big model that I can experience the space myself. With the cooperative group mates, I was able to happily explore spaces and at the same time create spaces. It was interesting to see how people react to spaces that we have created and how they have their own interpretation of space. I have known more about scale and proportion through this project.

First mock-up model

Improved mock-up model

Shapes we decided to use

Working Progress

Working Progress

Final 1:1 scale installation

Project 3: Space for the Self

MY CITY DREAM SPACE

Project 3 came as a surprise to most of the students. WE WERE TASKED TO WATCH MOVIES! Who would have guessed that in architecture course we actually have a task to enable us to relax?! The task that got us excited were assigned a few days after our visit to KLPAC. It was a visit to help us understand quality of space and how senses react to different materials. The movies that we were asked to watch were Tron, Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell and Fifth Element. All four movies are of a futuristic background with very interesting settings. We were then grouped by movies that we have chosen to work on a site model of 1:50 scale. The movie that I have chosen was Blade Runner, which I think is a good movie with plenty of potential spaces to work on. It is a movie where replicants exist in human world and 'Blade Runner' is tasked to 'retire' them. After making a site model with the group members, we have to create a character that fits into the movie. In addition, a hideout will have to be designed to match the character and movie. After watching the movie, I got inspired and decided to create a character that is the leader to all replicants, the Nexus 7. To really understand the site in the movie, I have watched the movie a few times and experimented different space with the site model. Tutorial sessions were useful and proved vital as we close in on the final stage. Our lecturer Mr.Dickson pushed us hard enough from the start that resulted in numerous designs and mock-up models we have made. These idea developments allowed us to come out with the best design that is most suitable for our characters and the site. To match with my character, I chose a sleek, one-piece, futuristic design. To further explain my hideout, Orthographic drawings and Axonometric drawings were required to support my design. After days and nights of hard work, I was finally able to present my design to outside panels, it was a truly fulfilling experience.

This project enables me to gain valuable experience as I got to design a hideout that is tailor made for my character to fit its needs and to visualize how one would feel and react toward the hideout. I felt that it was a big step ahead of an exciting journey. I had a lot of fun applying design principles to my design and choosing suitable materials for sensory experience. I also realized how drawings can support a design and show different elements as opposed to a model.

Process of completing site models

Process of completing site models

Presentation Board 1

Presentation Board 2

Presentation Board 3

Hideout in place with site model

Side View of hideout model

Details of hideout model

Details of hideout model

Details of hideout model