Wong Zi Xiu Degree E-Portfolio: 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

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.