Building Construction 2

Project 1:

Understanding Forces in Skeletal Structure

The first project of Building Construction 2 is an interesting project. In this project, we were asked to build a skeletal tower using only popsicle sticks and different joining medias such as string tying and nailing. No glue is allowed to stick the popsicles together. With a base of size A5, the tower should stand strong and have a minimum height of 30cm. In addition, the number of popsicle sticks used must not exceed 100 while it must withstand a reasonable amount of weight for one minute. In conducting this project, we have done several prototypes to experiment of the type of joint and braces that are the most stable and strongest. We have used different types of joint such as slotting, tying and nailing to make sure the pressure is distributed equally so that the building will be as rigid as possible. Along the project we have made analysis of the failures of prototypes and tried to improve on our final design. Thankfully, our analysis and experiments paid off as our skeletal tower was strong enough to withstand more than 100kg of weight for a reasonable period of time before collapsing.

here is the link to our analysis report:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8hgiOMglBrhazRGaWJMQVFlRDg&usp=sharing

Project 2:

Understanding Forces in Solid Structure and Surface Structure

In project 2, we were to proposed a building (solid construction or surface construction) and identify the different types of structural systems used in the construction of the building of your choice. We must ensure that the building we have selected uses at least TWO (2) different types of structural system. To further explain how the structure, materials, joints affect the function and load distribution of the structure, we were required to build a physical model of a suitable size. A booklet to further explain on the construction must also be included to complement the physical model. We have chosen surface structure to work on and after approval from the tutors we have decided on Wembley Stadium which is in the United Kingdom. Wembley Stadium is a world known arena which is famous for its arch structure. We thought it was interesting to do something different as it will help us gain extra knowledge. However, due to its complicated construction we struggled but nevertheless finished the model in time.

Below are some photos of our physical model

Here is the link to our booklet:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8hgiOMglBrhX09kam9TMWpWWHM&usp=sharing

Individually, we must also produce drawings explaining the construction methods of our choice on a piece on A4 paper. The feature that I have chosen is the famous arch that holds most of the roof on Wembley Stadium.

Building Science 1

Project 1 :

Case Study: Identifying innovative passive design strategies

The only project in our Building Science 1 module is a complicated one. This project requires us to conduct a case study on certified green buildings in Malaysia and Singapore in a group of 6 students. The green buildings chosen must feature a passive design strategy for tropical climate. Before choosing the buildings, we must first have a thorough research on the passive design strategies, the principles and details needed for these passive design strategies to perform best in tropical climate and to achieve thermal comfort in this 

building/space. We have visited the buildings several times and conducted various interviews with people in charge to have a thorough understanding on the buildings. The case study report should contain the followings:

a. Building Introduction (images, pictures, diagrams, drawings and description) 

b. Thermal Analysis; basically means using a manual calculation or computer program to 

mathematically model the interplay of thermal processes within a building 

c. Wind Analysis; Airflow and air quality is an important aspect of human comfort. Moving air 

helps people feel cooler, and natural ventilation is a key strategy for passive cooling. 

d. Sun Analysis; analyzing the impact of the sun on a site, as well as the building’s location, the 

spatial arrangement, orientation, window placement, daylight access and other design features, the 

designer can take full advantage of passive solar design features and increase the energy 

efficiency and comfort of the building. 

e. Concept and analysis of building’s passive design strategies. Highlight the 2 passive design 

features used in each building and elaborate the effect and importance of it. 

The buildings that we have chosen are Point 92 which is located in Kuala Lumpur and the National Library of Singapore. These are highly certified green buildings of at least gold certification. They have incorporated numerous passive design and green features and have put them into use. In addition, we have also done our own analytic diagrams to clearly explain how the features work.

Point 92 report:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8hgiOMglBrhbzhtbldJZ1lWZGs&usp=sharing

National Library of Singapore report:

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8hgiOMglBrhS09tNDdxMVNEUVk&usp=sharing

Design Studio 3

Project 1         

Journey for the 5 senses

Project 1 is divided into two parts, 1a and 1b. In project 1a, we were tasked to identify and analyze spatial order and spatial poetics through precedent studies. In a group of 5, we were supposed to analyse the spatial poetics & spatial typology of the selected precedents. The precedent studies should consist of two buildings of different spatial typology, namely concentric and linear. We must also explain the spatial poetic of the selected buildings. The precedent could be local, national and/or international examples. One precedent must be PRE-MODERN MOVEMENT, and one precedent must be CONTEMPORARY. 

Our precedent study should provide the following analysis:

SPATIAL TYPOLOGIES

1. State and describe the spatial typologies applied in the design
2. Explain how the spaces are organised and ordered
3. Explain how the typologies ordered the use of the design

SPATIAL POETICS

1. What is the design considerations employed to explore spatial poetry/poetics/experiences?
2. How are the spaces articulated in terms of the poetics, sensuality and tactility of architectural spaces?

·         Flow of experience (identify key circulation/journey).

·         Using at least 5 images/perspective that illustrate poetics of space, analyse how the experiential space is created: Engagement with senses; Manipulation of light and its effects on space (natural & artificial); Texture and materiality; Scale and proportion of spaces etc.  

·         Co-relate the plan to one of the most interesting section of your selected building. 

3.Study the section and analyse how it is designed. Comment on the relationship between inside/outside, volumes and scale of space, variation and hierarchy of spaces

Subsequent to our analysis of each precedent, conclude the manner in which spatial experiences and use are designed and articulated.

We should also use diagrams, photos and minimal annotations to illustrate our analysis. 

The buildings we have selected for project one are Nasrid Palace [the Alhambra]- Concentric and Thermes Vals- Linear. Nasrid Palace is one of the most visited area in the Alhambra which is located in Granada, Spain. The Nasrid Palace has a generally concentric layout, it consist of few blocks surrounding a centre court. We have chosen the Nasrid Palace not only for its concentric layout but also we felt that it has rich spatial poetic in it, most of the places in the Nasrid Palace are decorated with Islamic features. Water is also heavily featured in the palace and it is used to connect the places together.

Nasrid Palace spatial poetic board

Nasrid Palace spatial typology board

As for Therme Vals, it is a bath located in Vals, Switzerland and designed by Peter Zumthor. This bath is very unique as in has a multiple of different baths with different ambience in each and everyone of them. It also uses materials that blend in with nature and create a flow in the building. Gaps in linear form are present on the roof to allow lights to shine into the building thus acts as a path to lead users to a certain destination. Rooms of different sizes and decorations are made according to the theme of the bath.

Therme Vals spatial poetic board

Therme Vals spatial typology board

    Project 1b requires us to use the design strategies based on the Project 1a and design a walk themed ‘journey for the five senses’. We were given a poem and our task was to translate the poetry into a walk by using 2 contrasting spatial typologies. The two types of typologies have restrictions of a 50m linear form and a 10m x 10m x10m cube. We should also produce a physical model or digital model along with architectural drawings such as plans, sections and elevations. Our design process are recorded in butter papers and we have put some of the interesting features from our precedent studies into our final design. The poem that were given to us was The Wall. It is a poem that reflects the anxiety of the author in trying to break through a barrier set by himself only to realize that the barrier grew bigger as his fear crept in. Finally, we had 15 minutes to present our project to the lecturers.

Concentric plans

Concentric sections and interior

Concentric elevations and actual model

Linear plans

Linear sections and interior

Linear sections and circulation

Project 2

GENIUS LOCI: Site Analysis & Concept Development

This project is very interesting as it provides us a chance to visit a given site. The 

site that were given was the Labrador Nature Park located in Pasir Panjang, 

Singapore. In the same group as project 1, we were to produce a complete site 

analysis of our chosen micro site. The analysis should consist of all of the

following:

-Site survey: provide dimensions of its width and depth and indicate any adjacent buildings at the levels     of plans, elevations and sections to create an accurate record of what currently exists
-Orientation (sun path)
-Climate (rainfall & temperature)
-Site contours
-Adjacent street and vehicular traffic patterns
-Pedestrian circulation
-Neighbouring contexts
-Vegetation
-Views from the site
-Views to the site
-Views through the site
-Noise
-Human-Cultural

This site analysis will be presented along with our individual understanding towards the site. The 

individual part of the project requires us to produce our personal interpretation of the MACRO site in the

form of sketches. The personal interpretations of the overall character of the site will inform subsequent

design decisions. After exploring the nature park and inspired by the view from our site, I have developed 

a concept of contrast, contrast in terms of size, volume, brightness, solidity and so on.

Project 3             

GENIUS LOCI: VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTRE (VIC)

Project 3 is the final project of design studio 3. In this project, we should follow up with the concept that we have developed in project 2 and further improve our design to make a presentable VIC.

The interpretive centre will serve two purposes:

• To provide a physical point of reference with visual significance that keeps alive the culture/history/memory/essence of the site
• To provide accommodation to house and display relevant material and interpretive material for public access and information. 

In designing the VIC, we should make use of the site analysis done in the previous project to design a unique VIC that is made for the site. Continuing on my initial concept of contrast, I have decided to make this VIC a place for visitors to experience contrasting sensation in the VIC, as an introduction to the Labrador Nature Park and Singapore as a whole. During the design process, I have done a lot of changes towards the building to find a balance between the contrast in terms of materials, room volume, experience, brightness etc. I also tried to keep the context untouched and tried to utilize on the site advantages, the most vital one being the cliff as I have used it as part of my wall and for exhibition purpose. The exhibition should have the these:

Total floor area: 450sqm (including internal and external spaces), 2 storeys

Reception                                10%

Display/Exhibition                     40%

Public gathering space            30%

Book/Souvenir shop                10%

Private/Utilities spaces             10%

Office (2 pax)

Toilets (4 toilet cubicles)

Pantry

Storage

After the design process is done, we would produce 4 pieces of A1 boards to help us explain our design and also supported by a 1:50 scale sectional model. This project took a lot of time to prepare and be conducted but the result was rather satisfying. Though, with better time management and planning it could be even better.