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.