For this semester, we are focusing on designing buildings that relates to the "user and context". We have to study on the relationship between the user and the natural environment. So first we have to do a lot of precedent studies by making prototype models. And then we start to explore the form and space through conceptualism. Lastly, we design a small freestanding building that meets the user requirements and engages with the site context.
Project 1 - Famous Architects, Fabulous Houses
This is a group project where I collaborated with 5 other members : Natasya Jasmin, Nur Farahiyah, Iman Jezdmeen, Salehah and Alice Wansa. This project is where we are required to learn from precedents by interpreting, exploring and analyzing the shapes, forms, spaces planes and etc. Our focus is mainly on architectural elements and architectonics that generate architectural form and space, such as symmetry, approach, addition, natural sunlight and ventilation, etc. We then had to show our understanding through drawings and model making. We have to understand on how the spaces are made by making simple 2D diagrammatic diagrams. And the small models would be a 3D representation of the drawings that we did.
The house that we got is called : ANDREW ROAD HOUSE -
The house that we got is called : ANDREW ROAD HOUSE -
FINAL 3D DIAGRAMMATIC MODELS
PRESENTATION BOARD - DRAWINGS AND ANALYTICAL DIAGRAMS
REFLECTION.
This project really need a good communication between each group members and a lot of effort. Everyone need to put equal amount of effort and time so that the end result will end well. Also, communication between each other have to be very clear so that problems will not arise when someone is misunderstanding. However, this project was easy for me to work with because the people that I work with was very cooperative and understanding. We distribute the work evenly and no harm was done in the end. Other than that, I learned that I need to improve my drawing skills. I need to improve on my persepective and axono drawings especially. And I also need to work on my line weight. I always have problems with line weight and the lecturers will always be able to pick it up when they look at my drawing. I think that it is time for me to really take note on what really is the problem and ACTUALLY do something about it.
Project 2 - Tea Pavillion
For this project, we were given a proposed site to study and conduct a site analysis. The site that were given to us was: Cameron Tea Valley 2, Cameron Highland, Malaysia. This site will be our site for both Project 2 and the Final Project. So for Project 2, we had to design a Tea Pavilion. We had to understand the concept of simple space planning that is required for a pavilion , particularly tea pavilion. The maximum volume that were given to us were 30m cube. We also have to understand the users needs and what kind of activities will there be at the pavilion such as : drinking tea, resting, making tea, ect.
But before we even start designing our pavilion, we had to go to the site and conduct a site analysis, macro level of the site. And so we went to Cameron Highlands with the whole class and break up into group of 2 where we all helped each other to understand the site.
But before we even start designing our pavilion, we had to go to the site and conduct a site analysis, macro level of the site. And so we went to Cameron Highlands with the whole class and break up into group of 2 where we all helped each other to understand the site.
SITE VISIT AND PROGRESS.
SITE VISIT PHOTOS - CAMERON TEA VALLEY, CAMERON HIGHLANDS
Experience: Basically, it was such an amazing trip because I love the view, the scenery, the weather, the food and everything about the place. The second I saw the plantations, me and my friends were jumping up and down in excitement, and my heart was beating so fast. I had never seen such a big scenery in my life. I had never seen a plantation before and especially these beautiful green valleys. I was so inspired and so in awe that I wanted to cry. I really wish my family would be able to see this also. I had so much fun conducting the site analysis because I really felt like I was an architect. Although it was a bit tiring going down the hill and coming back up, it was all worth it because I got to see such an amazing view. I would definitely go again here just to experience that motivated and inspired feeling! And I will definitely incorporated this feelings into my designs, hopefully.
MOCK UP MODELS
FINAL.
FINAL MODEL OF TEA PAVILION
FINAL PRESENTATION BOARDS AND DRAWINGS
REFLECTION.
During this project, I had such a great time with my team members. I was so grateful to have them as my teammate because they really put all their effort in and time in. They had no complains and do their work wonderfully. I was lucky to have them! I think this is the first time where the final presentation board ended up really neat and beautiful. Even our lecturers commented that this is the first time where our workmanship is amazing. And so I was really proud that we got to improve our workmanship skills. Other than that, I learned that even tho our inspirations come from the tea leaves from the plantation, does not mean we LITERALLY design a leaf form. From there, I learned not to design anything TOO LITERAL. And also, I learned that site analysis and users requirement will lead to how the building will look like, rather than putting the image of the building first. It is very important to engage with the site context and the users needs. We also need to elaborate more on our concept and be more ANALYTICAL AND CRITICAL ABOUT IT. Our pavilion was not that unique because it could be place anywhere and still fit there. So we have to keep in mind for the next project that our building has to be UNIQUE. Other than that, I really need to focus on analysing the site, users, clients , spaces and etc, before doing any DESIGN.
Final Project - Weekend Lodging
This project is an individual project which requires me to further explore on the clients needs and spaces. The site we will be designing on is the same as Project 2, which is Cameron Tea Valley. We were given a requirement of 150 m2 of space where we can translate it into public and private spaces such as living rooms, dining, toilets, bedrooms, etc. This project is again about the user and the natural site. We have to focus more on what our clients needs in order to use the weekend lodging properly. Basically we have to design the function first before actually designing any form or shape. So again, there are three things that we are focusing on for this project: user, site and function of the weekend lodging.
PROGRESS.
RESEARCH, SKETCHES, DRAWINGS OF PROGRESS
MOCK UP MODELS
FINAL.
FINAL MODEL OF WEEKEND LODGING- THE CURIOSITY
PRESENTATION BOARDS AND DRAWINGS
REFLECTION.
I had a difficult time starting during this project because I did not know on what to design. And this is when I went wrong. I was way too focus on the form and shape, that I forgot to do some study on my site, user and spaces needed. I had to go back a few steps and start all over again where I research on the site and user. After I research on my site and user, I finally got to a concept that is acceptable. I realize that going to tutorials was very important to my design process because my tutor, Mr. Adib, had really helped a lot in showing me to go to the right direction. He reminded me to do precedent studies on construction and weekend lodging. He helped me organize my spaces and correct the dimensions when I am wrong. He also helped me in designing my elevation, where I had struggled a lot. He is actually my main contribution to the final result of my weekend lodging. I think without his help, I would not be able to produce what I had produce, so thank you Mr. Adib!
In the end, I learned that I have to work on my verbal presentation more. When I present to my judges, it was not smooth at all. I was instead messy and too fast. I had to bring my audiences from the entrance of my design and bring them in to the spaces on by one and talk about how the users would feel in each space. I also have to relate back to my concept.
Other than that, I was able to have a good workmanship and complete all my drawings. I was really happy in the end because I had to draw a lot of drawings for my design. Although, I wish that I could have added some color in my presentation boards but unfortunately I was running out of time and just do what I could do. Next time hopefully, I will make my presentation board much more vibrant where people from across the room will go and see it.
Also I learned that I have to incorporate an activity where the user interact with the site context and plantations. Other than that, I really had an amazing time during this project. I had fun and I am proud of my work. Although I am still weak with relating to site and users, I will work on it for the next semester.
In the end, I learned that I have to work on my verbal presentation more. When I present to my judges, it was not smooth at all. I was instead messy and too fast. I had to bring my audiences from the entrance of my design and bring them in to the spaces on by one and talk about how the users would feel in each space. I also have to relate back to my concept.
Other than that, I was able to have a good workmanship and complete all my drawings. I was really happy in the end because I had to draw a lot of drawings for my design. Although, I wish that I could have added some color in my presentation boards but unfortunately I was running out of time and just do what I could do. Next time hopefully, I will make my presentation board much more vibrant where people from across the room will go and see it.
Also I learned that I have to incorporate an activity where the user interact with the site context and plantations. Other than that, I really had an amazing time during this project. I had fun and I am proud of my work. Although I am still weak with relating to site and users, I will work on it for the next semester.