Architecture Design Studio 1

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO I

Project 1 | self-expression through object ‘representing me’

The Ice breaking design project introduces basic understanding of the design processes and approaches in generating ideas, formulating conceptual narratives, developing design and translating it into form design.

The final outcome of the project is open to any possibilities, meaning you are free to explore form, materials (prescribed) and techniques as long as it shows the creative and personal identity and is well explained in the design narrative. Emphasis is to bring out the creativity and initial character or personality as a new designer.

Guidelines:

Translation must be in abstract form.
Size of Artwork shall not exceed prescribe dimension of (400mm x 400mm x400mm); no side of the objects dimension shall exceed the abovementioned.  Materials shall be cardboard, acrylic thin sheets, acetate or transparencies, tracing paper, plastic, aluminium sheet or foil, cloth (new or recycled), stick (satay,barbecue or popcycle), thread and all types of paper.
Note: Do not use real wood, metal, glass, stone, clay, wire and other heavy materials that require special cutting tool and adhesives. 
Use actual colour of material used.(Avoid colouring & spraying paint on the material) 
Creativity comes to how you create a beautiful design or art form with limitation on specific materials to be used.

project 2 | : self-expression through architectural space’ pavilion’

The main aim of Project 2 is to expand the interpretation of the self (or multiple self) by exploring the relationships between human body and designed form. The student or students as the user or users will define the intention of the space and its form based on their personality, and human body.

In this project students will also be introduced to basic design principles such as rudimentary ways in which to order and organize spaces and forms. Furthermore develop an understanding of scale and proportion with relation to the human body.

Project 2 will be divided in 2 stages; first we shall explore the notions of scale and proportion. This is done through a series of exploratory in-class exercises where we explore human form (anthropometry). We will then progress on to understanding how the human body relates to space, and further developing an understanding of scale and proportion in relationship with body and space. The 2 stages mentioned will be presented by groups in the intention to enhance the ability to articulate space and form from interpretations of the self. This development will be through a series tests and investigations involving scaled models ‘study models’. The Final Design will then be produced as a full 1:1 scaled cardboard assembly and installation.

Student will specifically translate their personality and design intentions thru designing ‘Pavilion’, a temporary structure using cardboard and cardboard fittings and assemblies.

Guidelines | Installation:

Group with 6-8 members each. Maximum of 2 groups only per each tutorial group. 
The Pavilion should not exceed 8.0 cubic meters. 
Group is required to produce 1:1 scale model installation that encompasses spatial and form quality. 
Model is to be made in cardboard material. Team is encouraged to use cardboard fittings and assemblies. (Groups may use plastic strap or other material to act as stiffener for support but it MUST be kept hidden or not visible).

project 3 | dreamspace for the user ‘a hide out’

For the final project, students are required to design a space for the self by attaching it to the walls/surfaces of an imagined ‘city’ in an empty abandoned lot in between two buildings. The space is to fit a specific use (as a hideout: for viewing, space for contemplating, space for self-exploration, space for exercising, space for dreaming, space showcasing and so to speak a dream space for the user). As the user of the space you can make your personality more interesting, an effective well thought of theme and written narrative is essential.

This understanding is to be architecturally translated into a series of connected spaces (2-3 spaces) that successfully establishes the quality and articulation of the interior and of exterior design. Concept shall evidently show the experiential and spatial quality. Students are also to consider how well design conforms to both the physical and non-physical requirements of the user.

Final project will be in 3 stages, Task 1- is narrative writing wherein it can be based in the persona, life scenario, story and journey of the user from where or which the theme of the hideout will be extracted. Task 2- is about exploring how to organize the 2-3 spaces which encompasses design principles in spatial relationships and organization. In this task students will explore ways on how to explore space through hierarchal arranging it by its meaning, significance and importance, capturing mere essence of the narrative. Task 3-In addition to generating and exploring ideas and concept from the narrative and spatial exploration, we will also explore the notions and experiential effects of materials and the senses in the final design.

Guidelines:

Application and exploration of basic design principles and materials in creating spatial qualities to capture narrative and storyline.
Several questions shall be looked into in the development of the ‘Dream space for the User’, here are some guiding questions:

How does the body shape the space? How does the space influence the mood and its activities, how does material engage the senses? And how do the senses determine the choice of materials?

Student will be required to design 2-3 spaces with a gross floor area of 50-80 sq.mts.
Hideout should not occupy more than 70% of the site.
Should incorporate design elements and principles of design; emphasis on scale, hierarchy, proportion, harmony and character.
The design should either attached with at least one of the two existing buildings, or possibly both walls of the two buildings.
Underground structure maybe allowed but provided it will not be more than 50% of the floor area requirement. Narrative should adequately back up the need to do so.
Use of the other existing to buildings as an entry is/are not allowed.