Design Studio 3
Project 1 Memorial themed ‘Journey of the 5 senses’
Spatial organisation is a key consideration for architects in architectural design. The study and exploration of different spatial organization methods is important in design because it informs human occupation, behavior, and experience within architectural spaces. Writers such as Francis D.K. Ching labeled this as architectural ‘order’ whilst Alexander Purves called this ‘the formal patterns’. Project 1 is an introductory project by which we are required to explore issues of spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. Working in groups of 4- 5 students, we are to propose 2 schemes for a Memorial themed ‘journey for the 5 senses’. We are required to design the Memorials in the form of semi-open architecture by using two contrasting spatial types of our choice. There is no specific site for this design work. The story of our Memorial should translate the narrative of events given by our tutor, and it should be informed by precedents studies.
Learning outcome:
Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience
Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space
Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural
light, materiality and textures
Final Outcome
Case Study
Memorial 1 : ThaiKing
Memorial 2: 50th merdeka
Project 2 GENIUS LOCI: Site Analysis & Concept Development
Society, culture, history, memory and the landscape of a particular place echoes the meaning of that ‘place’, or its ‘genius loci’. These qualities will inform the architectural concept and generators for Project 2. In Project 2, the design brief calls for an architectural response toward the sense of place with a strong engagement and relationship to the site and programmatic requirements. The first assignment for Project 2 requires an analysis of the site context as a starting point. It is a fundamental need for any design project as it will suggest a series of parameters to suggest architectural solution, one that will be appropriate to the place and its meaning, and contributes to its context. The site needs to be understood, in both intuitive and personal ways, as well as quantitative and measured means. Techniques to record and understand the site are varied, from physical surveys to qualitative aspects of experience and personal interpretation of the place.
Learning outcomes:
Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with consideration of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures Produce site analysis which document, interpret and analyse the physical conditions of the site and ‘genius loci’ of place and generate design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context.
Project 3 GENIUS LOCI: VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTRE (VIC)
Project 1 introduced and explored the formal and poetic articulation of architecture in a site-less condition. Project 2 established a Design Concept as a driver for architectural development. In Project 3, the design brief calls for an architectural response to design AN INTERPRETIVE CENTRE emphasising a strong engagement and relationship to the site, spatial experiences and programmatic requirements.
Learning outcomes:
Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experimental conditions of space Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures
Design and present a small scale community building which responds to the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), a functional programme and users’ experiences
