Architectural Design Project
This studio forms the culmination of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture programme. This capstone project is based on the theme ‘architecture with an impact’ and the formulation of an architectural intervention that embodies sensitivity in the meditation between architecture and socio-cultural needs, the designs of internal spaces, and the demands of the external constraints. Progressing from the previous studio where it focused on urban streets, this semester, aims to empower the urban fabric by focusing on the needs and aspirations of the place and its people in relation to the current times. The project focuses on real-life and relevant issues which allow students not to only understand but immerse themselves in the significance of their design approaches. Hence, learn the impact of their work, on social, cultural, and environmental aspects.
Overall, the students will work on one project which consists of (3) main phases. The three phases are Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis, 1b: Design Strategies and Exploration, and 1c: Final Design Presentation and Report.
Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis
In this phase, students in groups are to investigate, study and analyze the site to understand valuable components before designing. The study will enable students to gain familiarity with the site. To be immersed by 'sensing the place' allowing each to look into the current conditions of the site and relate it to the target user and objectives of the project. Hence, developing the most appropriate strategy and programme for it.
In this phase, students in a group are expected to:
• To conduct a comprehensive investigation and study of the site using and townscape appraisal checklist for site investigation thru observation, research, surveys, and interviews.
• To use references to understand and analyze the site and context in a more in-depth manner. Apply learnings from relevant readers, such as ‘Life between buildings using public space, legibility analysis extracted from Responsive Environments, Cities for People, How to Study Public Life, New City Spaces, Soft City,
• To look into precedents: relevant projects and buildings that provide a better understanding of the project and program-relevant ideas.
• To define the programme(s) suitable for the project and analyze the impact of it.
Project 1b
In this stage and upon clearly understanding the 3P: people, place and project, students will take the project to the next level. Under the tutor’s guidance and studio direction, students are to progress by exploring the project proposal presented by the group in Project 1a, individually. Each student explores design ideas within the proposal into multiple angles and possibilities, looking carefully into the functionality, effectiveness, spatial quality, and form composition. The design exploration is to represent the designer’s inquisitive nature and attitude through a series of schemes to analyze, test and challenge the ideas. A full exploration of the design is to be presented and represented in a series of sketches, study models, diagrams, conceptual/schematic 2D Drawings (floor plans, sections, and elevations) and conceptual 3D drawings (axonometric, perspective, and modelling).
At the end of this stage, students are to present both the full exploration and final scheme in a pin-up presentation with evidence of design explorations. During exploration, students are advised to look into the suggested readers and relevant buildings to gain a better grasp and understanding of the project on a programmatic and design level. Likewise, on structural concepts, and materiality.
Project 1c
Subsequent to Project 1b Schematic Design phase, students are required to further develop and finalize the scheme for the Urban Room project. A fully resolved and developed design scheme with the incorporation of environmental strategies and technological strategies and technical resolution. In this phase, students will be aided with additional input from a series of lectures focusing on poetics, tectonics, sustainability, building safety compliance, façade, and aesthetic and presentation techniques. Furthermore, aide on Environmental & Technology (E&T) and Structural Concepts (SC) are included to further enhance the passive cooling strategies and the effect of structure and materiality enhance the user experiential qualities of a building besides its aesthetic and structural purposes. As a final year student, the level of work expected should demonstrate critical thinking skills, structural sense, sensitivity to key issues of the environment, compliance with law & regulations, highly explorative and impactful. The students are expected to come up with a comprehensive and clear final design presentation and report aligning with the objectives and requirements of the project.
Reflection
As I am about to move forward to a new chapter of my life, looking back I have gone through many tough experiences yet all those experiences remains a precious memory of my time as an architecture student. At the beginning of my time in the architecture program, I thought architecture was all about making things look good and experimenting with bold, avant-garde designs. But as I went further into the program, I learned that it's not just about making things look cool; it's about making them work well too. The classes, design studio sessions, and feedback from my lecturers encouraged me to go beyond just making things look nice. They taught me the importance of creating designs that not only look good but also make sense for the people using them and fit in with the environment around them.
Architecture, as I have come to understand, is not just about drafting plans and creating models. It's a discipline that demands resilience in the face of challenges. Whether it's the pressure of tight deadlines for project submissions or unexpected problems during project work, each hurdle has been a chance for me to get better at solving problems and adapting to new situations. When I had to deal with tight deadlines in design competitions, it wasn't just about finishing the project quickly; it taught me how to be more efficient in my work. I had to figure out how to prioritize the most important parts of my design, making quick decisions without sacrificing quality. School projects may not always go as planned, but these setbacks taught me how to change my approach, find different solutions, and handle unexpected challenges.
Throughout this final project, it was a pleasant experience of discussion and consultation with my tutor Ar. Edward. He is very generous in sharing his life experiences as an architect and generously provides information and guides on how to get design inspirations and how a case study should be conducted. He readily shares books which can help increase my knowledge on a particular topic in architecture design and I appreciate his method of guiding his students. Although I wasn’t meeting his expectations when it came to weekly progress on my project, he was patient and still encouraged me to not give up and continue working on my progress. He also helped me greatly when I was mind-blocked on certain parts of my design, when I lacked inspiration, or when I wasn’t sure about the logic behind my design, he helped me overcome all those problems therefore I am grateful to him for guiding me throughout the semester.
As I get ready to enter the professional world, I'm not just carrying a diploma; I've got a bag full of experiences that have shaped me into a graduating architecture student. This journey has been full of ups and downs, but it's given me a well-rounded understanding of architecture that goes beyond just drawings and designs. Leaving university isn't just about being a graduate; it’s about moving on to a new chapter of life. My knowledge and skills still have room for improvement and may be lacking in the professional world, but I believe my passion for making a meaningful contribution to the field of architecture will help me overcome the obstacles that may appear in the futre. The path ahead might not be well-defined, but with a solid academic foundation and a passion-driven spirit, I'm all set to shape my future in the ever-evolving world of architecture.