ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V (ARC60306/ARC60608)
TUTOR: Ar Indrani Vanniasingham
Semester 5 is a design studio that emphasizes the idea of ‘place-making for urban communities. As students, we will have to undertake a studio-based exercise that deals with urban blocks within a dense urban environment. The emphasis of this module will be on exploring the notion of ‘place-making’ and architecture that respond to this notion—developing our design thinking as an architectural narrative and forming proposals that are poetic expressions of ideas. Projects will not promote complex programmatic and organizational problems but will rather allow in-depth exploration and interpretations. The two major parts of the studio are a) urban contextual study and b) architectural design development. The outcome is an architectural design that is responsive to its urban character. In our preliminary design work, we engage with urban studies and strategy/concept development to develop an appropriate program and massing studies responding to urban conditions. Subsequently, the major project involves the development of a design scheme that engages with the spirit of urban places and the everyday life of the urban community. The design work explores the plan-section-elevation relationship to achieve an architecture that acts as a vibrant block exploring the maximum potential of the urban space.
Project 01: Preliminary Studies
For Project 1A, we had to individually conduct an urban study at our site, Medan Pasar. The study has to be done in two levels of complexity, namely, the macro and micro contexts, with more focus on the latter. Concurrently, the macro research revolves around the role and how the location fits into the city. In the micro-study however, the students are to comprehensively study the urban form, activity, and movement patterns. ‘Legibility Analysis’ (Bentley et al. 2013), a method to explore Kevin Lynch’s Elements of legibility (Lynch, 1979), is employed here as a study method. We are then to establish possible opportunities (such as routes and attractions) to sustain and offer legibility by the proposed Community Centre for the Creative City. We are expected to also begin to demonstrate an understanding of the urban issue given in the scenario above. The course work will integrate into Theories of Urbanism in which the site (the street) will be studied for the spaces between the buildings, focusing on the public realm and furthering the case studies from the West. Such an understanding should be reflected here in Project 1a.
PROJECT OUTCOME
REFLECTION
In this project, I was exposed to the different urban theories and dimensions as a tool to conduct an urban study on our site, Medan Pasar. Through the various workshops and insightful lectures, I was equipped with the basic understanding of urban design in relation to architecture and was able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the selected site which allowed me to progress forward in the succeeding projects. Besides this, it also allows me to explore the various examples and architectural responses for my urban block with the additional help of precedent studies as well.
Project 1B : Architectural Design Strategy
With the aim to deduct a position for finding architecture and producing architectural design strategy, we are expected to find their positions to develop the Community Centre for the Creative City. After individually interpreting the idea of ‘Community Centre for the Creative City’, we were to come up with an architectural design strategy for the same. This will acts as an in-reflection to the issues and inspirations we've found in Project 1A in order to offer to character, continuity and enclose, quality of public realm, ease of movement, legibility, adaptability, and diversity in the city. Architecture is about geometry. Exploration with 1:200 models on form-typologies such as linear, perimeter and diffused in terms of layering, subtraction, overlapping etc is compulsory at this stage.
PROJECT OUTCOME
REFLECTION
This project allows me to further develop my concept and design strategies as we approach building a creative centre in the city. In this process, I had to conclude the findings and investigations I obtained from the first project in order to generate an urban block that connects well with the site.
We were encouraged to explore through massing models which I find really helpful in sparking new ideas and drawing new connections. Though there are various considerations that we had to look into, I really appreciate the thought process, the careful observations and the thoughtful concept and design synthesis process which allows me to be more aware and sensitive about urban design in relation to the site to ensure a building which speaks of the sense of place of our given city while reinvigorating and enlivening the deaden city.
Project 1C: Architecture for Place-making
This project aims for students to develop an architectural narration for place-making in the city and to perform an integrated design. We are to resolve architectural strategy for form, activity and circulation, through technical integration. Subsequently, we will have to develop architecture form, space and facades for positive outdoor space (Site Layout), animating the edge (Façade Design), building size and scale (Sections), building for change (space planning/function) and a thriving public realm (connection to the street). Architectural design strategy should be further resolved a) by design through form, activity and circulation and b) for technical and services integration through concepts and components.
The proposed building should be of an area of minimum 1200 m2 and a maximum of 1300 m2 and 3-5 storeys high in the given block boundaries. Apart from developing a narrative on architectural strategy in response to the relevant questions pertaining to community and its context, the design should take into consideration a holistic application of structural, spatial, technical, environmental, services, and legislative requirements to address the user needs for an urban Community Centre. This will include a focus on tropical design, lighting as well as the design of the façade and building envelope that is of a coherent language to the overall design scheme. The design outcome is expected to exhibit strong integration in construction and theory, within the Studio, whilst concurrently integrating with the module on Building Services through concepts and components.
Project Outcome
Interim Presentation
Project Report
REFLECTION
Approaching the end of the semester, this project allows me to further strengthen and integrate my inspiration from site into the concept and architectural design without forsaking the site context. I find that the lectures by the various tutors in regards to facade, structure and membrane to be really enlightening and useful in applying into our individual projects. As we delve deeper into the details of the project, I had to look into the needs of the different users and to design their corresponding spaces. Moreover, I was reminded to take careful design considerations in compliance with our local by-laws and regulations as well as incorporating advancements in the technological aspects. Inthe process, I've also learnt to not neglect the deliberations regarding the security and structure of my community centre with the advice of my tutor.
Overall, I'm really grateful for the fruitful semester where I get to learn more in-depth about urban design and the opportunity to design hands-on myself. I'm also really thankful and appreciative of my tutor, Ms. Indrani who tried her best to assist and guide my throughout the semester and never failing to provide me the help I need when I need it.