Architectural Studio 3

Project 1 Journey for the 5 Senses

Task A
In a group of 5, we selected 2 precedents for analysis after discussed. One precedent must be pre-modern and the other must be contemporary. One must be also linear and concentric for the other. The precedent studies should include spatial typologies and spacial poetics.


The two precedents are as below:

Concentric form

Linear form

Task B
In the same group, a poetry is chosen by us and we have to interpret the poetry as well as visualise it. The poetry has to be translated into a walk using two spatial typologies which are concentric and linear form. We also have to make the models using white card and develop plans and sections.

Here is our poem:

THE BATTLE OF BLENHEIM
by: Robert Southey (1774-1843)

IT was a summer evening,

Old Kaspar's work was done,

And he before his cottage door

Was sitting in the sun,

And by him sported on the green

His little grandchild Wilhelmine.

She saw her brother Peterkin

Roll something large and round

Which he beside the rivulet

In playing there had found;

He came to ask what he had found,

That was so large, and smooth, and round.

Old Kaspar took it from the boy,

Who stood expectant by;

And then the old man shook his head,

And with a natural sigh,

"'Tis some poor fellow's skull," said he,

"Who fell in the great victory.

"I find them in the garden,

For there's many here about;

And often when I go to plough,

The ploughshare turns them out!

For many thousand men," said he,

"Were slain in that great victory."

"Now tell us what 'twas all about,"

Young Peterkin, he cries;

And little Wilhelmine looks up

With wonder-waiting eyes;

"Now tell us all about the war,

And what they fought each other for."

"It was the English," Kaspar cried,

"Who put the French to rout;

But what they fought each other for

I could not well make out;

But everybody said," quoth he,

"That 'twas a famous victory.

"My father lived at Blenheim then,

Yon little stream hard by;

They burnt his dwelling to the ground,

And he was forced to fly;

So with his wife and child he fled,

Nor had he where to rest his head.

"With fire and sword the country round

Was wasted far and wide,

And many a childing mother then,

And new-born baby died;

But things like that, you know, must be

At every famous victory.

"They said it was a shocking sight

After the field was won;

For many thousand bodies here

Lay rotting in the sun;

But things like that, you know, must be

After a famous victory.

"Great praise the Duke of Marlbro' won,

And our good Prince Eugene."

"Why, 'twas a very wicked thing!"

Said little Wilhelmine.

"Nay ... nay ... my little girl," quoth he,

"It was a famous victory."

"And everybody praised the Duke

Who this great fight did win."

"But what good came of it at last?"

Quoth little Peterkin.

"Why, that I cannot tell," said he,

"But 'twas a famous victory."

Concentric form model

The contradicting experience at the lower floor and the top floor.

Linear form

The two walks that are designed to have the experience of the two characters in the poem.

Work in progress

Presentation Day

Reflection:
Firstly, I have learned to communicate well in a group as well as learning how to use the different architectural terminology in communicating. I have also explored and understand the different spatial types in architecture and how they are related to the spatial use and experience. I have learned to focus on the spatial experience as well while designing besides concentrating on the exterior. The design of the two models was from the translation of poem into visuals with the consideration of human scale, natural light, materials and the textures.





Project 2 GENIUS LOCI: Site Analysis & Concept Development

Group Work: Site Conditions & Analysis
In the same group from Project 1, we have to collect data as a group on the following:

• Site survey: provide dimensions of its width and depth and indicate any adjacent buildings at the levels of plans, elevations and sections to create an accurate record of what currently exists
• Orientation (sun path)
• Climate (rainfall & temperature)
• Site contours
• Adjacent street and vehicular traffic patterns
• Pedestrian circulation
• Neighbouring contexts
• Vegetation
• Views from the site
• Views to the site
• Views through the site
• Noise
• Human-Cultural

The data that are collected have to be recorded and presented in a A2 sheet. The location that we choose is the Labrador Park, Singapore.







All the information is summarised in the board below:

Individual Work
I have to conduct a historical research on Labrador Park where the Japanese had defeated the British in the past. Then take photos of things that inspires me. The memory of the place, significant characteristics, sound, textures and events that make the place memorable. Translate the inspiration into a concept and the concept should be represented in the form of drawings and a model.

Reflection:
Through this assignment, I have learned about the history of the Labrador Park, Singapore and the important events that makes it memorable. After the observation on site and further research, I have collected the data that I needed and summarize the data that I have collected. During the research, we also divided the task we have to do to avoid repetition. This enhance our communication skills among ourselves. In the individual task, I learn different ways to translate my inspiration into design concepts. I can visualise the concept I have chosen which is the past and the present and translate it again into 3D and further develop it into drawings and model.




Project 3 GENIUS LOCI: Visitor Interpretive Centre (VIC)
I have done four A1 sheets containing my concept idea, design, its overall form and space. My design has to be approximately 450m² with a design scheme responding to the site. The below is included:

• A brief written explanation explaining the thinking behind the scheme
• Site Plan 1:500
• Plan(s), Section(s), Elevation(s) which includes relevant site context at a MINIMUM of 1:100 scale.  EMPHASIS should be given to an EXTENDED site section showing the building in its extended context.
• One photomontage of the architecture within the site context
• One key 3D image of the interior space of the building to illustrate the poetry of your space
• A set of set response diagrams that illustrate your design strategy informed by the context
• A set of diagrams which clearly demonstrate the spatial typology explored, the circulation, the relationship between inside/outside, views and other points which are appropriate to your design project.
• Precedent studies that informed the design project
• Integration (graphical information) with Building Science 1 illustrating your design response to the climatic aspects of the site

Reflection:
I learn how to further develop my concept without changing the original idea. More architectural elements are added and the buildability is considered to make sure the design is logical. The spaces in the design is also divided and catagorise as private and public spaces. During tutorials, I learn how to communicate well with my tutor and ask for advice. I also can now produce proper drawings with line weight as well as 3D model using the rhinoceros software. I have to present my drawings after completing the presentation board and I learn to communicate and visualise architectural design and ideas.