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Synopsis: Architecture Design Studio 1
 
Architectural Design Studio 1 is structured as an introduction to architectural design. Themed “Body and Space”, this studio aims and emphasizes to present and explore design through the expression of the ‘self’ and the body through the spaces created through design. This studio will teach student’s basics of architectural design by emphasizing key points: understanding the design processes (from initial conceptualization, generating and abstracting ideas to storytelling in learning how to write a design narratives and eventually experiencing spaces and bringing it to life through visualization and Imagineering). In conjunction, understanding and application of the basic elements and principles of design will aid student in the further development of design both of spatial qualities and form articulation. 
 
 
Project 1: Representing Me
 
Introduction
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.
 
Objectives
  1. To explore different possibilities of generating ideas thorough rigorous design processes.
  2. To explore various approaches in translating ideas and abstracting translation and interpretation.
  3. To explore varied forms of artwork in communication and expression of self and its sense.
  4. To enhance ability not only in sketching but in crafting three dimensional design or art form. 
 
Learning Outcome
  1. Generate design concept/idea and translate into simple (architectural or creative) design,
  2. Generate design through the process of sketching and model- making.
  3. Prepare and enhance student’s verbal communication and presentation skills. Project 1 is to be presented to tutor and assigned lecturers. 
 
"Bass"ic Rhythm
I am a big fan of music, enthusiastic to music all the time. In order to represent myself, I designed something musical and rhythmic. I called it "Bass"ic Rhythm.
Project 2: Life Capsule
 
Introduction
Project 2 enhances students analytical and creative skills through designing a limited space and create the most functional and interesting ‘Life Capsule’. The project will likewise enhance their design exploration skills through scaled/study models and then is blown up to a full scaled installation.
 
Objectives
  1. To further the student’s concern about elementary user needs 
  2. To introduce and create an awareness of the scale and proportion of the human body.
  3. To create how human anthropometry and ergonomics relate shape the space.
  4. To introduce the role of human behavior in shaping the space and dictating activities.
  5. To introduce basic design principles and terminologies on deciding spatial and form configuration.
  6. To create and work on full scale installation in order to further visualize efficiency, functionality, quality of space and articulation form. 
 
Learning Outcome
  1. Document, sketch and explain from personal experiences of the built and natural environment 
  2. Apply the understanding of basic architectural design principles, and the notion of body and space interactions.
  3. Maximize utilization of sketching, study modelling and other preliminary design tools going through the process-oriented approach in developing designs.
  4. Prepare and enhance student’s verbal communication and presentation skills.
 
#Turtle
In this project, we design a capsule based on the requirements of our client. Our client is Janice, a secret agent from FBI. Infiltrating as a medic personnel in a war against a terrorist group, she will need to escape secretly and spend the next 24 hours inside the life capsule to obtain all datas about the war before being rescued by helicopter it is located on a higher ground nearby the terrorist base in a wild forest. The capsule is camouflaged as a big rock covered in plants and is concepted from turtle shell.
 
Project 3a: MY Building, MY Architecture
 
Introduction
Groups in the most creative and educational manner, will come up with a video that includes the following components: a brief background about the building, concepts, approaches and ideas behind the design and a tour of the space through pictures and personal experiences (describing and understanding spaces and building form through elements and principles of design). Group may also use analytical sketches, a skit or role playing and other forms of narrating and storytelling techniques as long as the video will be as informative as possible. 
 
Task
  • Form a group of 5-8 members each.
  • The group is tasked to pick their building (only one) from the suggested list of modern, historical and popular architecture in Kuala Lumpur or any nearby cities.
  • Commercial and public buildings (notable and open to public viewing).
  • Study of the building background and brief history. (Architect, design concept and others)
  • Walk thru from site, form design and walk through of the spaces (through video & pictures). Additional photos from website and internet may be included.
  • Texts, sketches and other props can be added to help present architecture of the building clearly.
  • Personal perception and experiences. Describe and understanding building and spaces through elements and principles of design. Elements: (colour, line, texture and others), Principles (scale, proportion, rhythm, harmony, balance, character and others, Materials (effect), spatial arrangements, form articulation and others.
  • It can be in any format of video. Length: 5-10 minutes ONLY (do not exceed)
  •  
Emphasis
  • Use of key architectural terminologies and language.
  • Show understanding and valid reasoning (rationalizing) on how and why the spaces and building was design.
  • Use of elements and principle of design to understand form design and spatial formation concept & approach.
  • Creative storytelling. Enhancement of presentation skills.
  • Enjoyment and having FUN!
 
 
Project 3: A Hide Out
 
Introduction
Students are required to design a space for you by attaching it to the walls/surfaces of an imagined ‘city’ on an empty abandoned lot in between two buildings. The space is to fit the specific needs of the user (as a hideout space for viewing, transitional space, space for dreaming, space showcasing hobbies or collections and so to speak a getaway space for the user who wants to be alone), space that best fits the personality, occupation and character of the person that the user you are designing for. 
 
Objectives
  1. To further the students ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative.
  2. To introduce and create awareness in understanding the dimensional requirements of the human body (anthropometrics and ergonomics).
  3. To explore and apply basic design principles and terminologies.
  4. To further the student’s ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative
  5. To be able to consider objective and subjective parameters in the design process to create a space this is practical yet poetic.
  6. To explore how the selection and application of materials in relation to the sensory experience of space.
  7. To be able to select and make different study models (sketch, concept, diagram, section and development models)
 
Learning Outcome
  1. Generate design concept/idea and translate into simple (architectural) design.
  2. Generate design through the process of sketching and model-making.
  3. Document, sketch and explain from personal experiences of the built and natural environment
  4. Apply the understanding of basic architectural design principles, and the notion of body and space interactions.
  5. Maximize utilization of sketching, study modelling and other preliminary design tools going through the process-oriented approach in developing designs.
  6. Produce a well-organized, systematic and creative graphical presentation through a welldrawn and executed two-dimensional form (plans, elevations and sections), threedimensional form (sectional perspective, axonometric and perspective) and scale modelling.
  7. Prepare and enhance student’s verbal communication and presentation skills. All three projects are to be external assessors. 
 
Michael Jackson
 
In this project, we need to design a hideout for the client we picked from a list. My client is Michael Jackson. Dubbed the 'King Of Pop', singer-songwriter Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958. As a child, he performed as the lead singer of the Jackson family's popular motown group, Jackson 5. Jackson went on to become one of the mmost internationally famous award-winning solo pop sensation to date.
 
Reflection
My reflection toward these projects is I get the chance to learn a lot of design techniques which are very practical. In the model-making process, I also learnt how to cooperate with my group members. We understand that we can solve any problem or obstacle with teamwork. It's fun designing and making models while learning new skills.
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