Synopsis: Architecture Design Studio 3

This studio emphasizes on the poetics of place and the experiential qualities of space in architecture. In the subject, students are introduced to, firstly, an exploration of spatial typologies and poetics in architecture; and secondly, the concept of neighborhood and community. In their preliminary design work, students engage with literature studies and interpretation as well as translating into design of different spatial typologies (i.e. linear, spiral, spine, centric, etc) which explore the idea of architectural tectonics and experiences. Subsequently, the major project involves the design of a small scale community building (typically a Visitor Interpretive Centre) in the open landscape/suburban condition which engages with the spirit of place inherent within the site, the site topography, history and socio-cultural events. The design work explores the plan-section integration to achieve architectural form that is tectonically expressive, functional and responsive to its site.

Teaching Objectives

1. ​To develop awareness of a wider place, a genius loci (town, countryside, coast), and the design response towards the place.

2. To emphasize the importance of site and program in architectural design.

3. To introduce different spatial typologies in architectural design (spatial organization and relationships).

4. To emphasize the importance of section in the design of architectural space.

Learning Outcomes

1. ​Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience

2. Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space

3. Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures

4. Produce site analysis which document, interpret and analyze 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

5. 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

Project 1: 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 you are required to explore issues of spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. Working in groups of 4-5 students, you are to propose 2 schemes for a Walkway Space themed ‘journey for the 5 senses’. You are required to design the space in the form of semi-open architecture by using two contrasting spatial types of your choice. There is no specific site for this design work. The story of your design should translate the literatures given by your tutor, and it should be informed by precedents studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. ​Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience

2. Identify and analyze case studies to inform the design project

3. Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space

4. Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures

5. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas.

1A: Analysing spatial poetics & spatial typologies in architecture

As part of this, the objective of Project 1a is to identify and analyze spatial order and spatial poetics through precedent studies. The main aim is to analyse 2 selected architectural precedents. Each group of students is to analyse the spatial poetics & spatial typology of the selected precedents. The analysis of the design approaches will inform the preceding design projects for the remaining semester. Thus, the selection of precedents should be critical and inspirational. So we as a group, picked one existing building in linear form and one in concentric form to look into and understand the details.