Project 2 : Designing with Architectural Principles and Materiality
For our second assignment, which was also a group project, but with our original team divided into two smaller groups consists of 3 in each group, we were given a site within the Botanic Garden in Shah Alam, specifically in the Camar Rimba area. Our task was to design an observatory post in this chosen location. This project, spanning Weeks 3-6 and contributing 30% to our final grade, required us to explore conceptual and operational methods for creating impactful architectural spaces. Based on our first assignment, we were asked to select and define an architectural principle we had studied and then explore its potential meanings and implications. This principle guided us in generating forms and crafting spaces, challenging us to translate our conceptual understanding into a tangible design that would integrate harmoniously with the natural environment. The assignment encouraged us to think critically about how architectural ideas can shape real-world spaces, pushing the boundaries of our creativity and technical skills.
GALLERY
MOCK-UPS
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Reflecting on our second assignment, I found it to be an exciting and challenging opportunity to apply our conceptual and operational skills in a real-world context. Dividing our original team into two smaller groups, each with three members, allowed us to focus more closely on our individual contributions while still collaborating effectively. Designing an observatory post within the Botanic Garden in Shah Alam, specifically in the Camar Rimba area, was a unique challenge that required us to integrate our design with the natural landscape.
The project, which spanned Weeks 3-6 and accounted for 30% of our final grade, pushed us to select and define an architectural principle from our first assignment and explore its potential meanings and implications. This principle became the foundation for generating forms and crafting spaces, guiding us in creating a design that harmonized with the natural environment. I appreciated the opportunity to translate our theoretical knowledge into a practical design, which not only tested our creativity but also refined our technical skills.
Working with my group was a positive experience; the smaller team size fostered a collaborative and supportive environment. I am grateful for my teammates' dedication and the seamless teamwork we achieved. I also value the insightful feedback from our tutors, which was instrumental in guiding our design process and helping us improve. This assignment reinforced the importance of critical thinking in architecture and demonstrated how conceptual ideas can be realized in practical, impactful ways.
TGC 5.0 Problem Solving, Critical & Creative Thinking Skills
TGC 3.0 Communication Skills
Project 3 : Designing with Architectural Principles, Materiality, Context and User
For our final project, an individual assignment integrated with the Building Construction & Material (BCM) Module, we were required to extend the boundary of our chosen site for the observatory post from Project 2 to an area of 300-400m², selecting a 150m² plot within this expanded boundary. This project, which contributed 60% to our final grade and spanned from Week 7 to Week 14, built upon the design ideas and construction methods from the previous assignment, challenging us to create a more complex program.
We were tasked with designing a small freestanding structure in harmony with the natural landscape, ensuring that the observatory post from Project 2 remained in sight and was integrated into the new design. The focus was on interpreting and synthesizing the user experience, site context, and functional requirements in architectural design. Our goal was to create a Hideout Retreat for four individuals with shared interests, including myself, for 4 days. This structure needed to demonstrate a thoughtful application of architectural principles, materiality, constructability, and context, ultimately providing a memorable spatial experience for the user. Additionally, a separate board was allocated for the BCM Module, where we detailed the construction and material aspects of the project.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
TGC 4.0 Lifelong Learning
Reflecting on my final project, I found it to be a profound and rewarding culmination of my architectural studies. This individual assignment, integrated with the Building Construction & Material (BCM) Module, required me to extend the boundary of the site from the observatory post project to a 300-400m² area and select a 150m² plot within this space. Spanning Weeks 7-14 and contributing 60% to my final grade, this project built on the design concepts and construction methods from previous assignments, presenting a significant challenge.
Designing a small freestanding structure in harmony with the natural landscape was both stimulating and demanding. I needed to ensure that the observatory post from Project 2 remained visible and was seamlessly integrated into the new design. The task of creating a Hideout Retreat for four individuals, including myself, for a 4-day getaway, required a careful balance of user experience, site context, and functional requirements.
This project emphasized the application of architectural principles, materiality, and constructability, pushing me to think critically about how these elements contribute to creating a memorable spatial experience. The separate board for the BCM Module allowed me to detail the construction and material aspects of the project, further deepening my understanding of practical architectural considerations.
I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a comprehensive and integrative way, and for the insights gained through this process. The final project not only challenged my creativity and technical skills but also reinforced the importance of thoughtful design and materiality in architecture. I’m also grateful to my tutor for their insightful feedback, which greatly enhanced my design and skills throughout the project.
TGC 1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge