ARCHI PORTFOLIO
BSC ( HONS ) ARCHITECTURE
BY MAHI ABDUL MUHSIN, 0314421
The first project under this module required us to select an ongoing construction site which visibly covers most of subject topics covered in the syllabus. Our selected sites were to be medium rise or low rise buildings eg. bungalow, terrace houses or maximum 4-storey building. The task was to identify different types of building elements and its construction process, details and materials. we were required to study and record construction of different building elements, which we have learnt in this module. In specific, we were to be able to show and apply our knowledge in the details of the building construction drawings that show a reflection of our understanding of the construction itself.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• To introduce basic principles and procedures of construction process through real life project
(experiential learning)
• To understand the sequence and coordination of construction at site
• To expose students to construction technology/methods responding to site context
• To allow student to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of construction, material and
technology
• To train students to produce manual sketches, drawings and detailing relating to EXISTING
construction
PROJECT ONE - EXPERIENCING CONSTRUCTION : EXPERIENCING, DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSING THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
40 % of final marks (30% teamwork and 10% individual)
PROJECT TWO - INTERGRATED CONSTRUCTION DETAILING/DRAWINGS
For the second building construction project, it is an integrated project along with our core subject of Design Studio 2. It involves construction detailing solution for final project in design studio. This project is designed to allow the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of construction and application from the prior project. For this project, we were required to produce and document 3 architectural elements (Roofing, Superstructure and Foundation) according to our retreat house design in the final project of studio 2. We have to provide specific dimensions, specifications and basic diagrams of our details apart from providing the necessary plans, sections and elevations.
INDIVIDUAL TASK - CONSTRUCTION OF ROOF SYSTEM
Since there was quite a handful of information and research to be covered, the individual section of the work was done in pairs in order to facilitate better and more accurate findings and eventually compiling the collected data to create a compatible set of information through annotated sketches/pictures from site, and diagrams showing construction processes. Myself and Teli Theng did the construction of the roof system that was used in the two sites that we have visited.
Roofs are just as important as the foundation of a building. It is built at the highest part of a building that spans its surrounding external walls. The roofing choices that we enjoy nowadays are product of many years of experimentation and invention. Modern people learned to adapt their house with the kind of climate or weather of their place, but often, the roofs used in urban areas have been transformed into an ornamental art work which isnindeed appealing into the eyes of the people who will see them. Nowadays, it is customary to see laminated glass, aluminum sheeting, precast concrete and ceramic tiles as forms of roofing. The roofs people used nowadays, doesn’t only effectively shield dwellers from various elements it also turned
into a form of status symbol. Regardless, when you are trying to build a home for you and/or your family it is just as important to think about its function as a form of protection as much as its aesthetic values.
REFLECTION
This project has enhanged my knowledge about the construction process significantly. It has given me a thorough introduction to basic principles and procedures of construction process through a first hand experience. I have also understood the sequences and coordination procedures carried out at construction sites and it has exposed me to different technology and methods used in construction today, to respond to site context. The compilation of the report has been very benifitial as it allowed my Group and I to explore different layouts and ways of presenting information effectively and i have learnt to demonstrate my knowledge of my selected topic carefully. Despite the challenge, it has also improved my skills in manual sketching and diagramming, with annotations and proper detailing.
REFLECTION
Throughout this project, I had been introduced to basic principles and procedures of construction process through an integrated learning. It was really fascinating how i was given the opportunity to explore and research on materials and construction systems that i was applying in my studio project, and it allowed me to understand my design better and more thoroughly. I have also understood the sequence and coordination of construction systems as well as the technology/methods responding to site context.This project has also enhanced my skills in producing manual sketches, drawings and detailing relating to the building that i have designed.
The Construction details board was created manually using hand sketches and hand written annotations. It has developed my skills in rendering, as well as to give proper attention to detailing of construciton methods and systems. This project has definitely been a rewarding and fullfilling experience.