ARCHI PORTFOLIO
BSC ( HONS ) ARCHITECTURE
BY MAHI ABDUL MUHSIN, 0314421
The first Project of Design studio 2 introduced us to Elements, forms and characteristics that aid in creating unique spaces. It allowed me to understand and investigate how spaces are created from the application of architectural elements: example; architectonics.-solid, planes, lines and frames, usage of light and shadows, etc..
In groups of 5, we were asked to produce a complete set of architectural drawings ( on A3 size paper ) of a chosen project (private residence), of our liking. We were then required to investigate and formulate our findings into a set of 10 conceptual models (10x10x10cm). The models were to be precise and informative to express the analysis of the ideas hidden in the project assigned.
As our first task, we were required to come up with a short documentary on the biography, design principles and the detailed study of our chosen architect.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES :
- Achieve a thorough understanding and ability to use and apply pure, diagrammatic models to express the architectural ideas and concepts studied via the project, onto later assignments
- Ability to identify master architects and their works
- Understanding basic architectural compositions of solids, planes, lines and frames.
- Ability to ‘diagram’ and analyse architectural work of selected architect
PROJECT ONE - FAMOUS PEOPLE, FAMILIAR FACES
REFLECTION :
This project definitely provided a very interactive and creative learning process/platform within a group. It has enhanced my knowledge about grasping architectural elements and compositions used in famous buildings and applying it to create conceptual models. The model making process was a useful practice in exploring different materials and ways of achieving the desired concept/form/texture for each model as well as encouraging myself and my colleagues to work together as a group to produce a set of models that are compatible and communicate well with each other, to self-explain the elements and concepts that we were trying to showcase. The Residence that we chose Was Benesse House in Japan, build by the Famous Japanese Architect Tadao Ando. Benesse House Museum was opened in 1992 as a facility integrating a museum with a hotel, based on the concept "Coexistence of nature, art and architecture."
THE BENESSE HOUSE - " A CO -EXISTENCE OF NATURE, ART & ARCHITECTURE"
The concept models that we have produced portray certain important elements/characteristics of the Benesse House.
1 - Circulation
2 - Spatial Organization
3 - Light & Reflections of the Oval pool
4 - Contrast between man made and natural elements
5 - The placement on an elevated hill area ( topography )
6 - Dynamic views and perspectives
7 - J uxtaposition and the interesting geometry of the masses
8 - Public & Private Spaces
9 - Enclouse and Openness
PROJECT 2A - SITE ANALYSIS & THE BIRD WATCH TOWER
LEARNING OBJECTIVES :
- generate structure, form and space through architectural conceptualisation, with the emphasis on the
user requirement, ergonomics and site responding to develop an architectural proposition.
-understand the importance of using the art ( of crafting and producing ) drawings and models as a critical design tool as part of the design process.
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THE BENESSE OVAL
The Benesse facility consists of four buildings, all designed by Tadao Ando: the Benesse House Museum, Oval (opened in 1995), Park and Beach (both opened in 2006) in the island of Naoshima. With an oval plan and only one level, the building is set in the heart of a forested area that boasts a lovely variety of plant and tree life. The annex also offers vista points from which to appreciate the lush vegetation and spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. Inside the Oval, an L-shaped wall was constructed with the same type of stone used for the access to the main building. Water features were then made an integral part of the entrance design and used to link areas around the structure. At the edge of the complex, water flowed directly into the sea and the verdant hanging garden appeared to be an extension of the surrounding vegetation. Fusing with the landscape and the sea, the Oval and its wonderful garden offer a completely different nature experience.
For the Second Project under this module, we were required to conduct site analysis of the physical context, social, cultural and historical issues within a selected site at fraser's hill. The project was carried out in group's of 2. We were required to 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. Other important findings are, Orientation (sun path) and Climate (rainfall & temperature), Site topography / contours, Access and Circulation, Existing Structure and Materiality of the site surrounding, Vegetation and Hydrology, Views and Vistas and finally historical findings.
CONCEPT : TRANSFORMATIONS
For the first task of the second project, I decided to challenge myself to grasp abstracts from a theme of my liking, which was transformations i witnessed in nature, ( during the Fraser's hill site visit ). I found this theme Fascinating as it allowed me to explore different ways i can express and investigate changes in patterns, growth, motion, vision, and how even geometry changes in nature, over time.
1- The transformation of jungle trails on a journey through a jungle ( random appearances of steepness/elevations etc.. )
2- transformation of a cat fish school upon being fed ( changes to a stimulus )
3- Transformation of a fern bud spiral . ( from a small bud, to a bigger spiral and eventually into a straight plant )
4- Radial growth of roots of a tree
5- The change in clarity of vision through the mist. As the density of Mist increases, the more blur becomes the vision.
THE BIRD WATCH TOWER
In groups of two, by selecting a category of a client/character, we were required to design a Bird Watch Tower at Fraser’s Hill for the purpose of bird watching/contemplation/simply just to enjoy the view. The spaces designed were to include the activities of resting, meditation, observation, viewing etc. in which furniture and equipment must fit and be incorporated within the design. This structure was required to correspond to the site based on the site analysis produced by the Whole group of Allan's water, and the specific spot that i had chosen.Adequate access, circulation and fenestration are mandatory.
The concepts that were interpreted in the previous task was used to further elaborate and use as inspiration to create the spaces and form of the bird watch tower. Below is the Mock up model which portrays the initial idea of form of the tower and the final model. ( on the right )
FIVE A5 ABSTRACT SKETCHES/MODELS.
PERSONAL INTERPRETATION OF INSPIRATIONS FROM SITE - FRASER'S HILL.
THE ESCAPE MIST
The bird watch tower that we designed is inspired by the transparency and invisilbity caused by changes in density of mist. The form interpreted is portraying strands of 'mist' that make up structures around the tower which create an atmosphere which is seemingly public, however private at the same time. Since the Tower is designed for a political fugitive, our main focus was to create significantly distinct private and open spaces. Hence, a basement security room is placed below the main platform which is only accessed from inside the tower. The living space consists of an upper deck which allows an elevated platform to watch birds at different altitudes. There is also a Library space and a resting space incorporated in the main floor.
The Density of the strands of the transparent structures are more on one side and gradually decreases as it approaches the living space creating a gradual transformation from enclosure to freedom.
REFLECTION
This project has been a real eye opener in designing spaces in response to site analysis. I have enhanced my knowledge on generating structures, form and space through architectural conceptualisation, with the emphasis on the user requirement, ergonomics and site responses. Despite it being a challenge initially, i have learnt the importance of each little detail in site analysis and that every single data acts a critical part in designing spaces for the building. I have also gained a thorough practice on model building and also in organizing information, creating a proper layout and planning data for presentation boards. furthermore, i have also learnt to brain storm ideas, do an effective research on the given client with respect to inspirations that would allow me to create the most user- enhanced and relevant spaces for my client. Since my Bird watch tower is rather organic, it was a bit challenging to produce the orthographic drawings, however, it was a benifitial practice as well. :)
PROJECT 2B - RETREAT HOUSE
Project 2b extends the understanding of design concept and process. It introduces the notion of architectural space making through the design of a user specific architectural scheme. This project explores the relationship between architectural tectonics, function and space in architecture. A retreat denotes ‘A place affording peace, quiet, privacy and security’ ….. where its occupant/s would reside for a short period of time. This retreat is required to function as habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living, dining, showering, cooking, storage and such within the built up space of 150 square meter. The relationship between our design and the context is also important in making the retreat unique to its landscape and activity.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this project are:
• To introduce the notions of concepts, program and process in architectural design
• To introduce students’ to the understanding of user specific design requirements
• To introduce the notions of space, form and function in architectural design
• To introduce awareness of site specific design and the process of site analysis
THE MENDAX RETREAT
The Mendex Retreat is Designed as a relaxing, tranquil and private getaway for the Famous Political fugitive Julian Assange. Assange is Famous for his ability to steal secretive information and is globally known as the 'robin hood of hacking'. Assange believes that transparency of truth, justice and fairness is vital for a peaceful, crime-free world. Assange is someone who is like a shadow. Working in secrecy, revealing to the world as less about him as possible however, himself making the world as transparent as he could. However, in the process he is involuntarily becoming transparent himself ( exposed to the media ).
With the Research and information collected, i decided to apply the knowledge and inspirations from previous parts of the project and make my concept, Transformation. A transition from a private ( underground hacking room ) to a semi- public ( living/kitchen/toilet/resting ) , to a very open/exposed ( bedroom/birdwatching deck ). The idea is obtained by the progression of how fugitives adapt to new environments, to find hostility and comfort.
The materials proposed for the building are thus, curtain walling with the use of mostly glass windows/ partitions with minimum solid walls, to allow maximum entry of light and also to aid ventilation, simultaneously giving justice to the whole idea of the enclosure-to-transparency concept.
on the Left, is the full documentation and compilation of the Site analysis done by the Whole Allan's water group. My Group and I were in charge of collecting data and doing the analysis for history and culture of Fraser's hill as well as Allan's water. Below is the master plan of the Allan's water, which was used in the following projects.
SITE ANALYSIS - ALLAN'S WATER
PROCESS / MOCK-UP MODELS
REFLECTION
Through this final project, I have gained a thorough, better understanding on the relationship between the user and spaces, and the process in designing based on the user's requirement, the purpose and function in the building design with relationship to the site analysis. The experience i find most rewarding from the project is the whole process of how the very first sketch that is made, is ( at the end of 5 weeks ) transformed into something beautiful and practical. I have gone through slight changes in proposed ideas and changes in forms with the advice received by my respective tutors. To be able to understand a character's routine to create a building space is something new to adapt to in this module, and it was something i Cherish as well. Despite the challenges faced, i believe this project has really opened my eyes to build more practical and functionable spaces as compared to what i used to design in semester one, and it is definitely rewarding to see the progression of improvement in applying knowledge as the projects go by. Rewarding, to say the least.
