ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO 1
PROJECT I: Self-Expression through Object ‘REPRESENTING ME'
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. The purpose of the project is for students to unravel their creative side and inner self through various mode of communication or art form. Student as designers will generate ideas from selfidentity through personal interests, preferences, attitude and personality. These ideas and qualities will later on applied to any three dimensional form (as an artwork or sculpture, mask & other means). Representation of self must only be interpreted in abstract form where in it requires rigorous design thinking and highest form of creatively representing yourself. The final outcome of the project is open to any possibilities, meaning you are free to explore form, materials (prescribe) and technique as long as it shows the creative and personal identity and is well explained in the design narrative.
PROJECT II : Self Expression through Architectural Space’ LIFE CAPSULE’
The main aim of Project 2 is to expand the interpretation of one self and heighten the awareness of students about the human body, interaction of space and body, and explores the role of reasoning and logic in shaping the form and space. Secondly, a group work to allow collaborating of ideas. The group will pick one of their members which will become the user of the capsule. All design considerations will be based on the chosen group member’s body dimensions and the occupation that he/she will portray (ex; painter, artist, photographer, scientist, musician, writer, or itself as an architecture student and others). Project involves designing a ‘Life Capsule’: a confined space which will house multi-functional furniture(s) which the user can use for several positions and for activities within a 24 hours period. This project consists of two major stages 2a: Interim ‘The Shell’ which the student (group) will design the life capsule envelope and Project 2b: Final ‘Furnitecture’ wherein student (group) will creatively design the internal space of the capsule or a can be one multi-functional furniture to address users various positions (seating, lying down, reading, painting and others) which will be corresponding to its activities. The very limited space will challenge the group to thoroughly examine their design approach by strictly considering and adhering to anthropometrics and ergonomics requirements. 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.
PROJECT IIIA : Story Telling and Narrative: ’MY Building, MY Architecture’
Project 3a will allow students to do most of the things they enjoy most doing, bonding with friends, travelling, storytelling and more importantly taking and uploading videos and pictures, focusing mainly on their chosen architecture. In a more serious note, this exercise serves as test on how well the groups can narrate and ‘story tell’ and whether students have learned and understand essential aspects of design. These aspects include familiarization of architectural terminologies and their abilities to use architectural language to share their understanding of the design (form & space) on the architecture they have chosen. 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.
PROJECT IIIB : Dreamspace for the User ‘A HIDE OUT’
Project 3 incorporates both the creativity and its functionality; identity of user, comfortability of user and creativity in articulating the space 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. The user will be pre-selected, 32 prominent personalities in the field of entertainment, sports, politics, arts, science and others; each possessing distinct qualities from tall, physically handicapped, nature lover, art collector, singer, dancer, loud, bold and others.
These challenges are to be architecturally translated into a space that successfully establishes the quality of the interior and articulation of exterior. Concept shall evidently show the experiential and spatial quality. Students are also to consider how design is to be attached and harmonize with the two existing buildings (may show massing design of two buildings). Additional considerations should also be given to human scale and dimensional requirements.
