Shalinn Tan Jiawen
Taylor's University Lakeside Campus
School of Architecture, Building and Design
Bachelor of Science(Hons) in Architecture
Semester 1
Design Studio 1
[ARC 1116]
In this subject we are introduced to architectural design as a self expression, through the design of a full size space for one’s own habitation, taking into account basic awareness of programme, materials, structure, construction and site. It also exposes us to building of abstract models in the architectural world to a certain extent.
Project 1: Self expression through object
On the very first day of our semester, we were given this project to brainstorm on. It was basically an ice-breaking design project that introduces basic methods of conceptual narratives. As we were still new and fresh, we were given the chance to explore and understand ourselves and produce a creative object representation of the self.
We exposed to various means of expanding on initial ideas by researching and extracting the essence of our personal interest. After that, we proceed to select a medium of choice in which to communicate and represent your abstracted sense of self. The final outcome of this project is open-ended, meaning that we are free to select any mode of communication, method and material that best expresses the interpretation of our self-identity. It can be in any form as an abstract model.
The process of my project was eye opening as I have chosen music as a representation of myself.
The keyword given to my representation model was "Soulful".
At the end of the day, I learnt that as an architect, I should try to create designs that have my own identity if situations allow.
Project 2: Life Capsule
This project enhances the capability to classify in communicative basic design principles in space and form by creating a space that embodies and expresses and idea or conceptual narrative. It improves the understanding of role of scale and proportion to the interaction of human body and designed space.
We were required to work together in a group of 5-6 members in this project. There were 6 members in my group.
We were given a few weeks to design and finalize our idea and concept, wrapped around a virtual user(ie. Pregnant lady, doctor, bllind man, photographer, etc.). Sketches and mock up models were made before we finalised our idea. We had chosen to build our life capsule with the concept of a mobile traveller. This means that our capsule had to be functional and portable.
We had a week to build our capsule during our mid term break. After spending about a week building a 1:1 model from our 1:100 scale model, we were exposed to the expertise in communicative design, and the anthropometry of designs, and also to the notions of scale and proportion.
Finally, all hard work came to an end and we had a pleasant presentation on the uni square. We were very pleased with our results.
Project 3: Space Out
In a group of 5, we were asked to choose a movie of our choice to create site buildings for the next part of our project, the hideout.
The movie that we chose was Inception.
After deciding on the location of the site, it was time for us to build the actual site model on a scale of 1:50. We decided to try something more challenging, which is building the site buildings out of Plaster of Paris.
In 2 days, we gathered all the materials needed to make the mold and also to get enough plasters and to research on the best ways to use plaster.
We were so ready for it. Our first model failed as we didn't prepare enough plaster, but we were not disheartened. We continued making 2 other buildings which turned out pretty great.
Later, there was to be a presentation where we were to showcase at least 10 screenshots from the movie and a presentation board to show the plan of the buildings.
From this project, I got to learn to create, articulate and illustrate in a brand new material which I have never used before and it was an incredible experience.
Project 3B: Dreamscape for the self "Hideout"
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The next part of our project was a continuition from our site buildings.
We were to choose our own client and create a hideout for them, based on their surrounding site buildings.
The client that I have chosen was Coco Chanel, because of her interesting personality and past.
I spent about 4 days altogether perfecting and drawing the floor plans, sections, and perspective views albeit the presentation of my design narrative and clientele profile.
My model is inspired by the way Coco Chanel's personality is. Straightforward, edgy, mysterious. The space that I chose to use was narrow, hence the name of my model is "Etroit Maison", which means Narrow House in French. Also, I integrated the idea of "pockets of space" as Chanel was a huge fan of pockets.
Each level was not more than 3 metres in width but the height was addressed so that the user would not feel claustrophobic. Also, my hideout was to be hidden by the surrounding trees which can be experienced by the user as she walks up the canopy stairway which is made almost entirely out of glass on the bottom part. This creates a sense of mysteriousness and comfort at the same time.
We were given 10 minutes each to present our concept to an external accessor, and I think it went well altogether.
This project boosts and improved my understanding of the role of scale and proportion to the interaction of human body and designed space.