Architecture Culture & History - ARC 1313

This subject is meant to share the chronological survey of the developments of Western architecture from the beginning of time to the period of Enlightenment, with consideration of the intellectual, aesthetic, technological, political and economic factors which have influenced the design of buildings. These issues are explored with reference to major contemporary examples and the work and philosophy of significant exponents.

PROJECT 1 : Precedent Study

This project is the first I have done that undertook a period of almost the entire 18weeks of the semester. This was because of the different components involved in this project.

The objectives of this project were:

1. To introduce basic architectural theory through a consideration of intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines, architectural language and contextual relationships.
2. To examine architecture history through a chronological survey, looking at the intellectual, aesthetic, technological, political and economic factors which have influenced architectural design.

The first component involved writing a group essay in which we would describe the chosen building on its design ideas and significant contribution to its culture.

Our building was Castel Sant' Angelo, also known as Hadrian's Mausoleum.

please click the link to view the essay : Castel Sant' Angelo Essay

The second component of this project was to create an Analysis Presentation Board. This component was an individual one. The board had to be hand drawn and hand written and the research information had to include these following :

• Concept analysis (building concept and/or architect concepts)
• Building massing analysis (structure, geometry)
• Circulation Analysis
• Spatial Organization analysis (public vs. private, symmetry & balance, Unit to whole, Repetitive to unique, Additive and subtractive, Hierarchy)
• Building section analysis

individual Analysis Presentation board

For the third part, we had to work in the same group again to build a model of our building to communicate our analysis. The material given was ''balsa wood timber''.

group model showing 1/8th of exterior and half of a chosen cross section of the building

For the final part, also as a group, we had to give a 5 minute verbal presentation to present our model and previous research.

Building Materials - ARC 1512

A subject aimed at introducing the basic and not so basic elements of the built environment. A very informative and strong base subject for an achitectural student.

The first project was more like a ice breaking exercise. Building material is any material which is used for a construction purpose.This exercise was designed as an introduction to building materials that are commonly used in the local construction industry. We were required to identify five(5) materials that are being used in any space in our HOME. We were then required to do a catalog of these materials and describe them through photographs, sketches and some descriptions.

PROJECT 1A & 1B : Materiality of Space : An Experiential Exploration

Here, in groups of 5 we were required to select a commercial / residential building (a fun, creative space) which allow you to experience and explore most of the building materials covered in the module.

The objectives were as follows : 

• To introduce various types of building materials that is being used in the current construction practice

• To create an understanding of the choices designers makes in choosing the building materials based on the

   properties of these materials

• To further understand the physical and chemical properties of the building materials being used in existing

   buildings/spaces

• To expose students to standard construction names/terminologies for materials in a space/ building

We had to produce two A2 boards and one mood board to include identification of materials by drawing out plans, sections and elevations, as well as the application of certain materials, describing their physical and chemical properties as well as suitability of the material used.

board 1

board 2

mood board

For the individual component, we had to produce one individual A2 board of a chosen space in the site to describe the design intention and concept as well as space analysis.

Completing this project, we realized we were now able to : 

• Produce a complete documentation and analysis of materials in respect to physical and chemical properties

• Identify various types of building material (Finishes and Structural)

• Understand the effects of building materials on aesthetics and structural qualities of a space or building.

• Understand the appropriateness of material used in context several factorsoccupancy, concept, climate

• Acquire analytical skill in understanding selection of building materials for a building/design

• Understand the application/ installation of materials as finish and structural material (simple construction)

PROJECT 2:  Integration - Material Specification

This project is integrated along with PROJECT 3 of our Design Studio module. Based on our conceptual ideas we were required to :

• introduce the process materials selection/proposal process by designers during designing stages
• expose ourselves to latest development and technology relating to the building materials 
• create an understanding of how the building materials selection can affect the aesthetic and structural values of their design
• allow us to demonstrate our understanding and knowledge of building materials

perspective of scaled 1:50 model

This project allowed me to apply the understanding of various types of building material which affects the tactile and chemical properties of design/building/space, to explore and identify various types of building materials and technology,  to understand the effects of building materials on occupancy, aesthetics and structural qualities of a space or building, environment and etc. and finally to produce drawings to visualize the architectural effects of proposed materials (spatial quality)

Architectural Design Studio 1 - ARC 1116

This subject is structured as an introduction to architectural design. This preliminary design module aims to present and explore design through the expression of the individual perception of ‘self' and the body. We undertook a series of studio-based exercises and assignments that introduced the
fundamental methods, principles and approaches in design thinking and basic spatial design.


PROJECT 1 Self Expression Through Object : Representing ME


The objectives of this assignment were as follows:
1. To introduce the basic methods of generating ideas and abstracting conceptual narratives for design
2. To explore various approaches to design thinking and production
3. To explore interdisciplinary modes of artistic expression

I decided to do this through the means of a self portrait best representing me.

Description : 

My self portrait represents my past, my present, and my future. The black inked drawings are all my tattoos. Tattoos are permanent and represent something personal to that person.

The left side which represents my past, consists of my first tattoo ( a representation of one's inner soul leaving the body). I had a rough teenage phase and this tattoo represents such.

The sunset and the sea and the island represent where I come from, Seychelles.

The figure in the middle is me at present with a tattoo on my chest which was my last one, represents my current well being. On the right is a composition of another tattoo and a poem by James Reynolds ''Brightness Beams". A poem which touches me deeply.

The tattoo is made up of my initials, T, H, N, J, C in an abstract manner forming the tribal design,  including the number 1. For me, this represents that I will strive to be best at what I do. The design is brought together looking like a flying bird. ( always flying towards the goal/objective)

The three colours around the poem are my favorite colours, representing, Love (red) Joy (yellow) and peace (green).

The truth is....Life ain't so simple is yet another tattoo and it is self explanotary as a phase for me, it represents more than just words.

All the 5colours in the background, white, green, yellow, red and blue represent the colours of my national flag.

In the end, we had to construct a representational piece of art based on the initial ideas that had been abstracted and redefined through the process of translation and interpretation



PROJECT 2 Self Expression Through Architectural Space : ME in Space


The objectives of this assignment were as follows:
1. To further the student’s ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative
2. To introduce and create an awareness of the scale and proportion of the human body
3. To explore how human anthropometry and ergonomics relate to and inform space
4. To introduce basic design principles and terminologies

In this project, my group and I decided to explore a sitting space that could accommodate three people at the same time whilst exploring spatially fit concepts.

In the end, we came up with the final idea below.

the base

perspective view

presenting

our presentation boards

presentation boards

presentation boards

PROJECT 3 Space For The Self : My City Dreamspace

This project had both a group component as well as an individual component. For the group work, we had to choose a specific site of a chosen movie, in our case, TRON : LEGACY , and produce a scaled model of that site which would assist us in the final component. We were free to choose any part of the site to come up with our individual hideout which had to be grafted/attached to any one or multiple buildings found in the site. The detailed objectives of the individual component are as follows:

1. To further the student’s ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative
2. To introduce and create an awareness of the scale and proportion of the human body
3. To explore how human anthropometry and ergonomics relate to and inform space
4. To develop basic design principles and terminologies
5. To explore how the selection and application of materials relate to and informs the sensory experience
of space

Below are images of firstly, our group site model, followed by my individual hideout model, also to scale [1:50] and my final presentation boards.

perspective of site

back view of site

my intended site...

persperctive of individual hideout

top view

top view hideout placed on site

back perspective

back view

presentation boards and model

Completing this project, I recognize that I was able to design and produce a space that embodies and expresses an idea or conceptual narrative, able to distinguish and discern the role of scale and proportion in the relationship between the human body and a designed space or enclosure. I was also able to identify, articulate and apply basic design principles in spatial organization and relationships as well as to select and apply materials to embody and enhance the sensory experience of the space. Last but not least I was finally able to create, articulate and illustrate the poetics of spatial quality

Design Communication - ARC 1713

Communicating through drawing, is my basic interpretation of this subject. Here, I have learnt the basic key elements needed in successfully communicating specific characteristics through the different projects.


PROJECT 1A On-site Sketching

For the first project, we were required to:

• To understand the notion of space in architecture.
• To develop skills in visualizing of space through observation and perception of a given site
• To develop skills in sketching as a mode of communication.

In order to attain this, four sketches were required to emphasize on these following key aspects of the built environment to demonstrate our understanding of space :

 • Solids and voids: Form, Skin, Structure
• Opening/Aperture; openness/enclosure; inside/outside; light/shadow
• Rhythm in architecture
• Details
• Textural effects/Materials
• Landscape/Setting
• Scale and proportion

Below are my four chosen sketches:

PROJECT 1B Tonal Values

Progressing from the first project, here, we were required to produce four sketches of the same object(s) by different rendering types/methods to illustrate tonal values and depth, in a means of increasing our knowledge on eligible architectural rendering techniques.

Stippling

scribbling

cross- hatching

hatching

PROJECT 2A Orthographic Projection

Using simple drawings of an existing building, this project required us to demonstrate drafting skills in modern and traditional methods of architectural drawing, record and present clear and legible architectural information manually, identify and apply architectural conventions and symbols and finally demonstrate in pencil and ink examples of:
• line types
• line weights
• line quality
• hand lettering

This assignment taught me the basic skills in traditional orthographic drawings using tools such as the T-square, the set-square and technical pens. It also allowed me to increase my knowledge on architectural drawings. 

PROJECT 2B Axonometric Projection

In the production of the work for the Orthographic Projections assessment, I obtained a fairly

in-depth understanding of the architectural detail and spatial value of the Barcelona Pavilion.

In the next exercise, I learnt how to execute an axonometric projection, and put my

knowledge of the aforementioned building into good use by generating an external axonometric projection

of the building.

These projections were generated at a scale of 1:100.

From this project, I learnt how to express spatial ideas and architectural detail in three-dimension, in the format of an axonometric projection. I further understood what axonometric projections are, how to generate them and how to apply them to the design process and presentation. Finally it allowed me to  produce legible architectural drawings

PROJECT 2C Perspectives

This assessment introduces perspective as a mode of communication in architecture.

We were to demonstrate the ability to express spatial idea in 3-D form, understanding of 2-D and 3-D relationships in architectural graphics, skills in drawing and composition, creativity and complexity of drawing. 

Whilst completing this assignment,  I was able to express spatial ideas and architectural detail in three-dimension, in the format of one point and two-point perspectives, understand what are perspectives (and its different types) are, how to generate them and how to apply them to the design process and presentation, and  finally be able to produce legible architectural drawings with strong creative intent.