Project 2 involves structural theory, force calculation and basic structural proposal. In a group of 3, students are to design a 2 storey bungalow with building layout formed by a combination of building outline shown in category A and B attached.




Then, structural framing is to be carried out for the building, with analysis on beams and columns. This enables students to have a holistic experience including concept and structure layout design, building structure engineering considerations, structure members sizing and calculations, final report and presentation.
Drawings and calculations are documented in a report form as shown below.





Through this project, we learned about the structural system through a case study. The concept of structural analysis is understood, with identification of structural components, implementation of basic structural design according to basic procedures and proposal of a structural frame for a 2 storey building. Knowledge of building structure is very important for designing architecture with high efficiency, stability and life span.

Project 2 is a group assignment which introduced students to the basic principles, process and equipment of building services systems in public buildings. In a group of 5, we were to select one of our design from design studio project. Various building systems are to be designed in the group and to be proposed through proper drawings and descriptions written in report form.


The services systems comprise the 4 main systems which are:-
1. mechanical ventilation system
2. air-conditioning system
3. fire protection system (active and passive)
4. mechanical transportation system (elevator and escalator/travellator systems)

A through study and analysis of each systems were done at the first stage, one student for each sub-topic. Based on the requirement of the building, the 4 services systems were proposed and the information and proposal were documented in the report and drawings shown below.

The first project is an individual assignment which work on basic application of building services. Using a building plan given, students are to propose and design appropriate systems for the building, including the 4 main systems which are:-

This project comprises a contextual architecture study and case study paper, at which students are required to select a contextual architecture in Asia to be explored through in-depth research and investigation. It is divided into two parts as shown below.



Project Part A- Contextual Architecture Study
In a group of 6, a building is to be identified within a sub-urban context in Asia. Based on our chosen building which is Nishinoyama House located in the suburb of Kyoto, Japan, an analysis is conducted on the contextual architecture elements. It includes the space organization, skyline, compression and height, form of the building, materials and systems as well as the image making elements. The findings and analysis are to be presented in an A2 visual individually by each student.


My A2 presentation

Project Part B- Case Study Paper
Second part of the project is an in-depth case study on the same building, with a specific topic and title proposed that reflect the main intention of the research. For our case, the influences of traditional Japanese culture and architecture are taken as the main focus when analysing the contemporary architecture of Nishinoyama House. The research paper is documented in a report form as shown below.



Through this project, I gained a deeper knowledge in contextual architecture within Asian context, with appropriate analyzing procedures range from collecting data to in-depth study. In a group, we learned to produce a critical interpretation of our investigation of contextual architecture on Nishinoyama House through analysis and discussion on the relationship between the architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context.

Project 3 is a continuation from Project 2. The schematic design generated from project 2 is to be further developed into the final Visitor Interpretive Centre design. Elements need to be focused on include the consideration of user & function, flow of experience and site responsive to the context.






Through this project, I learned about generating design based on the genius loci of the site through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship of the human scale, natural lighting and materials. I had also learned about architectural visualization including producing digitaldrawings and modelling to communicate my design in the final presentation.

Project 1 is an introductory project by which we are required to explore issues of spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. In a group of 5, we are to propose 2 schemes for a Walkway Space themed "Journey for The 5 Senses", with spaces designed in the form of semi-open architecture using two contrasting spatial types of our choice. There is no specific site for this design work.

Part A
2 architectural precedents are selected for study on the spatial poetics and spatial typology. Analysis are to be presented in A3 boards.


Part B
Based on design strategies from part A and 2 given literature, poetry or lyrics from respective tutors, our task is to visualise it from an architectural viewpoint thus translate them into a journey by suing 2 contrasting spatial typologies.

Our group had chosen 2 creative work given by the tutor, a music and a film

Sweet Revenge by Ryuichi Sakamoto;
Video link: https://youtu.be/nGNcnkuH6Ls

Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock
Movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kCcZCMYw38

The two creative work were transformed into two walkway of "Journey of the 5 Senses", one linear and the other concentric, both focusing on the user experiences.


Through this project, I learned about identifying and explaining different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience. Creating tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies can greatly affect the experiential conditions of the space according to the intention of the designer.