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.

In the same group from Project 1, we are to conduct a site analysis of the physical context within the given Macro and Micro sites. Bukit Cina located in Malacca is the site given, with 3 micro sites which we would be analysed on as a starting point for our individual concept idea for the VIC. The site analysis is documented in a video.



Part B- Personal Interpretation & Concept Development as a Response
Individually, we are to select a micro site from the 3 and produce our personal interpretation of the overal character of the site, informing subsequent design decisions. Identification of the key character and the SWOT analysis of place are used to form inspiration in the design. From the issues discovered, a Design Concept for a Visitor Interpretive Centre (VIC) is presented.

Tensile and grid shell construction methods are becoming widely used structures for building support. It provides the required load bearing resistance and aesthetics required by designers.

In a group of 3, we are to study an existing building or structure using tensile or grid shell as its support. The study involves identification of basic structural systems, differentiation in terms of loads and forces acting on the structural elements and analysis of strength issues, stability and laws of static.

We had chosen Jeju World Cup Stadium in Korea which uses tensile structure for its roof construction. A presentation board and axonometric drawings are submited with scaled models.

Through this project, I gain more understanding in tensile structure with its building components and its assembly. Selection of materials used and construction system greatly affected the buildability of a structure.

Experiencing and understanding skeletal construction is crucial as it is one of the most widely used structures for building support.

In this project, we are to formed a group of 5 and to design and construct a temporary bus shelter. It should demonstrate the knowledge of skeletal frames and its joints and the structure should be elevated at least 50mm from the ground. A combination of two basic forms must be chosen to form the bus shelter.

A report showing the analysis and load test is submitted with a 1:20 scaled model of the whole structure using representative materials.




Through this project, I learnt about applying skeletal construction system into design and to analyse the properties of materials which affects the load and forces of the structure. It is important to go through the test of load and forces and analysis to identify the issue of strength, stiffness and its stability.

Through this project, I had learnt about thermal performance of a building and principles and methods to further improve the thermal comfort for better user experiences. Environmental condition and heat transfer principles play a crucial role in influencing the comfort of people in a building.