Building Materials (ARC 1512)

Project 1 : Solid vs Void – “Shaping Light & Space”

The intention of this project was to introduce us to building materials that are commonly used in the local construction industry. We were required to construct our choice of shapes using a number of listed materials to explore and understand building making in relation to the materials, design considerations of material according to their properties and to finally understand how to intrinsic forms, limitations and boundaries of a material factor in a design process.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognize how intrinsic forms, limitations and boundaries of a material become factors in design process.2. Effectively work with a material in line with design requirements.3. Be able to express a material within its contextual application.

For my project, I chose to use Perspex, modelling board and plastic. My basic shape was a cuboids and from that I designed small cuboids and stuck them together forming a 3D maze-like shaped solid.

Below are my process boards, my final model and my A2 board altogether.

A2 Board:

Process Boards :

Final Model:

Project 2 : “Materiality of SPACE : An Experiential Exploration”

This assignment was designed to introduce building materials that are commonly used in the construction industry. The spaces or building selected to study allowed us to understand the reasoning behind choices made by designers in terms of concepts, function use, environmental response, environmental profile, structural requirement, availability of resources and etc. when selecting or proposing building materials. The project enabled us to see the transition from vernacular point of perspective to the current application in built environment.

Learning Outcomes
1. Produce a complete documentation and analysis of materials in respect to physical and chemical properties.
2. Identify the various types of building materials (finishes and structural).
3. Understand the effects of building materials on aesthetics and structural qualities of a space or building.
4. Understand the appropriateness of material used in context of several factors such as occupancy, concept and climate.

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

6. Understand the application/ installation of material as finishes and structural materials (simple construction).

TASK A : GROUP
In a group of 5-6 members, we were supposed select a commercial building and make two A2 boards and a Mood Board as well. We were supposed to include a brief introduction on the building, materials selections, application of materials among many other things.

Below are the boards that we did:









TASK B : INDIVIDUAL
Each student was to design a board, based on a location they chose from the main location which in our case was Empire Damansara. The individual space I chose to examine was the Damansara Performing Arts Center. The board was to bear the following features:

1. Design Intention & Concept
2. Space Analysis
3. Diagrams to support ones analysis (Sketches, photographs etc.)

Below is my individual board:




REFLECTION :
Throughout the projects, I got to know different types of materials that are used in buildings. The projects boosted my knowledge about how these materials are made and what their properties are. I also learnt on how to design a space with different materials.