Monday, November 27, 2017

Asian Architecture


Project 1: Case Study
Part A: Vernacular Architecture Video Presentation

Working in a group of 6-7 students, we were required to identify ONE contemporary architectural design that has EITHER Chinese, Japanese or Malaysian vernacular architecture elements. In our discussion, we had to show what are the vernacular architecture references and how they were used/adapted into the building design. We were then to show our findings in form of a video presentation.

Below is the link that leads to our video:

Part B: Photobook

Working in a group of 6-7, we were required to identify ONE historic street in an Asian city. We were encouraged to organise a site visit to study the contexts of the street (with specific defined boundary) and conduct literature review to gather information of the selected street to understand its history, sociocultural conditions, traditional trades, significant architecture and important events in the past.

We were allowed to compare our observations with the street’s original conditions to highlight how new development or redevelopment has changed the contexts of the street. We could also highlight any relevant issues of heritage conservation if applicable. Findings were then presented in a photobook with NOT MORE than 2000 words with proper academic writing format. We were also to  include street map with defined boundary, illustrations and diagrams as part of the contents.

My group mates and I chose to work on Jalan Sultan 

Project 2: Contextual Architecture Study

We were to identify a building in Asia in a sub-urban context and investigate through observation and readings on contemporary Contextual Architecture practices and issues in Asia. Based on the selected building, conduct analysis on its Contextual Architecture elements which may include but not limited to:

Space organization and access hierarchy
Sky line, compression and height
Features related to the form of the building
Building material and systems
Image making elements
Dimensions of history and social memories

I chose to investigate on House NA by Sou Fujimoto

We were then to show findings and analysis in the form of a printed A2 presentation visual, with appropriate visual communication design and clarity of information.

Below is a photo of my A2 Board:




REFLECTION:

Through this project, I have come to realize that most buildings come from their vernacular roots. These traditional elements enhance the design, giving them identity. Each design is also unique, they are specific, tied deeply and meaningfully to their surrounding context, whether they are designed based on various site elements such as sun path, wind direction or the topography of the site, or whether their materials used are sustainable and complement their surroundings.

Armed with this knowledge, I have learned how to apply these elements that make a design truly specific to its context, but still remaining loyal to its vernacular origins. I hope to be able to apply this in my future designs.

I have also learned the format of a case study or research paper, how to identify and gather information from credible and reliable sources for the production of this paper.

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