M.ARCH E-PORTFOLIO REVIEW

DESIGN PRE-THESIS 1: SOCIO-CULTURE

VECTOR

COURSE INFORMATION & DESIGN BRIEF

Course Information

The Design Pre-Thesis 1 promotes design as instrument for mediating the impact of issues and intricacies emanating from contemporary socio-cultural, economics and political conditions of urban and sub-urban communities on the multifarious aspects of dwelling, business, leisure and working.

It encourages decision-making process through design and research inquiry, leading to effective value generation and delivery of designated solutions and initiatives for the built environment. The design course aims to explore the systemic relationship between human actions and behaviour, their physical and social environments in the context of spatial production and place-making.

The relationship is considered an ‘ecological’ one, where different ecosystems (living and non-living) interact with each other, subject to different problem parameters, constraints and variables. It adds to greater understanding of the meaning and values of designed-forms, functions and spaces specifically from social, economical, political and cultural perspectives.

Vector Panel

Vector studio promotes architectural design as integrative instrument in providing the best solutions to users and clients' needs and requirements. This involves a generative process that integrates relevant knowledge, evidence, skills and experiences for the purpose of responding appropriately to an evolving project brief.

The Learning by Design (LBD) approach helps to reconcile diverse and complex project demands, especially regarding socio-cultural, ecological and historical initiatives within urban sites. It allows design to be utilized as an instrument for constructive dialogue, intervention and interaction with the likes of users, artefacts, environment, history, the public, sites, topography and urban context. In order for this to happen, the designing process also generates specific language for critique and transformation of the site and environment, thus enabling us to connect with the past and deal with present challenges as well as for future growth.