WORKBASE 1: 

Design 3 Studio develops the students’ design responsiveness or the design sensitivity. Students explore ‘ways of seeing’, understanding and interpreting how architecture concentrates and conveys natural, cultural, social and contextual forces through means specific to the discipline of the unit. In addition, the design program articulates the unique reality of architecture through the study of basic inter-relationships of brief, site, material, technology, and construction. Students learn to express and then develop an idea for an architectural proposition critically and appropriately, through their own perception and translate into workable scheme. Design parameter shall be space making and place making depending on the requirements of projects.

Project 1 focuses on the Taiping Old Market, a key socio-cultural landmark in the heart of Taiping town. Students are tasked with redesigning the market’s facade while preserving its cultural significance and historical identity. The Taiping Old Market has long been a center for daily social interactions, commerce, and community engagement, serving as a vital meeting point for locals of various cultural backgrounds. The facade redesign must reflect this vibrant cultural heritage, emphasizing inclusivity, heritage conservation, and a deep connection to the community’s lifestyle. Students are expected to thoughtfully integrate design elements that honor the market’s historical architecture while modernizing it to enhance functionality and appeal. Additionally, students will produce a scale model of the proposed facade, demonstrating their understanding of how architectural design can contribute to the preservation of socio-cultural identity while meeting contemporary needs.

Task 1 focuses on the detailed site analysis of Taiping Old Market, a historically significant location in the heart of Taiping town. Students are required to examine physical, cultural, and environmental context, understanding how the town functions for the local community. The analysis includes studying the surrounding urban fabric, pedestrian flow, and the interaction between the physical aspects of the town and its diverse users. Students will gain critical insights into how the space contributes to Taiping's social and cultural life. This comprehensive site analysis will serve as a foundation for Project 2, ensuring that the design solutions are deeply rooted in the context and reflective of the community's needs and identity.