This module introduces the principles and methods of analysis, abstraction, and synthesis in design thinking that are common to many design fields, including building and architecture. The key emphasis of the studio is “User and Context”, which investigates the relationship between user and natural environment. In this studio, students will undertake a series of studio-based exercises; firstly, an investigation of the architectural spaces and construction through precedent studies; and secondly, an exploration of form and space through architectural conceptualization. Finally, students will design a small freestanding structure that meets user requirements and engages with the site context.

The teaching objectives of the module are to:

1. To introduce spatial architectonics in the creation of architectural space and form/ understanding of building as an assembly of parts

2. To introduce the abstraction of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional compositions of space

3. To explore design processes through different types of drawing and making methods.

4. To emphasize the importance of space planning as a response to specific function and human needs.

5. To examine the basic awareness that user’s need and simple context have on design decisions.

The crafting of "Spatial Experiences" is a key design consideration for architects in their architectural design. The study and exploration of different spatial qualities are important in design because it informs human occupation, behavior, and experience within architectural spaces. A strong spatial design can touch its users on a deeper emotional or spiritual level. 

Project 1 focuses on poetic architecture that forms expressive experiential spatial journey which tells a story and engages with the users through their individual senses. Poetic architecture convey beauty together with meaningful experiences that leaves one feeling more fulfilled. 

1. To explore different approaches of generating ideas thorough rigorous design processes through workshop-based learning.

2. To explore various approaches in translating ideas, design translation and interpretation.

3. To explore varied forms of design principles in communication and expression of self and its sense.

4. To enhance ability in designing three-dimensional design and translated to diagrams.

1. Generate design through conscious consideration of spatial typologies, section-plan relationship, contextual conditions and considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality, and textures.

2. Communicate design through effective visual and expressive verbal presentation to peer, tutors, and architects from industry. 

1. Generate design through conscious consideration of spatial typologies, section-plan relationship, contextual conditions and considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality, and textures.

2. Communicate design through effective visual and expressive verbal presentation to peer, tutors, and architects from industry. 

Society, culture, history, memory and the landscape of a particular place echoes the meaning of that ‘place’, or its ‘genius loci’. These qualities will inform the architectural concept and generators for Project 2 as the aim of the project is to design a Discovery Center (aka visitor center) for Kampung Janda Baik, Janda Baik, Pahang. The project design brief calls for an architectural response toward the sense of place with a strong engagement and relationship to the site and programmatic requirements. Project 2a requires an analysis of the site context as a starting point. It is a fundamental need for any design project as it will suggest a series of parameters to suggest architectural solution, one that will be appropriate to the place and its meaning, and contributes to its context. The site needs to be understood, in both intuitive and personal ways, as well as quantitative and measured means. Techniques to record and understand the site are varied, from physical surveys to qualitative aspects of experience and personal interpretation of the place. Lectures 08 and 09 will guide students through the whole process. 

The “study area” for Project 2 is Kampung Janda Baik and the specific area will be along Jalan Sumsum Hilir and Jalan Kampung Janda Baik. Two dedicated specific sites have been selected for students to select from to design the discovery center. One site will be next to the Masjid Janda Baik (Site A) and the other one would at Tapak KOBAIK next to Pasar Mini Daily Fresh " Fz Pasar Segar 2 " (Site B). 

1.Generate design through conscious consideration of spatial typologies, section-plan relationship, contextual conditions and considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality, and textures. 

2. Document, interpret and analyze the physical conditions of the site and ‘genius loci’ of place and generate design based on the character and conditions of the site context. 

In this final project, students are required to design a structure that will allow user to “DISCOVER” about the people, place, activities, culture, history etc. associated to Kampung Janda Baik. It will function as a visitor center that could display interpretive exhibits, include a walk-through historical or cultural journey museum-like exhibition, as well as an interactive and engaging “edutainment” program and areas or spaces to connect with the local people and the natural environments of the place. It could be a center to learn about the locals and early settlers that called the location as home or to reveal the significance of the rainforest, rivers, mountains and even the “kampung” activities. All these information shall be transformed into spaces that requires a poetic touch architecturally.

Project 2B is a continuation from Project 1 and Project 2A. Project 1 was aimed to introduce and explore the formal and poetic articulation of architecture in a site-less or hypothetical site condition. Project 2a was about the historical research and site analysis as a driver for architectural development for the Discovery Center. Finally, in Project 2b, the design brief calls for an architectural response to design A DISCOVERY CENTER (Visitor Center) emphasizing a strong engagement and relationship to the site, people, culture, history, spatial experiences, and programmatic requirements.

The task is to design a Discovery Center (Visitor Center) specifically for Kampung Janda Baik. The overall project should emphasize and celebrate the diversity of culture, heritage and history, and the well-being of the place (example the fresh air and natural environment) the community, activities, and economy. The building structure will serve the following purposes,

▪ To provide a physical point of reference that keeps the culture/ history/ memory/ essence of the place alive

▪ To house and display relevant informative material for visitors to understand and appreciate

▪ To provide areas/spaces to conduct any kind of engaging program related to the place and the exhibition.

The program of the Discovery Center should be specifically about the place, people, culture, and history of the site. Students are required to extract and decide on the significant value/essence and the distinctive or interesting characteristic of the place that would be best to represent and express the spirit of the place (genius loci). This will then be translated into a narrative that would aid the design and journey of the Discovery Center.

The design should be a standalone building (one building only) and it must be two (2) storey above ground (a sub-basement is allowed) and the total floor area of the design scheme must be between 300sqm to 450sqm (referring to the covered internal spaces). Students may decide on the floor to ceiling “height” as long as it is two (2) storey. The design should consider universal design as it should be accessible to all. It is important for students to identify, explore and emphasize the implementation of two (2) “modifying elements of architecture” as part of the design.

Students are given Site A or Site B. For both sites students are required to choose between a concentric or linear space arrangement for the building design. These space type demand for students to do further studies on the two types of space arrangements.

The building program/space requirements are as follows:

• Entrance or point of entry

• Foyer / Lobby / Gathering space

• Gallery / Exhibition space (for the display/ demonstrate / the storytelling)

• Space for contemplation and observation

• Mini Café / Leisure space

• Souvenir Booth / Corner

• Toilets and surau (to consider the disabled)

• Management & staff office

• Storage and maintenance space

• Utilities and services room

• Parking (5 + 1 disable), drop off point and service road (if required)

• Landscaping (soft and hard)

• Multipurpose/ Event Space / Mini Stage for demonstration or performance (optional)

• Additional spaces as required (to be discuss and agreed by tutor)

Note:

- May include a look out point, testing and demonstration area, a huge map/model of the site or a popup bazaar area

- Some spaces could be combined, could be an external or open space to meet the space build up requirements

- Students are required to provide “schedule of accommodations”

- Students may include a platform lift or wheelchair lift if necessary

Some design features that could be included in the design scheme:

• Entrance statement

• Feature staircase

• Feature ramp

• Construction details (focus on the floor to roof details)

• The use of available local sourced materials and construction techniques

• The integration of the immediate landscape as part of the design

1. Resolve basic building construction, materials, and environmental considerations.

2. Produce and justify a design of a small-scale community building within an open/suburban context, following analysis and exploration of the site, the user requirements, environmental sustainability, buildability, and spatial poetics.

3. Communicate design through effective visual and expressive verbal presentation to peer, tutors, and architects from industry.