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.

Site Analysis & Design Response establishes an understanding of the context for intervention. In assigned tutorial groups, students will conduct site visit to identify the physical as well as the intangible qualities that shape the character of the site. Engagement with site users will establish the needs of the community at site. As the Design Response of the Site Analysis stage, students will work with their tutorial group to draw up a new plan for the demarcated site area through the design of a Kebun Komuniti Plan, which will serve as the base for Project 1B: Architectural Allotment and Project 2: P3KU Kebun Komuniti Center.

This semester, students will be start with analysing the site at P3KU Urban Farm, a non-profit project for disabled teens employment. The site is located within the lush greenery of USJ 18 Park and is bordered by the residential districts of USJ18 and USJ19. Students are tasked to identify, analyse, and synthesize the context into their design solution. Students will have to take note of the characteristics and needs of the community of users to expand and enrich their design solutions for both Project 1B: Architectural Allotment and Project 2: P3KU Kebun Komuniti Center. As a conclusion of the Site Analysis stage students will work with their tutorial group to draw up a new plan for the demarcated site area through the design of a Kebun Komuniti Plan. This Kebun Komuniti Plan will integrate Project 1B: Architectural Allotment and serve as the base for Project 2: P3KU Kebun Komuniti Center.

1. Identify and analyse environmental qualities and contextual needs of a site and apply ideas of environmental sustainability.

2. Design and create architectural spaces with consideration of environmental poetics in relation to the basic natural context and existing built context (harness environmental qualities of the site to inform design which impact on users’ experiences.

Produced in parallel with Project 1A: Kebun Komuniti Plan, Project 1B deals with the understanding of materiality in relation to user experience in the Kebun Komuniti Plan. Within the context of each tutorial group’s Kebun Komuniti Plan, students will break up into smaller groups (3-4 students) to design an Architectural Allotment, which is intended to showcase architectural form as a construct of materiality for a proposed set of activities related to the cultivation of plants. The exploration of themes centred around the cultivation of plants together with requirement for seating, shading and storage will relate to the programmatic requirements in Project 2.

The objectives of this project are as follows:

1. To develop awareness of environmental sustainability in architectural design.

2. To develop the student’s ability to meet the imperative and inter-related environmental and social needs, as well as make poetry with materials and spaces.

3. To develop understandings on human scale, proportion, ergonomics, and materiality.

1.Design and create architectural spaces with consideration of environmental poetics in relation to the basic natural context and existing built context (harness environmental qualities of the site to inform design) which impact on users’ experiences.

2. Establish an appropriate level of understanding of materiality and detailing as means to capture experiential qualities of the design.

The project calls for the design of a P3KU Kebun Komuniti Center within the Kebun Komuniti Plan proposed for P3KU Urban Farm in USJ18 Park. This site is currently the location of a non-profit project for disability teens employment. Students are required to provide full design proposals incorporating findings from site analysis and precedent studies. Students will generate narratives that respond to the environment and community within the given context and explore environmental poetics of building enclosure’s design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilizing various complex typologies of spatial organisations and a variety of passive strategies for sustainable design. The design should contribute to and merge harmoniously with environment and site and provide the best of spatial experiences in fostering a sense of community.

Project 2 is aligned to MLOs 1-5 in which it aims to apply the understanding of materials, their relationship to the crafting of architecture to foster a sense of community within the whole context in its physical and social environments, either tangible or otherwise.

The aim of project 2 is best achieved through the objectives which are translated into a number of Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs).

MLO1: Identify and analyse environmental qualities and contextual needs of a site and apply ideas of environmental sustainability.

MLO2: Design and create architectural spaces with consideration of environmental poetics in relation to the basic natural context and existing built context (harness environmental qualities of the site to inform design) which impact on users’ experiences.

MLO3: Combine the environmental needs, the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), and the users’ experiences within simple building design in the open landscape/suburban context.

MLO4: Establish an appropriate level of understanding of materiality and detailing as means to capture experiential qualities of the design.

MLO5: Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas based on clustered spatial typology.

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