Architecture Design Studio III

Module Teaching Objectives

This studio emphasises on the poetics of place and the experiential qualities of space in architecture. In the module, students are introduced to, firstly, an exploration of spatial typologies and poetics in architecture; and secondly, the concept of neighbourhood and community. In their preliminary design of different spatial typologies (i.e. linear, spiral, spine, centric, etc) which explore the idea of architectural tectonics and experiences. Subsequently, the major project involves the design of a small scale community building (typically a Visitor Interpretive Centre) in the open landscape/ suburban condition which engages with the spirit of place inherent within the site, the site topography, history and socio-cultural events.

Project 1 : Analysing Architecture – The Journey of the 5 Senses

Spatial organisation is a key consideration for architects in architectural design. The study and exploration of different spatial organization methods is important in design because it informs human occupation, behavior, and experience within architectural spaces. Writers such as Francis D.K. Ching labeled this as architectural ‘order’ whilst Alexander Purves called this ‘the formal patterns’. This is an introductory assignment by which you are required to analyse spatial typologies and poetics case studies.

Objectives of the Project :

Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience
Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space
Clarity and comprehensiveness of analysis on use, typology and poetics

Project Details :

Research

Information relating to the selected building (raw data & drawings) (from site visit or print form/publications. Evidences of understanding and using the readers.

Analysis

3 x A3 landscape format (or equivalent) that includes diagrams, photos and minimal annotations illustrating the analysis of your selected precedents.
3 x A3 landscape format (or equivalent) for the section.
Tectonic/elemental/reductive models (not to scale)

Project 2 : Genius Loci: Visitor Interpretive Centre (VIC)

The design brief calls for an architectural response to design AN INTERPRETIVE CENTRE sited in Sekinchan, emphasising a strong engagement and relationship to the site, spatial experiences and programmatic requirements.

Objectives of the Project :

Produce site analysis which document, interpret and analyze the site context and the ‘genius loci’ of place and generate design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context.
Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materials/texture.
Design a small scale community building which response to the site (site topography, history and socio-cultural events), functional program and users’ experiences.

Project Details :

The end-product must meet the criteria of a tectonically and poetically expressive space. You will be graded based on the clarity and development of the following:

Site/Contextual response: Pragmatic and metaphysical response to the positioning of architecture within its context
Programmatic response: Development of functional requirements and the relationships between spaces to facilitate the given programme and the accuracy of the provided area schedule.
Richness & Articulation of design work: Exploration and Development of Formal and Spatial Qualities through models and drawings.
Completeness of emphasised SECTION drawings and MODEL with some indication of materiality and construction.

Reflection:

To develop awareness of a wider place, a genius loci (town, countryside, coast), and the design response towards the place. To emphasise the importance of site and program in architectural design. To introduce different spatial typologies in architectural design (spatial organization and relationship). To emphasize the importance of section in the design of architectural space.