SIM LI MEI
MBE201072
Master in Architecture
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
simlimei@gmail.com | 016-3127233
ARC60105
Architectural Design Studio I
Architectural Design Studio I is structured as an introduction to architectural design. Students are required to present and explain design through the expression of the perception of 'self' and the body. The fundamental methods, principles and approaches in design thinking and spatial design is introduced through a series of assignment.
Assignment 01
An Abstract Artwork - I. Share. Grow
This is an ice breaking design project that introduces basic understanding of the design processes and approaches in generating ideas, formulating conceptual narratives, developing design and translating it into form design. The purpose of this project is for students to unravel their creative side and inner self through several specific modes of communication or art form. Student as designers will generate ideas from self-identity through personal interests, preferences, attitude and personality which will later on be applied to an artwork. Representation of oneself must only be interpreted in abstracted form where in it requires vigorous design thinking and highest form of creative interpretation.
My artwork is called I. Share. Grow which is also inspired from dot. line. plane. I am a person who like to share my postive thought,experiences and knowledge with friends and family. I believe that sharing will make me grow up as I learn to listen others perspectives, improve my self value hence become a better me. It is just like how dot (me) turns into lines (share) and finally turn into a more completed me which is plane. The artwork also looks abstractly like a shining light and it is also an interactive artwork which u can play with the torchlight to see the "effect of sharing".
Assignment 01
Fragments of Self
Assignment 02
Temporary Shelter - Phase 2 Face
The main aim of Project 2 is to expand the interpretation of the users by exploring the relationships between human body and designed form. The students as the users will define the intention of the space and its form based on their personality and human body. In this project students will also be introduced to basic design principles such as rudimentary ways in which to order and organize spaces and forms. Furthermore, to develop an understanding of scale and proportion with relation to the human body (anthropometry). Student will specifically translate their design intentions thru designing ‘Small Shelter’, using materials that replicate the idea of ‘in-situ’ and ‘pre-fabricated’ construction, while exploring the architectural expression and possibilities of both. The Final Design will then be produced as a 1:1 scale assembly and installation work.
The client of our shelter is our group mate - Ping Ping. Ping Ping is very friendly with a desire to make new friends, however she is afraid of meeting strangers and prefer people to approach her instead. Hence, the purpose of our shelter is to allow Ping Ping to meet new acquaintances. She will be able to develop their relationship into closer friends and confide in a private matters inside the shelter. This shelter will also serve as a place for rest and relax.
Our shelter is also chosen as one of the shelters to be placed at the community garden which is Kebun-Kebun Pasar. We are glad that we can donate and make use of the shelter after the submission to be used by the society.
Assignment 03
A Dream Space - Give.Gain
In project 1, students were allowed to express oneself through their creative means; Project 2 is meant to prepare students to be aware on the relationship between user and space, emphasizing on the physical and non-physical requirements; whereas for the final assignment which is Project 3, it incorporates both the creativity and its functionality; identity of user, comfortability of user and creativity in articulating the space, as a complete user experience. This time, the brief calls for a dream space that is designed for oneself for a specific purpose: as a space for viewing, contemplating, space for self-exploration, exercising, space for dreaming, space for showcasing a particular activity, etc. Situated in an imaginary site, in space in between two rock cliffs of 12m and 15m high, the dream space should consist of 2-3 connected spaces that is architecturally translated from our narratives, based on our personalities. The designed space must either attach to one side of the cliff or both.
I believe the theory of give to gain and gain to give. I always willing to share my knowledge with others and eventually I learnt more from them. when I am conscious about my breathing I will remind myself of this life value. The inhale and exhale process is a constantly give and gain process which happens naturally. Hence, my dreamspace is a space for myself and also for the society: for self enrichment and also sharing back to the society.
The Give. Gain dream space consists of three spaces in total which is inhale space, heart space and exhale space. Exhale space is a space where I can organize a sharing session, demonstrate sketching and also an outdoor sketching space for the public. The exhale space is with a tilt roof to enhance the view of the scenery and also represent a sense of relieves. Heart space whereby is a transition space for me to balance my mind, calm down myself and also functions as a bridge which connect the exhale space with inhale space. Inhale space is a space which is private for me to imagine it consists of a glass floor for me to sit cross-legged and a glass window is strategically placed in front of me with a small openings at the top.
Reflection
I would like to thanks the guidance of every tutors and lecturers towards us and especially my tutor, Ar. Chong Sue May which is so dedicated and give so much guidance to us which enable us to have better design mindset. The learning process in studio I is more on self exploration or knowing who we are before we can design for others. It is a fun process of investigating and knowing ourselves better.