[BMat] Project 2: "Materiality of SPACE: An Experiential Exploration"

For our second and also our last project. Also a group project but some parts individual as well. 25% Group work and 15% Individual. This time in groups of 5-6 we are required to select a building which has a fun and creative space that allows us to experience and explore most of the building materials covered in the module we've learnt. The buildings cover can be either shop lots, government/ private buildings or even galleries. But since this would be a project involving visiting the building itself therefore we also have to request permission from the building owner for us to conduct our case studies. The cafe we chose was VCR Cafe, located at Jalan Galloway at the central of KL.

VCR Cafe

The group members are:

1. Heng Rui Ying (myself)
2. Nurul Shahira bt. Muhd. Ali Kuan
3. Seow Koji Takehira
4. Lim Siew Ni
5. Lee Kylie
6. Aaron Chong Yu Ho

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. To introduce various types of building materials which are being used in the construction practices.
2. To create an understanding of the choices designers make in choosing the building materials based on the properties. 
3. To further understand the physical and chemical properties of the building materials being used in existing buildings/ spaces. 
4. To expose students to standard construction names and terminologies for materials in a building/space. 

Learning Outcomes of this Project

Upon completion of this assignment, students will be able to:

1. Produce a complete documentation and analysis of materials in respect to physical and chemical properties. 
2. Identify the various types of building materials (finished and structural)
3. Understand the effects of building materials on aesthetics and structural qualities of a space of building. 
4. Understand and appropriateness of material used in context of several factors such as occupancy, concept and climate. 
5. Acquire analytical skill in understanding selection of building materials for a building/ design. 
6. Understand the application/ installation of material as finished and structural materials (simple construction)

There will be two Tasks for this project. TASK (A) would be a GROUP work and TASK (B) would be an INDIVIDUAL work. 

For TASK (A): GROUP,  we are required to do two A2 boards in landscape orientation and also a mood board. The boards should consist of a brief introduction of the selected building & reason for selecting the space. Also, the identifications of materials in plans, sections and elevations to show where the materials were used. A minimum of 15 types of materials. The information on the application of materials also needs to be included such as it's physical, chemical properties, suitability of material in context to concept, occupancy and climate. The mood board should also include color, patterns and photographs and informative design elements to show the spaces without using any words and descriptions.

For TASK (B): INDIVIDUAL, one A2 board each student and also in landscape orientation. Each of the members are required to do one board showing the sense of materiality. We were given each a space in the building we have chosen. My space of the building would be the balcony. For this individual work we are required to analysis the material used and also the space. 

We are required to consider these requirements:

• Design Intention & Concept: How that has influenced selection of materials?
• Space Analysis: Experience within the space. How the material selection and its application within the space affect users' experience? (Scale, proportion, installation)
• Include diagrams to support your analysis (Sketches, photographs etc.)

Attached are the final presentation boards:

Group Board 1

Group Board 2

Mood Board

Individual Board: Balcony Space

Reflection

In this project, we were given a slightly bigger group to work with. It was a fun journey with them, we get to gather around and head to the same place for our case studies. Having group meetings every week as well to catch up on each other's work. Besides, we get to learn more about many other materials that were used in the building. Not only seeing from pictures but also with the sense of touch, this time we were able to experience it ourselves by being in the space itself. Being able to experience the sense of being in that space actually allows me to feel how the material actually plays a role in the design rather than a plain concrete wall. I'm eager to head out for more site-seeing activities in the future!