[DStudio1] Project 2: Self Expression through Architectural Space 'Furnitecture'

For the second project for design studio, it is a group project consisting of 6-8 members. We are supposed to construct a Furnitecture (Furniture + Architecture) for a certain user chosen among the group.

The group members are:

1. Heng Rui Ying (myself)
2. Lee Kylie
3. Aaron Chong Yu Ho
4. Chloe Teh 
5. Premdyl Singh Shadan
6. Phares 
7. Heng Sy Hua

The main aim for this Project is to expand the interpretation of the self (or multiple self) by exploring the relationships between human body and designed form. The user will define the intention of the space and its form based on their personality and human body. We will also be introduced to basic design principles such as rudimentary ways in which to order and organize spaces and forms. Also, developing an understanding of scale and proportion in relationship with body and space. 

We will have to translate the user's personality and design intentions thru designing 'Furnitecture' that transforms to architecture using cardboard and cardboard fittings and assemblies. The cardboard furniture must be highly functional and usable. 

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. To further the student's concern about elementary user needs. 
2. To introduce and create an awareness of the scale and proportion of the human body. 
3. To create how human anthropometry and ergonomics relate to shape and the space. 
4. To introduce the role of human behaviour in shaping the space and dictating activities. 
5. To introduce basic design principles and terminologies on deciding spatial and form configuration. 
6. To create and work on full scale installation in order to further visualize efficiency, functionality, quality of space and articulation form. 

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. Generate design concepts through the process of exploring various sources and abstracting ideas. 
2. Identifying key architectural design elements and principles with the ability to discern how they inform space and form. 
3. Relate the idea of the individual 'self' and the body to space and its experiential qualities. 
4. Utilize process-oriented approach involving sketching and model-making as tools for generating developing design ideas. 

Our Furnitecture

Front view 

Side view: Plug and pull shelf

Rear view

Side view: Pentagonal shade

Board 1

Board 2

Board 3

Board 4

Board 5

 Check out the slide show our sketches, study models and also the making process.


Reflection
It was our first group project for design studio. A lot of teamwork is needed in this group work as we are constructing a one to one scale model. A lot of things also has to be taken into consideration as we are only allowed to use cardboard as the material. There are also problems after problems that we encounter but we manage to overcome it and get it done with our project. It was a fun, tiring and also an interesting semester 1 experience.