[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! 

[BMat] Project 1: Classification of Building Materials

For our first project for Building Materials, it is a group work which consists of 3 people per group. The weightage for this assignment would be 30%. In this project, we were given the choice to choose a certain building which uses 3 types of materials from the list given in the brief which is Bricks, Stones, Concrete and Glass (compulsory). Since glass is compulsory, we are required to select 2 other materials among the 3.

The members in the group are:
1. Heng Rui Ying (myself)
2. Nurul Shahira bt. Muhd. Ali Kuan
3. Seow Koji Takehira


Objectives of Project
The task of this project is to select and architect and their building that utilizes several types of building materials, namely stones, concrete, brick and glass. The students are required to analyze the materials that are used by the Architect fot the building that is chosen and produce a presentation board that explains the characters of the building materials and how these materials relate with the surrounding context.

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

1. Recognize how intrinsic forms, limitations and boundaries of a material become factors in design considerations. 
2. Effectively work with a material in line with design requirements. 
3. Be able to express a material within its contextual application (solid and transparency)
4. Be able to recognize elements of modularity, symmetry and asymmetry in the materials applies on the buildings. 

The building be and my members chose was Shulman Home and Studio by Lorcan O' Herlihy Architects. 

Shulman Home and Studio by LOHA located at Los Angeles, CA, USA.

The buildings materials used widely were glass, concrete and brick which fulfilled the requirements of the brief for this project. With the help of teamwork, we manage to compile the informations needed to fill in the board such as the advantages, disadvantages, characteristics and also the expression of the materials. We were also required to compile informations on the architect and building's background as well. I did the part of compiling the architect's information. 

Each of us were in charge of an orthographic drawing of the building to ease the burden. I was in charge of the section. We have to hand drawn it and also has to be in scale. We were required to provide sample materials too. 

And the attached would be the outcome of our board:

The front page of our presentation board. Consists of the architect and building information. Also, the section, plan and elevation as well as a brief introduction on the materials used.

The back page of our presentation board. Consists mainly on the information of the materials used in the building. 

Reflection

It was a fun and yet an ice-breaking project. Allowing us to bond among the group members and also being able to do work together as well. It was an interesting project where we get to know more about building materials and other more interesting facts and informations that we never knew before. Besides, it is also fun looking for buildings which consists the following criteria as we are able to have discussions on selecting a certain building that we all agree on. Overall, time wasn't a problem for us, we have our group meetings every week to catch up on everyone's progress and we managed to finish in time.