[DStudio1] Project 3: Dreamspace for the User 'Space for the Self'

For the final project, we were asked to design a 'Hideout' for ourselves. This is an individual project. Using the knowledge we've learnt from the previous projects and applying on the final project. We are required to design a space for the self by attaching it to the walls/surfaces of an imagined 'city' in an empty abandoned lot between two buildings. The space is to fit a specific use (as a dream space: for viewing, space for contemplating, space for self-exploration, space for exercising, space for dreaming, space showcasing and so to speak a dream space for the user).

The understanding is to be architecturally translated into a series of connected spaces (2-3 spaces) that successfully establishes the quality and articulation of the interior and of exterior design. Concept shall evidently show the experiential and spatial quality. We are also required to consider on both the physical and non-physical requirements of the self.

There would be 3 stages for this project:
Task 1: Narrative writing on discovering your personality, or even based in the persona, life scenario story and journey of the user from where the theme of the hideout can be extracted.
Task 2: Organizing the 2-3 spaces which encompasses the design principle in spatial relationships and organization. The spaces can be explored through hierarchal arrangement by its meaning, significance, importance and also capturing more on the essence of the narrative. It should be explored in the sense of the spaces as well.
Task 3: Exploration of materiality. By generating and exploring the ideas and concept from the narrative and spatial exploration, notions and experiential effects of materials and the sense in the final design should also be considered.


Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. To further the students ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative.
2. To introduce and create awareness in understanding the dimensional requirements of the human body (anthropometrics and ergonomics).
3. To explore and apply basic design principles and terminologies.
4. To be able to consider objective and subjective parameters in the design process to create a space this is practical yet poetic. 
5. To explore how the selection and application of materials in relation to the sensory experience of space. 
6. To be able to select and make different study models (sketch, concept, diagram, section and development models).

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. Generate design concepts through the process of exploring carious sources and abstracting ideas. 
2. Identify 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. Articulate and apply architectural design elements, principles and materials to create an architectural composition that demonstrates place-making. 
5. Utilize a process-oriented approach involving sketching and model-making as tools for generating and developing design ideas. 
6. Produce legible orthogonal drawings and architectural models to visualize and communicate final design. 

Attached below are my final presentation boards and model: 

Me at my presentation station.

Presentation Board 1

Presentation Board 2

Presentation Board 3

Front Elevation

Balcony space and stairs to the top balcony.

Standing view from the top balcony.

Side Elevation

Interior view of the 'Understand' space (Space 2)

The 'In-depth thinking' space (Space 1)

Without the building walls. 

Top View showing the interior from plan view.

Rear Elevation

Showing the sitting area and built-in shelves on the building's wall.

Reflection

This is counted as a big final project as an individual one. External accessors were also there to grade our works and I find it amusing where we get to have this kind of first time exposure as well. This project allows me to enhance my design thru a narrative or story which we would like to portray. It also taught me that in every design there could be a deep meaning behind it. Although design doesn't come quick and some sleep has to be sacrificed but overall, I love my design and look forward for more. Perhaps I could also improve some of my workmanship as well. 

[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.

[DStudio1] Project 1: Self-Expression through Object 'Representing Me'

For our first project for design studio, we were given the task to explore our creativity by making a mask, headgear or glove which represents ourselves in design. It was an ice breaking exercise. Before even entering into designing buildings, we were asked to explore in design.


Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. To explore different possibilities of generating ideas thorough rigorous design processes. 
2. To explore various approaches in translating ideas and abstracting translation and interpretation. 
3. To explore varied forms of artwork in communication and expression of self and its sense. 
4. To enhance ability not only in sketching but in crafting three dimensional design or art form. 

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. Generate design concepts through the process of exploring various sources and abstracting ideas. 
2. Identify key architectural design elements and principles with the ability to discern how they inform space and form. 
3. Utilize a process-oriented approach involving sketching and model-making as tools for generating and developing design ideas. 

To start of this project, we were given the task to use words or narratives to describe our 'self'. Next would be generating ideas with sketches of how would we want the form of ourself to look like by using the Design Principles and Elements as a guideline (The design has to be in abstract form). With the help of the tutors, we were able to improve our design with the help of the comments given as well as some feedbacks from peers in tutorial class. Next would be the selection of form. I chose headgear as my form as it represents my quality and self well. Lastly, it would be the selection and application of materials in the design. 

My Board 

Front View

Side View (Left)

Rear View

Side View (Right)

A slideshow on the making process.



Reflection
This project was a tough one. From not a design based background, I find it quite difficult to understand what actually design is and it is not that simple. Design can be anything, I am still in the process of learning and I will do my best in the future. However, from this project I get to explore deeply on my personality and characteristics which was also a tough task. Overall, it was an interesting start off. The day of presentation itself was fun, you get to see people with their own designs and also walking on a runway presenting ourselves.