YANG JING LOO's eportfolio
Project 1
Preliminary studies
In group of 8, we are to analyze the site character and identity conditions of the urban streetscape and urban behavioral patterns of JALAN BESAR, SOUTH KLANG. We are to produce documentation such as diagrams, mappings, photographic images, drawings and models to record and communicate site analysis findings.
Individual Conclusion
Macro Site Analysis
Macro Studies (of about 500m radius):
We are required to demonstrate an understanding of urban issue given in the scenario above.
Key concepts and themes to be discussed in relation to the analysis include:
a) PERCEPTION: Way-finding (5 Lynchian elements of legibility), Serial vision (Gordon Cullen’s)
b) FORMAL: Built-form typologies and Morphology, Figure/Ground Mapping
c) SOCIAL: Patterns of Movement and Use, Human Behaviour, Street Culture, Building types.
An intensive use of diagramming and mapping to represent ideas and findings, is imperative. The conclusion from the urban analysis is formulated in SWOT format, identifying urban issues and inspirations.
Micro Site Analysis
Micro Studies (of about 200m radius)
Workshop on keywords or narratives, on micro scales. It is imperative that
a) an intensive use of diagramming and mapping to represent ideas and findings and
b) the relevance of macro studies to the site and micro studies is consistent.
The notion of place making is important here through the ideas of sense of place and key characteristics of the city. Use the various themes to connect to the context such as
i) urban form,
ii) function,
iii) society,
iv) history and
v) perception.
Concluding the micro study with a representation of design position or scenario or idea.
Precedent Studies
Each group is required to study and analyse two precedent studies; one from international context and the other from tropical cities; to cover the aspects of a) community library, b) tropical architecture and c) infill context. In analyzing the precedents, we should develop an understanding and awareness of:-
(1) What is an Urban Infill?
This investigation is to help understand what an urban infill is, and what are the architectural strategies (massing, spatial planning, façade design, etc.) adopted that are necessary in response to its physical context and functional programme. Investigate what were the regulatory laws that the architects were required to comply to as well.
(2) What is a Community Library?
In this module, we shall define the community library as a “place which provides public with access to books and periodicals acts as social meeting grounds for an urban/suburban community”. This part of the Precedent Study entails an investigation into a relevant example of a community library and inquiry into establishing its role within its specific context and community. Analysis on form, function and circulation of the cases, is imperative here.
(3) What are the design elements of tropical architecture?
In one of your precedent studies, you are to highlight the design elements that are significant to tropical architecture. Such elements could be courtyards, interstitial spaces, hot air escape routes and so on.
Key themes and criteria that require consideration in this study include the following: Programmatic Response, Formal Response, Street response, Public/Private Realms, Society & Culture.
Project 2
Urban Infill - Community Library - Jalan Besar, Klang
Designing a community library within an urban infill site. The design of the building is to consist of appropriate architectural responses that address the aspects of the urban street context and user behavioural patterns as discerned and analysed in the Preliminary Studies.
Apart from developing a narrative on architectural strategy in response to the relevant questions pertaining to community and its context, the design is take into consideration a holistic application of structural, spatial, functional and environmental requirements to address the user needs for a community library. The design development of this project will include an introduction to the legislative restrictions that impact an architectural scheme, the integration of lighting and acoustic design, as well as the design exploration and detailing of the façade and building envelopes that is coherent with the architectural language of the overall design project.
Final Boards
Model
Reflection
For this final project, the learning outcome are demonstrate the fundamental knowledge of Design Codes and Regulations. Explore plan-section and elevational studies to resolve relevant aesthetic, construction and environmental issues in the design development phase. Produce a design outcome that encompasses the appropriate site-specific architectural responses through its formal, cultural, legislative, structural and environmental design solutions for specific urban issues. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), models and presentations to verbally and visually communicate architectural ideas and scheme.
The idea of community library is recent in the architecture narration. Specific community from your urban analysis of project 1; community could mean people sharing the urban location, context and of holding similar interests. It will be a focus for a variety of cultural, learning and recreational opportunities.
All areas of the Library is safe and accessible for all potential users, regardless of any physical or other disability. Circulation in the library should be given careful consideration so that the public and library facilities accessed appropriately. This will influence the design of every part of the building, from convenient drop-off/parking spaces for people with disabilities and barrier-free access to the entrance, right down to the appropriate height and stability of furniture and equipment.
