Building Technology

Project 1 : Industrialised Building System

Introduction

This is a group assignment which predominantly relates to the topics of Industrialised Building System (IBS) as well as the materials’ embodied energy. Before embarking on this project students will be exposed with different types and methods of the IBS system and the calculation of embodied energy of different building materials in the classroom. First, the group has to design a 3-storey apartment block using mainly IBS components. Then, the group has to construct a physical model of the building to imitate the actual IBS construction process and to record all the process in a video.

Task

1. Form a group of 5 or 6 students.
2. Perform a study on a building preferably an apartment, which was constructed fully or partially using IBS method and identify all the IBS components used including appropriate sizes, etc.
3. Design one or two types of apartment units which size should not exceed 100 square meters and consists of a living hall, a dining area, three bedrooms and two toilets. The design should incorporate mainly IBS components such as precast wall, hollow core slab, precast staircase, toilet pod, prefabricated timber roof truss, etc. with appropriate sizes.
4. The units should be arranged as follows and made into three levels. However, for the model one side of the building can be cut into half to show the cross section.
5. Construct the IBS components of the model individually then joint all of them together in the actual way that an IBS building is constructed. All the process including fabrication of components and sequence of construction in the production of the model should be included in the video. A number of blow-up connection details of different parts of the model should also be produced.
6. Also provide in the video some descriptions about the building and construction system concerning energy efficiency and ecological impact as well as the embodied energy calculations.

Video

Project 02: Construction Solutions

Introduction
This assignment is aligned with the Studio Design Project (semester 4 and 5) and aims to facilitate students in the technical studies and development of their design. It deals with the analysis and establishment of the structural and the envelope systems of the student’s design to ensure that the design has logical and workable construction systems. It also encourages students to think about construction as integral part of the design and not just an afterthought. Most of the times amateur designers tend to design their spaces without thinking about the construction aspects and later on have to change and redesign their schemes due to the designs were unbuildable. This assignment was design with the intention to tackle this issue and to increase the technical competency of students.

This assignment relates to student’s CURRENT studio design project (studio 4 or 5) however the final product may not be the same as the final design in the studio. It consists of TWO parts:

Task 1: Alternative Design Schemes

1. Conduct some precedent studies of recent, complex or unique construction systems that could be applied in the design. They should include the following:
  A) The roof system (reinforced concrete flat roof, green roof and the common roof trusses are prohibited)
  B) TWO (2) facade systems (the common glass curtain wall systems are prohibited)

  C) The structural system including the floor system (the common reinforced concrete post-and-beam system is prohibited)

2. Next, conduct a thorough study on all the systems to answer the following questions:
  i) What is the type of construction system used?
  ii) What is/are the material(s) used in the system?
  iii) How is the system constructed? (i.e. detailing)
  iv) What is/are the advantage(s) of the system?
  v) What is/are the disadvantage(s) of the system?
  vi) Why did you choose the system considering the advantages and disadvantages of it?

Your answers to the questions should be in the form of writing and sketches and accompanied by images from the precedent studies.

3. Then, using the similar systems as the ones in the case studies, produce TWO (2) alternatives of façade design schemes for the current studio design project. Each design scheme should include only the front and the rear façades (in scale 1:100) together with the neighbouring buildings. The drawings can be created based on the students’ current progress in the studio.

Task 2: Sectional Perspectives

Task 2 on the other hand is intended to facilitate students to develop practical construction solutions and detailing for their own design through the production of sectional perspective drawings of spaces. Students are required to produce detail sectional perspective drawing of TWO interesting spaces (as shown in Figure 1) in their design; which consists of a room on the ground floor and a room on the top floor.

The sectional perspective of the room on the ground floor should show the connections between the foundations, ground floor slab, façade, structures and the upper floor slab. On the top floor the sectional perspective should highlight the connections between the floor slab, structures, façade, and the roof. The drawings should be produced in appropriate scale (between 1:50 to 1:30), clearly annotated and accompanied by dimensions.​

Report :-

Reflection
Through project 1, I have given a chance to understand the construction method of IBS system using precast construction. However it has guide me and understand with the construction steps as well during the model making and video recording. This is really interesting where I finally know how the construction take part after the design drawing has been handed in.In the same time, we also has the opportunity to use the laser cut for our model making which kind of new fresh thing for me cause I didn't really saw how it's work before beside of listening.

However for project 2, this is also a good project which allow us to study with construction detail such as structure system, facade system, roof system and etc. This is a more detail part compare to project. This subject has taught me a lot of things and thanks to Ms Cheryl for the guidance that allow me to finish up this subject throughout the whole sem.

Studio

Architecture Design Studio 5 focuses on urban study which carry the knowledge of current urban design. It aims to explore and design the community library for the society on the entire site. Students will have to begin with preliminary studies as an introduction of learning the context of the site and analyse it . After that, student need to developed with a design of community library for the street and take into the consideration of the previous analysis.

Project 1 : Preliminary Studies

TASK:
Site Analysis
The purpose of the Site Analysis is to observe and record the site’s current condition, and to collect additional information to be used in the initial design conceptualization and strategy phase.
Key concepts and themes to be discussed in relation to the analysis include: Way-finding (5 Lynchian Principles), Typology and Morphology, Figure/Ground Mapping, Patterns of Movement and Use, Human Behaviour, Street Culture

LEARNING OUTCOME:
1. Conduct case studies and site analysis to generate an understanding of the physical and cultural context and development of urban environments
2. Determine and describe the role of a community library in a contemporary urban setting
3. Examine and establish appropriate architectural responses and strategies for designing within an urban infill site
4. Produce necessary documentation (diagrams, mappings, photographic images, orthographic drawings and models) to record and communicate site analysis findings, and for further use in the coming design stages

Precedent Study Board :-

Project 2 : Urban Infill Library @ Sentul

Learning Outcomes:

• Learnt to design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context.
• Gained better understanding about spatial planning for a public building.
• Able to generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with various considerations.
• Able to incorporate larger context into designing.

Presentation Board :-

Building Science 2

Project 1: Lighting & Acoustic Performance Evaluation and Design

Task

This assignment is intended to be completed in a group of 6/7 students per group to evaluate their environment in terms of lighting and acoustics performances. Each group is required to choose a case study from the list of buildings provided. Prepare a measured drawing with appropriate scale of your case study. Show all the necessary features which effect on the lighting and acoustics conditions of your case study. Identification of adequacy of the quantity of light and sound/noise for the case study needed to be carried out.

Learning outcome:

• Able to produce a complete documentation on analysis of space in relation to lighting requirement eg. natural and artificial lighting. (Pictures, sketches and drawing) and analysis of factors which affects the lighting design of a space.
• Explore and apply understanding of building physic eg. Lighting towards building/ construction technology and building materials on existing building projects.
• Able to evaluate and explore the improvisation by using current material and technology in relevance to present construction industry.
• Basic understanding and analysis of lighting layout and arrangements by using certain methods or calculations eg. Lumen method and PSALI.
• Basic understanding and analysis of acoustic design layout and arrangements by using certain methods or calculations eg. Reverberation time and sound transmission coefficient.

Report :-

Light analysis

Acoustic Analysis

Project 2 : Integration Project with Studio 5

Objectives 

• To be able to show understanding of lighting and acoustics principles in their final design.
• To be able to solve design problems in relation to sustainability issues (natural lighting, site analysis)
• To be able to design spaces incorporating lighting and acoustics (when necessary).

Learning Outcome

• Produce site analysis which document, interpret and analyze the site context in relation to lighting and acoustics.
• Identify and analyze functional needs through case studies to inform of lighting and acoustics.

Report :-

Theories of Architecture and Urbanism

Task A : Synopsis 

TASK:
Students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper. The aim of this assignment is for the students to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper of the text.

A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raised through the text.

Each students is to prepare and submit reaction papers as synopsis of the given reading during tutorial sessions. 

LEARNING OUTCOME:

1.Describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and urbanism and its related studies

2. Relate architectural theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms

Task B : The Image of City

TASK:
Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the image of a city based on Kevin Lynch’s most famous work, The Image of the City (1960). The project consisted of 2 parts; the first is to identify Lynch’s 5 elements; path, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks within a selected city and the second part is to produce an essay with a cognitive mapping of the city.

This project comprises of 2 parts:PART A(IDENTIFY 5 ELEMENTS) & PART B(ILLUSTRATED ESSAY WITH COGNITIVE MAPPING)

PART A:
Student is to select a city and identify the 5 elements in the city. Then,  produce 5 A4 size illustrated diagrams of the city identifying the 5 elements accompanied with an introduction page of the city.

PART B:
Part b of the project requires students to create cognitive mapping of selected significant urban spaces in the city of KL to understand one’s perception and spatial behavior in cities today. Using the cognitive map students are required to present a critical understanding of emerging contemporary urbanism in KL city spaces . Then, produce 2000 words illustrated essay with 1 A3 size cognitive mapping of selected urban spaces.

LEARNING OUTCOME:
1. Analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories
2. Analyse and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context
3. Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture

Part A :-

Task B :-

Reflections:

This module has provide us a new perspective towards design and architecture of urbanism. It is much different compare to the previous design. At the same time, this has also give us a guide to our studio project which lead us to provide a good design. Based on the synopsis, I have learn much on the vocabulary in term of writing essay. However at the same time, task b which is the 5 elements of Kevin Lynch are very important and useful for our studio. It helps me much to analyse on our site and lead me some good information to tackle the issues that face on the site.

Building Structure

Project 1

Objective of Project

• To develop student's understanding of tension and compressive strength of onstruction materials
• To develop student's understanding of fore distribution in a truss
• To design a perfect truss bridge whih fulfills the follwing criterias : 
•  High level of  aestheti value
• Minimal construction material

Report

Reflection

A new way to understand about bridge and also the force among the bridge by calculation. Through this project, I have know that a strong bridge not really all come from a strong material but also the interior of the bridge itself. Appropriate load distribution can cause different sustainability of the bridge.

Project 2

Objective of Project

• To introduce the basix process of building structures design process to the students
• To enable the students to have a holisti experience including Concept and Struture Layout Design, Building Struture Engineering Consideration, Structure Members Sizing and Calculations, Final Report and Presentation

Report

Reflection
A new calculation as well to understand more deeply about beams and column and how it fore distribute, I would say this project has taught me much of structural system and understand the structural concept of column and beams of a building. A good project with good knowledge inside, much appreciated.

Building Service

Project 1

The objective of this project is as follows:
1. To develop students understanding and knowledge of building services systems in design and construction.
2. To apply appropriate building services system and solution for a specific design.
3. To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of applicability of specific building services systems in the design in response to practical considerations.
4. To develop students’ ability to resolve issues related to specific building services systems.

Board 1

Board 2

Reflection

Through this project,I learn mostly about these 4 system that common can see in my daily life, to be honest it's like a whole new stuff to me but at least i know how it works after this project, amazing.

Project 2

The objectives of this assignment are as follows: 

1. To introduce students to the basic principles, process and equipment of various building services systems through real life project (experiential learning). 

2. To expose students to the integration of various building services systems in a building. 

3. To allow students to demonstrate their understanding of building services systems 

4. To develop students’ understanding and familiarity on the drawing conventions and standards for different building services systems 

Slide for Report

Board 

Reflection 
Through this project, I would say that this project can consider an achievement after finish it because for the project 1, it has been really a big new stuff for me but then compare to these, that's a big different. This project is kind of understand more deeply into big building service system. A big thanksful for lecturer that gave us this project and also appreciate the hard work of group mate and their cooperation.

Asian Architecture

PROJECT 1: CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURE STUDY & CASE STUDY PAPER

Objectives

Through this project, I have become able to:

• Integrate architectural design and research through a specific case study that supports my design through extensive research within the framework of sustainability of design in Asia.
• Collect, index and evaluate information; analyse information; compile and organise studies; write studies; assemble illustrations and text; design layouts; bind and present my findings..
• 
  

Learning Outcomes

Through this project, I have gained the ability to:

• Analyse and discuss in depth on the selected research area based on the selected building, within the framework of Contextual Architecture.
• Identify significant elements of Contextual Architecture through investigation on the selected building.
• Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of Contextual Architecture of the selected building.
• Produce a case study paper of at least 2000 words long
• Produce a Power Point presentation which contains an outline of the paper covering key issues and themes explored, as well as bibliography.

Submission Requirements

PART A - Contextual Architecture Study

• Consisting of the identification of a building that has both vernacular architecture references and strong contextual elements.
• After this identification, extensive literature reviews are conducted to identify both the vernacular architecture references and contextual elements.
• The findings are to be shown on an A2 presentation board.

PART B - Case Study Report

• Using the same building, an issue or topic is identified to define the scope of study, and the title of the research determined based on the issue.
• A concept mapping is generated that highlights the issue of the case study that includes the proposed research title and research questions, to give an overview of the proposed case study paper in A4 printed sheets
• A Power Point presentation was prepared to briefly summarize the content of the research paper.
• The abstract of the paper was constructed in A4 printed sheets.
• The final submission of the complete research paper of at least 2000 words in A4 printed sheets.

PART A : CONTEXTURE ARCHITECTURE STUDY

PART B : CASE STUDY REPORT


Reflection

Through this project, I have a chance to get to know more deep into Belum Rainforest Resort and also the aesthetic of Malay vernacular house.Every design of them is very unique and functional compare to other country building. 

Besides of this, this project also help me to solve my problem for studio during the process of designing. The elements that introduce for Malay Vernacular are truely a strong method to solve current whether problem and also benefit the users of the building.

I can conclude that this project has taught me much about technical theory besides of just design building and also enhance the function of my studio project for this semester.