Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
Architecture Culture & History [ARC 60203]
Project 1: Precedent Studies
This is a group and individual project to investigate the Architecture of Modern Masters. Firstly, we were divided into group of 5 to study our selected building. My group members are Cheah Hoong Fei, Joshua Ting Sing Rong, The Xue Kai, and Yii Hong Gin. Our selected building is Martin House by Frank LLoyd Wright. Our final submission is to produce an individual essay, a presentation board and verbal presentation on the submission day.
Individual Essay
In the individual essay, each of us has to explain one of the topics of the assigned building such as Spatial Organization, Structure, Materials and Construction, Components, Massing/Form and The External Façade. The topic I chose is Spatial Organization. From this exercise, I am able to analyze and identify specific architectural features in terms of space planning, technology, details, form and the aesthetics of the architecture of Modern Masters. For example, I have learnt that in Darwin D. Martin House, one of the most important influences on Frank Lloyd Wright is emphasized throughout the open and flowing design of the cruciform and hearth-centered floor plan. The hearth of the plan is important for its large central fireplaces where it became a pivot point from which all space emanated. Also, it is moral and spiritual center of the house where it is essential for family gathering.
Group Presentation Board
In this group task, I have learnt how to create understanding in my audience visually by composing factual information and descriptive sketches on a presentation board. For example, in the spatial organization part, I used the floor plans of the Martin House to present the information such as open plan and the circulation. In the final submission of this presentation board, we used water color, pen hatching and other rendering to make it more interesting.
Verbal Presentation
It is a group final Presentation. Our task is to communicate our selected building through analysis drawings, diagrams and essay. I am not satisfied with our presentation as we did not prepare well for it.
Overall, through this precedent study, I have increased my understanding on the principle, ideas and contributing factors of the architecture of Modern Masters. . Also, we have learnt the merits and demerits of each other’s through this project. For instance, some of us are good in sketching, some are good in building analysis, and some are good in verbal presentation. Therefore, we helped each other to complete this project and we have built a better rapport among each other.
Mid-term Exam
It is an open book mid-term online test. It covered all topics that we have learnt from chapter 1 to chapter 6. Frankly, I did not have enough time to study well for this test as we were having a lot of assignments and projects during that week. So fortunately, it is an open book test! I was able answer all the question and submitted on time with the help of the lecture notes given by lecturers. From this test, I knew my weakness which is my poor time management. I should manage my time well to study for my test. However, from this test, I am able to describe the development of the main strands of western architecture over the last 200 years. Also I can identify some of the issues involved in the interrelationship between theory and design as exemplified in various historical periods and places. Lastly, I am able to interpret architectural language in relation to the development of Western architecture between Industrial Revolution and post-World War 2.
Project 2: Web Book
Our final project is a group and individual project. This project is about compiling all the information of a selected building in essays, submits it using a web book platform and present it during the submission day. Again, we form a group of 5 and my group mates are Cheah Hoong Fei, Joshua Ting Sing Rong, The Xue Kai and Yii Hong Gin. Our selected building is Parliament Building, Kuala Lumpur.
Group Task
Before doing the report, five of us visited to the Parliament Building with another group of friends who also doing the same building. The visit made us understand more about the building which we couldn’t find in its official website. After that, five of us work together to complete this group task which is to introduce the selected building such as building name, location, function, history of the building, and the architect. Also, as a group, we have to conclude the report at the end. From this group task, I have increased understanding on the principle, ideas and contributing factors of Modern Architecture in Klang Valley.
Individual Task
There are 3 main paragraphs for individual task which are Architecture Style Analysis, Building Construction & Materials Analysis and Architectural Elements/ Components Analysis. The individual task is to choose one of the topics to analyze them with photos, sketches or diagram as evidence. Cheah Hoong Fei and I chose the Architectural Components for our individual task. I did the exterior components whereas he did the interior components. My exterior components consist of the statue, landscape, bridge, deer park and so on. I have also included the photo taken by Cheah Hoong Fei as an evidence of my analysis. From this task, I am able to analyze and identify specific architectural features of Modern Architecture in Klang Valley. In addition, I am also able to document architectural heritage in the form of writings, descriptive diagrams and photography.
Web Book
This was my first time doing a web book. Hence, it spent many of our time from designing the layout to the compilation of web book. Five of us discuss together and we decided to use simple layout with white background to emphasis the white Parliament Building. Also, as it was the first time we use In Design to do our final project, we learnt everything from Youtube. Frankly, from not knowing what to do to with new software, to a flipping web book, we really felt happy and proud of ourselves! Through this project, I am also able to create a web book as a mean to publish academic materials. I appreciate everything I have learnt in this final project! I believe it will help me in my future project for sure. =D
Here's the slideshows of photos of Parliament Building!
Click it to have a full size pictures!
Here's the Web Book Link! Enjoy =D