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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA) Research Unit
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 1 [ARC 60105]
Project 2: Self Expression through Architectural Space’ LIFE CAPSULE’
Project 2 Group (of 6-8 members)
LO
3,4,5,
7
30% of
total mark
Verbal
presentation
A2 panels+ study
models+ Actual
scaled model
Images: Creative and
multiple use of Space
Introduction
The main aim of Project 2 is to expand the interpretation of one self and heighten the awareness of
students about the human body, interaction of space and body, and explores the role of reasoning
and logic in shaping the form and space. Secondly, a group work to allow collaborating of ideas.
The group will pick one of their members which will become the user of the capsule. All design
considerations will be based on the chosen group member’s body dimensions and the occupation
that he/she will portray (ex; painter, artist, photographer, scientist, musician, writer, or itself as an
architecture student and others).
Project involves designing a ‘Life Capsule’: a confined space which will house multi-functional
furniture(s) which the user can use for several positions and for activities within a 24 hours period.
This project consists of two major stages 2a: Interim ‘The Shell’ which the student (group) will
design the life capsule envelope and Project 2b: Final ‘Furnitecture’ wherein student (group) will
creatively design the internal space of the capsule or a can be one multi-functional furniture to
address users various positions (seating, lying down, reading, painting and others) which will be
corresponding to its activities. The very limited space will challenge the group to thoroughly
examine their design approach by strictly considering and adhering to anthropometrics and
ergonomics requirements.
Project 2 enhances students analytical and creative skills through designing a limited space and
create the most functional and interesting ‘Life Capsule’. The project will likewise enhance their
design exploration skills through scaled/study models and then is blown up to a full scaled
installation.

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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 shape the space.
4. To introduce the role of human behavior 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. Document, sketch and explain from personal experiences of the built and natural
environment
2. Apply the understanding of basic architectural design principles, and the notion of body
and space interactions.
3. Maximize utilization of sketching, study modelling and other preliminary design tools going
through the process-oriented approach in developing designs.
4. Prepare and enhance student’s verbal communication and presentation skills.
Project 2a: Interim is to be presented to tutor assigned. Project 2B: Final to be presented to
lecturers assigned.
Tasks - Methodology
RESEARCH ON ANTROPOMETRICS, ERGONOMICS & OTHERS
CHOOSE A USER
(Select 1 member of the group to act as the user of the ‘Life Capsule’.
Anthropometric considerations are to be based on the body dimension of the user)
CLIENT PROFLE & NARRATIVE
Chosen group member can role play into a particular profession:
(Painter, researcher, singer, photographer, scientist and etc.)
Identify preferences, desires, needs and wants for form and space.
TRANSLATE TO USER REQUIREMENTS
(EX. Painter: Sitting to paint, storage for art stuff, access to view outside and other)
EXECUTE DESIGN & PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Project 2: Interim ‘The Shell’ Interim Submission: group is to design to explore form: design through
study models, Final idea is to be presented in Scale 1:10 mts.
Project 2: Final ‘Furnitecture’ group are to explore the space and multifunctional design. Final idea
and design is to be presented in scale 1:1 (actual size) functional ‘Furnitecture’ Model’ using
Cardboard fittings and assembly.

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Few Important Terminologies:
Life Capsule: Life (user) + Capsule (container), single occupant multi-functional contained limited
space that allows the user to perform both basic activities and movement such as: seating,
sleeping, eating, standing and other activities such as reading, exercising, painting and others.
 Kisho Kurukawa in 1972 designed ‘The Nakagin Tower, a capsule tower which pioneered
compact has it all confinement, wherein a very limited room space contains all the basic
necessities of the user.
Shell: or capsule, means the outer cover, envelop or form exterior of a confinement.
‘Furnitecture’: Furniture+ Architecture means: 1. Furniture that is intended to accompany
architecture, 2. Furniture and architecture become one, 3. Furniture which mimics architecture and
structure and 4. Furniture built like architecture serving different function to man/user.
Anthropometrics: Study of human body and its movement.
Ergonomics: Study of people and their relationship with the environment around them.
Cardboard Fittings and Assemblies: ‘glue less’ method of assembly.
Tasks – Design Guidelines
 Group is required to design a space in group of 6-8.
To be confirmed with Tutor, Each Tutorial group should have Maximum 2 Groups.
 Maximum dimension of capsule shall not exceed 8.00 cu.mts.
 ‘Life Capsule’ will be used for single occupancy only and for duration of 24 hours
 Furniture and space should be multi-functional wherein it should contain the various needs and
desires of the user.
 Life Capsule should consider light, ventilation, and enclosure. Safety, security and comfort.
 A re-conceptualization of furniture is a MUST. No traditional furniture since dimensions may not
fit such limited space. Space can be the furniture itself.
 Site can be anywhere. There is no specific site given to the project.
 Consider incorporating elements and principles of design when designing.
 ‘Furni-tecture’ 1:1 Model MUST use fitting techniques and ‘ glue less’ construction as it will be
exhibited outdoors.
 ‘Furni-tecture’ 1:1 Model is to be: a. made in parts and to be assembled on site for display, b. to
be disassembled after display and c. To be contained and stored properly and in the most
organized manner (in a box or boxes). *Cleanliness and organization of work will be marked
carefully.
 Model assembly is to be drawn in A-2 board.
 Design work should emphasize on :
How does the body shape the space? and how does the space dictate the body movement?

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Submission Requirements
INTERIM SUBMISSION
Project 2a - ‘The Shell’ (Life Capsule Form)
 Poster design should fit concept of the Life Capsule (on Butter Paper)
- May use Diagrams, Mind Maps to avoid lengthy texts.
- Should clearly stipulate the user’s body dimension, activities, personality,
occupation, needs, desires and likes.
- Sketches of drawings and studies.
 A-2 (Scale 1:20 mts) (on Butter Paper)
- PLAN (Floor Plan)
- ELEVATION (Front and 1- Side Elevation)
- SECTION (showing user activity/movement)
 Study Model(s) / Final Study model (Scale 1:10)
Note: All boards are to be produced manually. Images and drawings should be properly labelled
and annotated.
FINAL SUBMISSION
Project 2b- ‘Furnitecture’
 1:1 Model Installation & assembly
- For this project, you are required to produce a 1: 1 installation which shows the
‘Furnitecture’ (Life Capsule’s interior)
- Model using cardboard installation and assembly that measure up to a volume not
more than 8.0 cu.mts.
 TWO (2) Panel of A-2 Board, Poster type presentation (1:20 Scale)
 Floor Plan(s)
 TWO (2)- Elevations(front and one side)
 ONE (1)- Section
 Mode Assembly diagram & illustration (or picture images)
 ONE (1) Panel A-2 Board, Poster design should fit concept of the Life Capsule
- May use Diagrams, Mind Maps to avoid lengthy texts.
- Should clearly stipulate the user’s body dimension, activities, personality,
occupation, needs, desires and likes.
- Sketches of drawings and studies.
- Diagram showing effective consideration for Anthropometrics.
Submission Date
 Project 2a: ‘ The Shell’ -Interim Presentation
Week 6- 27th April 2015
 Pin up 8:00-9:00 AM
 Part 2b: ‘Furni-tecture’ -Final Submission & Exhibition (Venue to be confirmed)
Week 8-15th May 2015
 Assembly Time 8:00-10:00 AM

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Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
Marking Criteria
Marks%
AcquiredTGC
FAIL
POOR
SATISFACTORY
GOOD
EXCELLENT
SPACE-MAKING
How the design has
incorporated anthropometrics
and articulation of space
based on user requirements
These will be assessed via the
following
100 1,3,5,7
Ability to write a Design
Narrative. (Clear intention, User
Needs, wants and preferences)
5
Rigorous thinking / design
processes. Sketches & Study
Models (Interim)
15
Creative use of space & ability
to apply Anthropometrics,
ergonomics in design.
20
Form Articulation & Design
10
Compliance with the project
requirements and brief.
10
Quality of Visual Presentation/
Drawings & panel composition
10
Quality of 1:1 Actual Model
Installation (craftsmanship)
25
Ability to present ideas verbally
& respond to questions
5

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Suggested References
Perception and Experience:
1. Rasmussen, Steen Eiler. 1993. Experiencing Architecture. The Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. USA.
Sketching and Perception:
1. Laseau, Paul. 2001. Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers. John Wiley: New York. (See
Chapter 2: Drawing
Openings in Architecture:
1. Meiss, Pierre. 2002. Elements of Architecture: From Form to Place. Spon Press: London. (See
Chapter 1: Openings)
Model-making:
1. Mills, Criss . 2000. Designing with Models: A studio guide to making and using architectural design
models, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York.
2. Porter, Tom 2000. Architectural Supermodels, Architectural Press, Boston, Mass.
Ergonomics and body related issues:
1. Neufert, Ernst 1980. Architects’ Data, Blackwell Science, Oxford
2. .Henry Dreyfuss Associates, 2002. The Measure of Man & Woman: Human Factors in Design,
John Welly & Sons, New York.
3. Winslow, Valerie L., 2009. Classic Human Anatomy, Watson-Guptill Publication, New York
4. Hogarth, Burne, 2003. Dynamic Anatomy, Watson-Guptill Publication, New York