Architecture internship final report

School of Architecture, Building and Design
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture
Internship Training and Report
(ARC2615)
FINAL REPORT
Ar. Ho Chin Keng | Supervising Architect
Keith Tan Kay Hin | Lecturer
Joyce Wee Yi Qin | Student
0319602 | Student ID

Internship Training and Report | Final Report
All image rights reserved to aLM Architects.

Introduction
This module aims to introduce students to the requirements, activities and operations
involved in an architectural and construction practice. The objective of the module is
to facilitate the involvement of students in professional attachments to architectural
practices to help us develop an understanding of the general nature, principles and
procedure of law and legislation as applied to architectural drawings, especially the
building by-laws. In the process of the internship, I am exposed to the submission
process and the range of contract documentation besides the usual design stages.
For this module, I was successfully accepted to attach to aLM Architects, one of the
biggest architecture firm in Penang. The training period commenced at 3rd January
to 3rd March (8 weeks). During this intensive 8 weeks, I was assigned to attend to
different tasks ranging from design stage to contract documentation with several
meetings and site visits along the way.
This report compiles my experience during this 9 weeks with aLM Architects.

Week 1 | 3rd January to 6th January
Task 1: Paramount
My task was to make minor editings on the 3D model of a housing project in Bandar
Aman Jaya, Kedah. I added fences to the building boundary and also added
economic yet functional and aesthetic details to the façade design of the surau, hall
and residential buildings before rendering using Sketch Up and Photoshop.
Task 2: Prisma
After completing my first task, I was assigned to produce the door and window
schedule of a high rise residential project in Gerbang Bukit Kecil, Penang (Prisma).
Through this task, I am aware of the different materials and requirements of doors and
windows in a building. (Appendix1)
Meeting 1: Lafarge
On Wednesday, one of my colleague invited Lafarge for a meeting to enquire on
Agilia™, a self-compacting and self-levelling concrete which he was planning to use
to construct the shear walls in his project with Prisma.
Meeting 2: aLM Green
On Friday, our office participated in a discussion with a member of aLM Green about
the update on OTTV and Roof U-values. During the discussion, we were exposed to
the local green building requirements and ways to achieve optimum passive design
such as coping, wall-to-window ratio etc.

Week 2 | 9th January to 13th January
Task 1: Prisma
On the second week, I wrapped up my previous assignment on the Door and window
schedule which required some minor adjustments after being gone through by a
senior in the office. (Appendix1)
Task 2: Prisma
I was assigned to produce tender drawings of the toilet details of the residential units,
Type A and Type B. My task was to gather the specifications to produce detailed
sections and plans of the toilets with dimensions.
Meeting 1: Prisma
On Tuesday, I attended a client meeting alongside the PIC. During the meeting, a few
issues were brought up including the confusion in levelling and connection between
the parking lots and the residential units. At the end of the meeting the former was
resolved and the latter was left to be discussed.
Task 3: Paramount (Sketching)
On Wednesday, I was assigned to design a surau on a 36.7m x 33.082m plot in Kedah
from scratch. During this initial stage, I plotted out the setback and building lines and
also researched on the basic requirement of spaces in a surau which includes praying
halls, ablutions, bilik jenazah and washrooms (Appendix 2).
Through this task, I am aware that there are strict rules on the directions and sizes of
the prayer halls and the ablutions. Also, there are local requirements on the set back
and building lines.

Week 3 | 16th January to 20th January
Task 1: Paramount (Drafting + 3D Modelling)
This week I drafted out the plans of the surau and produced an improved plan daily.
The spaces were shifted and mirrored per the needs of the users and the ease of
access. I took in advice from Muslim colleagues on their usual rituals to have a grasp
on their routine so I can design to their needs (Appendix 2).
On Thursday, I started constructing the 3D model to play around with the façade
design. The façade design was finalized at the end of the week.
Meeting 2: Fuji Elevator (M) Sdn Bhd.
On Wednesday, I participated in a meeting with an elevator supplier which is new in
the Malaysian market. During the meeting, I was introduced to different mechanical
transportation systems, the construction process and their different authority
requirements such as a full height motor room.
Week 4 | 23rd January and 24th January
Task 1: Paramount (3D Model + Presentation Drawings)
This week, I did some final touches on the roof and window designs before proceeding
to the presentation drawings and perspective renders. In the meantime, I also aided
one of my colleague on her façade design (Appendix 2).
Task 2: Prisma
On Tuesday, I was assigned to make some changes on the door and window
schedule I did previously as there were new updates from the client where day
requested to lessen the types of doors and windows in the design.

Week 5 | 6th February to 10th February
Task 1: Asia Bina KL- Seputih (MAYC)
This week, I was assigned to team up with the other two interns to work on a SOHO
and hostel apartment, which will replace the existing MAYC Hotel in Seputih, KL. Our
task was (Appendix 3):
1. To double line the proposed single-lined plans
2. To make minor adjustments to refine the plans
3. To come out with the landscape design
4. To hatch, add spatial details for presentation purposes
Task 2: Kuala Kedah Semi-D Shop Lot
My second task of the week involves the preparation of the building plan of Semi-D
shops proposed to be built along the shoreline at Kuala Kedah. I was also involved in
(Appendix 4):
1. Making minor adjustments in the façade design.
2. Study and make structural additions on the layered roofs at the front facade
Task 3: Paramount Surau (Sketches)
Late Friday, I followed up on the surau design I did earlier on. The PIC came back with
comments from the client insisting on maximizing the prayer halls instead of having
study rooms. Amendments was done accordingly to the plans. I ended the week with
new sketches of the plans and the spatial arrangements (Appendix 2).

Task 1: Paramount Surau
Following up on the new sketches, I produced new presentation drawings for the
surau and the 3D model. For the entire exterior of the building, I took on an approach
different from the previous design. The previous design was said to be costly and
heavy in terms of visual. Thus, I reconstructed my concept to create a space that
connects man and god which is protected within by different layers. The outcome
was more minimal and raw compared to the previous design (Appendix 2).
Task 2: Kuala Kedah Semi-D Shop Lot
My second task of the week involves amendments on the building plan of the Semi-D
shops done previously. While completing this task, I was aware of the Bomba
requirements on the running distance within enclosed space with dead ends and the
loop holes in the different regulations involving fire escape requirements.

Task 1: Paramount Guard House
This week, I was assigned to make adjustments on the 3D model and Building Plans of
the guard house after having it reviewed by the engineers. Later on, I compiled
different perspectives of the building in presentation slides to be sent to the client.
Task 2: Mr Wong SPA
I was also involved in producing drawings for the Sales and Purchase Agreement for
a project involving 12-units of terrace houses.
Task 3: Firma Atasan Technique School
Jiahui and I was assigned to design a technique school to replace an existing office
complex and a warehouse. We were given complete freedom in developing our
concepts and plans. Our task was to design a building for:
a. 1 Automotive Centre
b. 1 Auditorium (400pax)
c. 1 Library
d. Laboratory
e. 10 classrooms (40pax each)
f. Cafeteria
g. Lecturer and Dean Offices
Our design intention for the school was based on the intention of wanting to create a
learning space that is sociable, less rigid and formal. As such, breakout spaces are
incorporated for students to relax and unwind themselves amidst the busy and stressful
academic life. Emphasis was placed upon the greenery-infused pocket spaces and
open areas whereby students will have the freedom to hold activities or express
themselves. (Appendix 5)
Thanks to our very encouraging and passionate supervisor, we managed to come out
with a plan that is out of ordinary.
Site Visit 1: Bionic
On Friday, we followed Ar. Ho Chin Keng to an ongoing construction site at Bukit
Mertajam for a site meeting. The project includes
1. 32-storey strata residential + commercial building with a sky bridge
2. Individual shops
3. Low cost apartment

The site is close to completion so it was more convenient for us to walk around. We
participated in a discussion with a representative from the client regarding the issues
on the construction.
During the walkthrough, I was aware of the details in design and also the
miscommunication that usually occur when instructions are being given. I am also
aware of the responsibilities of the architect to make decisions when problems occur
and to lead a team of people.

Week 8 | 27th February to 3rd March
Task 1: Paramount Surau (Minor Edits)
The 3D model of the surau is further edited from the comments from the clients which
prefers a more vernacular design (the first design)
Task 2: TPPT Site Meeting
This week, we attended an on-site site meeting with TPPT regarding the ongoing
construction of a medium cost high rise residential building in Teluk Bahang, Penang.
The meeting was chaired by Ar. Sam. The meeting was a progress meeting, several
issues such as change of material and costing was raised in the meeting.
Task 3: Building Department for Prisma
On Thursday, we tagged along a colleague from the authority department to
KOMTAR, where most of the council offices are housed. We went to the building
department to make some edits on the plans for Prisma after the inspection of the
Architect in charge. Through this visit, I am aware of the responsibilities of the
authorities in inspecting the drawings.

Task 4: Eco Jerai Proposal
Eco Jerai is a proposal of developing 3 small islands nearby the foot of Gunung Jerai
into tourist attractions. Together with the other interns, I was assigned to design and
produce the programme of the man-made islands surrounding the coast to prevent
muddy waters from entering the tourist spots.
My task includes:
1. Programme and zoning of the islands
2. 3D model with building massings on the islands
3. Renderings
4. Presentation slides

Appendix 1: Prisma | Novus Tender Drawings

Appendix 2: Paramount | Surau
Version 1:
Setback and building line is
determined. Parking lots surrounds
the perimeter of the Surau.
Spatial requirements fulfilled.
Version 2:
Due to 6.1m internal road width
requirement, Parking space at the
front
Study room extended.

Version 3:
Bilik Pengurusan Jenazah shifted to
front for functional purposes.
Version 2:
Additional details and landscape
at reading room.

Front elevation
Right elevation
Back elevation
Left elevation

Final floor plan | Maximized prayer hall

Appendix 3: Asia Bina KL | SOHO + MAYC Hostel

Appendix 4: Kuala Kedah | Semi-D Shop Building Plan

Appendix 5: Firma Atasan | Technique School

Appendix 6: Testimonial Letter

Conclusion
During this intensive 8 weeks of internship, I have been exposed to many things
professionally. I am aware of the responsibilities of an Architect as a designer and an
administrator. Besides all the usual reading and understanding drawings, UBBL
requirements, drafting etc., there is still a lot more to learn to be a great professional
architect. Through discussions with my colleagues in the office, I have learnt that as
an architect we must hold on to our values and to fight for what is right.
During the internship, I’ve experience the conflict between design and cost. There
were times where my design was not accepted by the clients due to cost.
Disappointed to how much design should compromise for profits, I tried to balance
between both.
“Architecture is tough, but when you see the community putting use into your
design, you’ll have goosebumps and you will realize that all the blood, sweat and
tears are all worth it”
- Ar. Ho Chin Keng

Architecture internship final report

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