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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 3: Dreamscape for the Self
Project 3 Group (of 2) + Individual
LO
1-8
60% of total
mark
Verbal
presentation
Refer below
Introduction
In Project 1&2, you were introduced to subjective and objective parameters and their role in visual art and
user-based designs. As none of those parameters can shape an architectural space on their own per se, in
Project 3 you will be required to consider all those aspects (subjective and objective parameters) at the
same time in designing a space. Going through this exercise you will get the real essence of how
architectural design will start from a notion and develop through a process affected by multiple forces.
We shall begin with Part A where you will work on exploring several design principles, materializing some
meanings and ‘reading’ architectural designs in a series of design tasks and studio based group exercises.
In Part B, individually, you will start designing a dream space for a celebrity or a VIP.
Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
1. To understand and apply basic design principles and terminologies
2. Develop design skills through analysis and ‘reading’ existing buildings
3. To further the student’s ability to create and develop a conceptual narrative
4. To be able to consider objective and subjective parameters in the design process to create a space
which is practical yet poetic
5. To be able to select and make different study models (sketch, concept, diagram, section and
development models)

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Learning Outcomes of this Project
1. Design a space that embodies and expresses an idea or conceptual narrative
2. Be able to identify, articulate and apply basic design principles in spatial organization and
relationships
3. Be able to create, articulate and illustrate the poetics of spatial quality
4. Be able to produce and choose wisely among variety type of models with the aim of generating and
developing design as well as better presentation of idea
5. Advance communication skills through sketching internal expression of space, diagrams and
variety type of models
Tasks - Methodology
For the first four sessions, depending on the instructions of your respective lecturer, you will undertake small
studio-based group works to explore basic design principles, materializing meanings, ‘reading’ and
‘understanding’ architecture, as well as identifying spatial qualities which had evolved through applying
design principals. For the rest of the semester, you are required to apply all your understandings from
project1, project 2 and project3 (part A) to design a dream space for an idol in a given site. The design will
start with a narrative/storyline –depicting expressive quality of the site, characteristics of your idol, activities
supposed to happen in your dream space etc. - and develop through sketches and study models to give a
physical shape to your narrative and ideas.
Design Requirements
You will be required to design a sequence of at least 2-3 spaces that takes up anywhere in the provided site
plan not more than 110 sq. m and 15m high. This Space is for an idol of your choice (A singer e.g. Lady
Gaga; A statesman e.g. Nelson Mandela; A Sportsman e.g. Michael Schumacher).
Sketch Journal
Your work progress is to be recorded in your Sketch Journal in the form of drawings and sketching along
with any related notes and references.
Final Model
The Final Model will be of a 1:50 scale and clearly represents the design and its elements (i.e. wall
thickness to scale).
Note: Based on your initial ideas you may need to make some elements of the site plan in your Final Model
to show interaction of the final model with the physical environment of the site e.g. terrain and landscape
Presentation Panel
Using 2 or 3 pieces of A2 panels (preferably in landscape layout), include a narrative (max 200 words) of the
space and explain your final design scheme

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The requirements for the orthographic and other drawings are as follows:
- All drawings shall be manually drawn in ink and optional choice of rendering technique
- All orthographic and axonometric drawings shall be at a scale of 1:50 *
- Your drawings should contain at least 2 interior sketches showing space qualities and the
remarkable part of your design. These sketches must be properly annotated and labelled.
- You are required to produce at least one sectional perspective or axonometric to express the
criteria below
- You are required to produce the necessary orthographic drawings (Plan, Sections, Elevations with
Site context) to express the criteria below
- You are required to present your design process (from the starting point of your design and its
evolution to the final design)
Your drawings must accompany with diagrams presenting your main initial ideals and applied design
principles in your design. Criteria that should be considered when producing your drawings and selecting
types of drawings to use include:
- Can a person see and understand the sequence of spaces I am creating?
- Am I authentically expressing the quality of the spaces I am designing?
- Can a person understand how circulation within my spaces works from my drawings?
- Can a person understand how my design relates and reacts to the site context?
Note: All boards are to be produced manually. Architectural lettering is essential and should be
approximately 30mm in height for project title, and 8mm for body text, drawing titles and captions.
Submission Requirement *
 Presentation Panels - A2 Boards (2 or 3 pieces)
 Final Model Scale 1:50
 Verbal Presentation 5 minutes
 Sketch Journal inclusive of additional sketches on butter paper if applicable
 Evidence of design process and thoughts through study models to be displayed alongside final
model
* These are suggested guidelines that are subject to your respective tutorial lecturer’s advice. As such,
please refer to your lecturer for exact instructions.

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Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
Marking Criteria
Marks
%
Acquired
TGC
FAIL POOR
SATIS
FACT
ORY
GOOD
EXCEL
LENT
Continuous Studio based Exercises
20 1
Final Project
Dream Space for the Self
Has the student mastered the ability to
create meaningful spaces in relation to
the body and self?
These will be assessed via the
following:
80 1,3,6
DESIGN: CONCEPT & NARRATIVE
- Generation of design narrative
- Translation of narrative into space(s)
- Creativity
20
DESIGN: APPLYING BASIC
ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES
Identification of the following:
- Scale and proportion
- Basic design principles in spatial
organization and configuration
20
DESIGN: PROCESS
The use of sketches, study drawings
and study models to extensively
explore and develop an idea and the
design
15
PRESENTATION:
VISUAL
-Choice of appropriate and legible
diagrams, technical drawings &
supporting images to effectively
explain design narrative, exploration
and scheme
-Model
VERBAL
Verbal articulation of design narrative
and process, use of appropriate terms
10,10
5

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Suggested References
For references on Spatial Organization and Relationships:
1. D.K. Ching, F. Eckler, J.F. 2013. Introduction to Architecture. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons
2. D.K. Ching, F. 1993. Architecture: Form Space and Order (2nd ed.). Van Nostrand Reinhold.
For references on Perception and Experience:
1. Rasmussen, Steen Eiler. 1993. Experiencing Architecture. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
USA.
2. Antoniades, A. 1992. Poetics of Architecture. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
3. Agrest, Diana. 1993. Architecture from Without. The MIT Press
For references on Openings in Architecture:
1. Meiss, Pierre. 2002. Elements of Architecture: From Form to Place. Spon Press: London. (See Chapter
1: Openings)
2. Plummer, H. 2012. The Architecture of Natural Light. Thames & Hudson
For references on 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.