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1. Adapted by AL 1 Updated 3/29/2016
The sheer scale of loss in the 2004
tsunami is beyond comprehension, and
certainly, beyond any type of direct
architectural representation. Our
proposal for the memorial therefore does
not attempt to index the event literally,
but rather through abstraction. It is a
landform rather than an object, an
experience rather than a focal point. It is
a space which relates to the mystery and
power and dynamics of nature as much
as to the human impact of the event.
Tsunami Memorial Centre @ Khao Lak
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Research Unit for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 3 [ARC 60106 / 2118]
Prerequisite: Architecture Design Studio 2
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Project 1 Journey of the 5 Senses
20% of final marks (Group work with Peer Review)
Spatial organisation is a key consideration for architects in architectural design. The study and
exploration of different spatial organization methods is important in design because it informs
human occupation, behavior, and experience within architectural spaces. Writers such as
Francis D.K. Ching labeled this as architectural ‘order’ whilst Alexander Purves called this ‘the
formal patterns’.
Project 1 is an introductory project by which you are required to explore issues of spatial
typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. Working in groups of 4-5 students, you
are to propose 2 schemes for a Walkway Space themed ‘journey for the 5 senses’. You are
required to design the space in the form of semi-open architecture by using two contrasting
spatial types of your choice. There is no specific site for this design work. The story of your
design should translate the literatures given by your tutor, and it should be informed by
precedents studies.
1. Identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform
spatial use and experience
2. Identify and analyze case studies to inform the design project
3. Create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses
and experiential conditions of space
4. Generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with
considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures
5. Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), modelling and verbal presentation to
communicate and visualize architectural design and ideas.
Introduction to the Project
Learning Outcomes

2. Adapted by AL 2 Updated 3/29/2016
Project 1 consists of 2 main tasks as described below:
1a PRECEDENT STUDIES: Analysing spatial poetics & spatial typologies in architecture
5% of final mark
As part of this, the objective of Project 1a is to identify and analyze spatial order and spatial poetics through precedent studies. The main
aim is to analyse 2 selected architectural precedents. Each group of students is to analyse the spatial poetics & spatial typology of the
selected precedents. The analysis of the design approaches will inform the preceding design projects for the remaining semester. Thus,
the selection of precedents should be critical and inspirational.
Tasks
In groups of 4-5 students, select 2 precedents for analysis. They can be local, national and/or international examples. One precedent must
be PRE-MODERN MOVEMENT, and one precedent must be CONTEMPORARY. Also, one precedent must be LINEAR, and the other
CONCENTRIC. Record your analysis on multiple sheets of A3 butter paper. The precedent study should provide the following analysis:
SPATIAL TYPOLOGIES
1. State and describe the spatial typologies applied in the design
2. Explain how the spaces are organised and ordered
3. Explain how the typologies ordered the use of the design
See Francis D.K. Ching’s Form, Space & Order & Purves’ Formal Patterns
SPATIAL POETICS
1. What is the design considerations employed to explore spatial poetry/poetics/experiences?
2. How are the spaces articulated in terms of the poetics, sensuality and tactility of architectural spaces?
 Flow of experience (identify key circulation/journey).
 Using at least 5 images/perspective that illustrate poetics of space, analyse how the experiential space is created:
Engagement with senses; Manipulation of light and its effects on space (natural & artificial); Texture and materiality; Scale
and proportion of spaces etc
3, Plan-Section relationship
 Co-relate the plan to one of the most interesting section of your selected building. Study the section and analyse how it is
designed. Comment on the relationship between inside/outside, volumes and scale of space, variation and hierarchy of
spaces
See Steven Holl’s Questions of Perception: The Phenomenology of Space & Juhani Pallasmaa’s The Eyes of the Skin
Subsequent to your analysis of each precedent, conclude the manner in which spatial experiences and use are designed and articulated.
Use diagrams, photos and minimal annotations to illustrate your analysis.
1b ‘Journey for the 5 senses’ POETIC ARCHITECTURE
15% of final mark
Using the design strategies based on the Project 1a, design a Poetic Space themed ‘journey for the five senses’.
Tasks
1. Read the given literature, poetry, lyric and visualise it from an architectural viewpoint.
2. Translate the literature, poetry or lyric into a journey by using 2 contrasting spatial typologies. Guidelines are below:
50 meters
3. Via white cardboard or digital modelling, produce study models for each spatial typology.
4. Based on the sketch design, develop plans and sections (at an appropriate scale depending on your design scheme) with
considerations of human scale, light / shadow, materials / texture. Section is to be drawn using pencil on butter paper.
10 m
10 m
Tasks
10 m

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Project 1a: 2 x A3 panels (1 panel for each project) that includes diagrams, photos and minimal annotations illustrating the analysis of your
selected precedents
Project 1b: 8 x A3 panels (4 panels for each project) that includes Plan(s), Section(s), Images of poetic spaces for each scheme.
The submission must also include the following:
 PHYSICAL Sketch model of the finalized scheme (at an appropriate scale).
 Butter paper evidence of design process and thoughts through a series of models vignettes
 Verbal presentation of approximately 15 minutes per group.
Project 1a
 Clarity and comprehensiveness of analysis
 Evidence of research and use of texts/terminologies in the formulation of analysis
 Ability to draw conclusions on analysis
 Professionalism & quality of presentation
 Ability to work as a team
Project 1b
 Design captures translation of poetry to architecture
 Design is informed by precedent studies
 Design is generated by exploration of space-making through the different spatial types
 Design considers users’ experiences (human scale, light / shadow, materiality)
 Vigorous process of making
 Communication through final model, visual presentation & verbal presentation
1. D.K. Ching, F. 1993. Architecture: Form Space and Order (2nd ed.). Van Nostrand Reinhold
2. Gregory, Rob. 2008. Key Contemporary Buildings. Laurence King Publishing Ltd, London.
3. Holl, Steven. 1994. Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture, eds Steven Holl, Juhani Pallasmaa, Alberto Perez-
Gomez, A+U
4. Pallasmaa, Juhani. 2005. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John-Wiley and Sons Ltd: Great Britain
5. Purves, Alexander. 1982. The Persistence of Formal Patterns, in Perspecta, Vol. 19, pp. 138-163
6. Website of Serpentine Gallery Pavillion: http://www.serpentinegallery.org/architecture/ Also see works of Land-artist such as
Christo & Claude, memorials by Maya Lin & Peter Eisenman for inspirations and ideas.
Submission requirements
Assessment criteria
References