CHARMAINE ACURAM PORTFOLIO by charmainea

PORTFOLIOCHARMAINE ACURAM

Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

Hi, I’m Charmaine! I am currently in my second-year of study for a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at Swinburne University of Technology. In this portfolio you’ll find some of my works from the past 2 years ranging from product and industrial design to architectural drawings and renders.

I absolutely enjoy immersing myself in the process of design whether that is honing in on graphical representation, technical drawings, sketching or model-making.

I am not afraid to go above and beyond in my academic endeavours and in my own personal life as I believe that architecture and design has no bounds. It is a limitless stretch of creativity where the imagination can run wild!

NAME

PLACE

CONTACT

E-MAIL

EDUCATION

Charmaine Acuram

Melbourne, VIC. Aus. 0421235718

104551311@student.swin.edu.au

St Albans Secondary College - High School

My high school years became the backbone and springboard that enabled me to strive towards my passion for design. My creative skills were pushed during my last couple of years doing Art and Visual Communication & Design. This is where I started to develop my model making skills and graphic design skills.

2017 - 2022

Swinburne University of Technology - Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Through various projects and presentations, I have acquired numerous skills in relation to architectural processes, documentation and representation. My ability to effectively present my work and showcasing my design thinking and process has further developed during this time. I have also accumulated skills in digital softwares as well as hand drawings and fundamentally transformed my approach to design.

SKILLS

2023 - Current 8/10

SPACES OF LIGHT & EXPERIENCE

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

MANUS

JOURNEY TO PARADISE

SPEED FORM TROPHY

DESK OASIS

BEYOND ISOLATION

01. MANUS

During my first studio class at Swinburne, we were tasked to create a form made of wire that is inspired by one of six images. We were to imagine this two-dimensional image as a representation of a three-dimensional object.

I viewed this image from two different perspectives; a waterfall, or, a fragment of something larger; a hand or part of a palm (photograph representation shown on page 9). Through the process of making sketch models, I thought to combine the two ideas to make an object with a distinct sense of direction, as shown in the image. I allowed it to naturally cascade downwards, like a waterfall, creating a fluid-like motion towards the bottom of the image.

Whilst experimenting with different wire joinery techniques and wire thicknesses, I was able to utilise florist wire to create a final three-dimensional form from the chosen image. ‘Manus,’ latin for ‘hand’ is inspired by the principle of direction in which the hand itself appears as if it is emerging from a pool and directing itself upwards, escaping from the abyss.

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

02. SPACES OF LIGHT & EXPERIENCE

This project constitutes the last assignment of 3 interconnected assignments. We were tasked to select 3 of our best models and / or sketches that we produced in part 1 to be combined and further developed. We aimed to modify and adapt these 3 selected models to make 3 interconnected spaces, exploring light and ways through which the interiors create experience for the occupant.

There were no other functional requirements - aside from a subtle seating area where the user can rest - as the space is simply for the visitor’s enjoyment and experience.

My interpretation of this project prompted me to utilise various wall thicknesses, heights, slanted roofs and cut outs or windows on roofs and walls to create interesting shadows as the user traverses through the space. The path of the visitor is influenced by the roofed sections of the space that gradually become bigger and bigger (or smaller and smaller) as they travel from one side to another.

At different times during the day, the user is able to experience phenomonological qualities while traversing the space through natural light and shadow.

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

03. JOURNEY TO PARADISE

Given the choice to pick one of three songs, I chose the song ‘Nothing is Lost’ by The Weeknd, which can be described as having an ethereal and almost heavenly quality.

We were tasked to describe a key moment in the piece of music using architectural terminology and translating that into a three-dimensional representation by first identifying architectural features in architectural precedents and linking them to the music experience. Before designing our individual stations, we were told to create a fictitious site in groups in which the stations will be located. Our group decided to base our site off Rainbow Falls.

Station 1 centres around the idea of direction and rhythm. The steel roofing elements projects the visitor forward, guiding them through the path in the same way that some instrumental elements are layered on top of the consistent drum beats in the song, leading the listener to its chorus. The alternating heights of the archs also conveys a wave-like rhythm.

Station 2 focuses on movement and direction whereby the incomplete arches give the illusion of jumping from one end of the arch to another. This is accentuated via the use of the horizontal rectangular windows in the roofing structure that prompts the user to move forward. The wooden bench acts as a resting place that allows the user to absorb its surroundings which can be likened to the lingering effects of angelic vocals and violins in the music piece that invites the listener to absorb and admire its presence.

Station 3 is a sectional model that is an articulation of the ethereal atmospheric quality of the song created by the violins and vocals. The user first walks through a dark narrow passage, representing the tense atmospheric quality of the song at the start, created by the harsh drumbeats. They pass the waterfall flowing through the cave and are then guided towards a large open space engulfed in the echoes of the water. The glass platform allows the visitor to view the river underneath, further conveying this sense of etherealism and wonder.

STATION 1 - DIRECTION & RHYTHM

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

STATION 2 - MOVEMENT & DIRECTION

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

04. SPEED FORM TROPHY

The theme for this model is ‘Robotic.’ I started off by creating moodboards, sketching iterations of speed forms and making clay sketch models relating to the ‘robotic’ theme. After doing so, I picked a final form that I thought would best represent the theme and be replicated using blue foam. I then proceeded to use the foam cutter and sanding techniques using different grits of sanding paper and tools to create the smoothest finishes.

This speed form is inspired by a range of ‘robotic’ elements that aim to include sharp, precise, futuristic features yet at the same time retain smooth and fluid-like elements to adhere to its speed form criteria.

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

05. DESK OASIS

Inspired by designer and architect Zaha Hadid, this planter utilises various finishes on wood and acrylic to create a futuristic yet minimal design. The brief outlined the use of 2 different finishes (including natural timber finish), 2 different materials (one being timber) and a wooden joinery technique to produce the planter.

Similar to Hadid’s designs, I intended to reduce the amount of straight and sharp corners throughout my planter to create a seamless effect where the coiled shape continues around the whole planter. It consists of a bigger part that almost swallows the entire planter and a smaller part and plinth in order to hold up the vessel and secure it in place. The smaller part covers a part of the vessel, alluding to a sense of futurism as it appears to be floating from afar.

To secure the two parts together, I used a 10mm wide wooden dowel joint which is for the most part, hidden but is also seen through the planter via the acrylic. I thought this would allow the design to appear less cluttered and more minimal, much like Hadid’s designs. Hadid utilises lighter, airy colours and plenty of glass to enhance the space and enable it to feel grander and less enclosed. Thus, for the main part of the planter, I used approximately 6 coats of white acrylic paint and a gloss finish on top of the plywood. Layering the plywood with clear acrylic material helps to establish a lighter and grander feel, likened to glass. The combination of wood and acrylic, a white glossy finish and rounded forms, aims to produce a futuristic yet minimal design that evokes a modern and monolithic presence often illustrated in Hadid’s works.

Charmaine Acuram | Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

06. BEYOND ISOLATION

This project, titled ‘Artful Memories: A Creative Care Home Inspiring Dementia Living,’ was designed in response to the ‘Beyond Isolation’ competition brief in which there is a need for livings spaces and shared spaces for social mingling, leisure or recreation in order to promote social interactions and intergenerational connections especially among the elderly community who are often isolated from society.

As dementia is a common condition among the elderly population, I decided that they should be my target audience. After hours of research, I found that engaging in creative processes as a form of self expression can help to improve cognitive function which is a declining aspect in the lives of those with dementia. Thus, I aimed to provide a nurturing residence for seniors with dementia where artistic expression and social interaction is abundant through the integration of creative workshops and gallery spaces where members of the public are welcomed.

The arts program is divided into 3 sectors; the gallery exhibition area, a workshop area and studio spaces for artists (who also reside in the building), helping to promote social connection among locals and tourists via creative activities.

The glass roofing structure and tactile stone walls aim to create a sculptural element that replicates the artistic purpose of the building, allowing those with dementia to differentiate between their surroundings where they transition from their own private living areas to public creative spaces.