Architecture Portfolio 2022

Portfolio Lai MeiYi Marilyn

Contents Page 01

More about little me

Polytechnic Projects 02

Primer Project

03

Final Project

04

Para-Site Project

05

UX / UI Project

06

Water Tower

07

Community Design

08

Organiika

09

DfMA Project

10

Masterplanning

11

Aquarine

Other Poly Modules 12

Fundamentals of Drawing

Competitions 13

eVolo 2022

My Hobbies 14

Sketching & Crafts

01

More about little me Growing up the youngest and living in a household with three generations, I was surrounded by love and care as I grew up.

Learning to value my relations with family from young, led me wanting to help those around me.

I enjoy working with others and sharing new knowledge I have learnt. My strong sense of responsibility and pride in my work, makes me strive to do my best and reach my own set of standards. In this journey of mine, I want to explore all the concepts and little things that interest me as I learn and grow from my experiences and mistakes made along the way!

My Contacts Email - marilynlaimy@gmail.com Contact No. - (+65) 8511 4179 LinkedIn - Marilyn Lai

My Education From Secondary School I had experience in Design and Technology, and really enjoyed hands-on projects, unique from typical subjects. Choosing to continue with an education of Design in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I chose to specialise in Archiecture in Year 2, from my fascination of buildings and little details making every one unique.

Hobbies I love to sketch, paint and craft anything that interests me, like animals, buildings, landscapes and skies. I like to challenge myself to do new handy crafts and usually use these crafts as gifts to friends and family.

Skills Languages

English | Mandarin

3D Modelling Softwares

Rhino | Revit | AutoCAD | Sketchup

Adobe

Photoshop | Illustrator | XD | InDesign

Microsoft

Powerpoint | Word

Rendering

Enscape

Others

Procreate | Autodesk Sketchbook

Polytechnic Projects

02

Primer Project

Year 1 | Apr - May

The first project introducing us to the Diploma, focusing on product design.

We started off as a group of 5, choosing a household item to design. My group chose to focus on charger organisers and us being the target users, as students we understand the struggle of keeping the study desk clean and neat, to focus on work.

(Left) A stakeholder mapping I drew out, showing how my group chose to focus on students.

(Below) First iteration of cable organiser doubling as a stationery holder

The final product includes a lower compartment for smaller stationery and have additional hooks to secure the cables around the holder.

03

Final Project

Year 1 | May - Aug

The second project, focusing on designing lighting products using recycled materials from Scanteak.

This started as a group project and we each progressed individually after. Deciding to focus on young adults as our target users, we moved on to research on lighting examples. After moving on individually, I had experimented with many different ideas.

This idea has a diagonal line pattern in the middle of the cube reflecting patterns on the wall.

This idea has options on This idea has a more complex the distance between the pattern, reflected onto the ceiling lightbulb and pattern. instead of the wall.

This idea has stacked sheets, creating a whole image reflected onto the walls.

The final product includes 3 interchangable pattern sheets, reflecting onto the walls and ceilings, to relax young adults that may be stressed from work, and help to ease them to sleep.

(Left) Patterns reflected onto walls and ceiling from model

The look of the 3D model done in Sketchup, showing the method of removing the pattern sheet

04

Para-site

Year 1 | Oct - Dec

The first project focusing on designing a temporary quarantine capsule for emergency cases in school.

This started as an individual project, from choosing an organism to ideate from. I chose a spherical Radiolaria, and from there used biomimicry as a way to generate forms and modules.

Moving on with modules 1 & 2, I went on to create 3D forms using these modules.

Finally, I decided to move on with module 2 as the form.

(Left) Concept Sketch My concept is about stopping for a bit in our hectic school schedule and just sit, tuning in to the sounds, smells and looks of nature. The site I chose in school had a large green wall facade, that I realised was beautiful when I had taken a rest at the nearby benches. That was when I realised everyone was always in so much rush, that we often miss the small details around us.

Roof Plan

Interior shot

Plan

Perspective view

Physical Model

My structure wraps around a tree, showing the protection of nature with this building and allowing the center of attention to be on nature. Komorebi is a japanese word, desrcibing the phenomena of sunlight filtering through the leaves of a tree and creating natural patterns into the spaces.

05

UX/UI Project

Year 1 | Dec - Feb

The first project focusing on designing a website for DBS employees to adopt design thinking at work.

This was a group project throughout and we started off picking an “X-factor” for our ideas which would be our main drawing factor to the website, where the employees would learn design thinking.

The main problem faced was the lack of re-engagement. After a few visits to the existing website, the employees would not go back and therefore, did not take away any important methods of design thinking.

I drew the storyboard for my group, explaining our concept in a narrative form.

Our concept is told through this story of voyagers, setting off to find a said treasure but they get caught in a storm, blinding them.

However, with the help of some lights to guide them, they managed to find the island where the treasure is hidden.

Represented by voyagers are the employees and the hope and comfort they give one another along the way helps them all get to the end goal, just like in a project. The lights and ropes tying each light back to the island are representing the 4 key steps in design thinking and the methodologies, respectively.

About Us

Contact Us Search S

Guide

Dessign Thinking

Profile

Welcome to

Connexion Where we connect the DBS family together

Champions of the week

Blog

Project Teams

Leading to the main design of the first page on the website, connections around us are important if we want to progress. We made the webpage interactive and employees are able to engage with colleagues that are well-versed with each design thinking step that they may need help with. (Below) A blog is easily accessed where others can sahre their knowledge

Our 4D Champions of the Week

About Us

Contact Us Search S

Guide

Dessign Thinking

Be the next by accumulating on your 4D knowledge!

Profile

What topic are you interested in

Blog 12th Jan 2021

JulieLJulie Discover champion

WesW

Linlie

Define champion

Develop champion

Mlmy Deliver champion

15:00

Jermywormy: Hey everyone, I just went through the develop step and learnt some of the methodologies provided. I found the info super easy to understand and it even helped me with my meeting with my team like coming up with new ideas.

Blog

12th Jan 2021

15:20

Jellygal: Oh, what methodology did you use? Would like to check it out!

12th Jan 2021

15:00

Jermywormy: Hey everyone, I just went through the develop step and learnt some of the methodologies provided. I found the info super easy to understand and it even helped me

12th Jan 2021

15:23

Jermywormy: Oh, I used the creative matrix

06

Water Tower

Year 2 | 19 Apr - 30 Apr

The first project in year 2, where we had to design a water harvesting tower for a South-east Asian country

This started as a group project where we researched on the country to design the water tower for.

We chose the Lisu Hill Tribe, in Northern Thailand. We chose this tribe as they have a lack of clean water and also worship water, as they believe water is a vital spirit and holds extraordinary power.

Perspective view

The three layers of filtration allow easier access to water, since the tribe will not have to boil the water before drinking which is inconvenient for them. Currently, they collect rainwater from the dirty river and boil it for the elders or those who are sick while the rest drink it directly.

Section Physical Model The three different tiers of the tower get taller and thinner like bamboo nodes that get further apart, from the bottom to the top. These criss-cross patterns are inspired and abstracted from the textile crafts made and worn by the tribe.

The second part of the project is where we fabricated the tower as two whole classes, aftering choosing one group’s design to build up.

2 teams sewing the mesh

2 completed tiers

Attaching mesh to frame

Attaching mesh frame to tiers

Assembling 2 tiers

Attaching the 3 tiers

Finished Product

07

Communtiy Design Year 2 | May - June

The second project in year 2, was to design for community partners and work with students from the product track.

This was a group project where we worked with Jalan Besar Town Council, where they tasked us with re-designing the playground and fitness corner of Block 49, in Whampoa South.

Focusing on the rich culture around the block, and after getting feedback from the residents there, we decided on a concept of reaching out to each generation, bridging the gaps between them and create a space where the elders remember the old days and the children learn about the past and its untold stories.

Starting from the playground, which represents the swamplands that used to be around the area of the block, each slide tower is inspired by mangrove trees and their long roots. Each tower has little fun facts about the past and historical memories. The spring rockers & seesaw are also inspired by animals, and the boats used back in the day, along the swamps.

Next, is the transitional space, where the residents can rest, gather and plant some herbs or vegetables. This pavilion shows fun facts of the Kallang River and the Whampoa Gardens in the past. The roof will show off colours of the playground to tie it in as well as have some creepers and shader plants to cover and create a shelter for the residents resting there.

Finally, the fitness corner represents the current block, with the big sun mural on the ground, resembling the one at the entrance of the estate which is noticeable as you enter at the gantry.

The rubbish bins around the playground are decorated and Sinalco and Kickapoo drink cans and have hidden fun facts, showing that the current estate used to be a Sinalco and Kickapoo factory.

08

Organiika

Year 2 | June -Aug

The third project in year 2, where we worked with overseas community partners, learning about social architecture.

We worked with a farm called Organiika, located in Lombok, Indonesia, in Aik Dareq Village. They are apart of Invest Islands Foundation, advocating on organic farming in the village. Most of the villagers owned farms but use pesticides which are harmful to the environment and their health.

They are stubborn and unwilling to change since they have been farming for so long and would naturally stick to what they know will definitely work and is convenient, which is using pesticides.

After interviewing the person in charge, we found out that they wanted a community center within the farm ro invite locals and educate them on organic farming.

My concept is about engaging the local farmers through a movie screening exeperience in the farm.

This attracts them there and allows them to see with thier own eyes, how the farm operates and what is done differently. As they get curious, taking initiative to learn, they will be more convinced.

Entering Farm Reception

Level 1 Plan

Rest of the farm Movie Screening

Workshop Benches

Dining Area

Toilet

Stairs

Level 2 Plan

Planters

Lounge

09

DfMA Project

Year 2 | Oct -Nov

The forth project in year 2, where we had to design a home for a family of 4, using DfMA principles (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly)

After learning about DfMA principles and the importance, we were given a typical Singaporean family to design for, including their needs, wants and goals. This project was done in pairs and we started off by listing out activities that could bring the family together and what rooms we need.

Most well-off families can afford a luxurious lifestyle but more often then not, they take family time for granted.

Therefore, basing on family bonding, we want to create a warm, home where there are plenty opportunities to bond while doing activities each family member loves. Instead of allowing them to have a whole room to themselves, we combine common activity spaces.

This void above the living room opens up to the study, which connects the common spaces and lets the family see one another, encouraging more interaction.

The attic is where all the activities of the family are together.

We put the activities and lounge in the attic to create a private and safe environment where the members can be themselves. Away from the spaces open to visitors and neighbours, the attic is quite and a space just for the family.

10

Masterplanning

Year 2 | Nov - Dec

The fifth project in year 2, where we learnt masterplanning of the Kampong Bugis plot which is being redeveloped

Using the most prominent feature of the site, which is the Kallang River, our concept is based on how water has memory and has seen the many generations and transformations of our country. We were greatly inspired by the water and its organic waves, bringing us to this form for the site.

Residential Residential

Residential Connectors

Residential Connectors Residential

Commercial Offices

The section cuts through some residential blocks and the bubbles show the spaces we plan to have. Along the riverfront, there will be a long pathway, for cycling, jogging and strolling and at the middle of the path, is a huge platform extending above the river, to bring residents and visitors closer and bring activities nearer to the waterfront. Enclosed by residential blocks is a waterfall where light shows can be held. Along the connectors are large communal gathering spaces for all ages and multiple group activities. Above the commercial is a waterpark with a small waterfall flowing into the void decks of the residential block.

Waterfront View I rendered

11

Aquarine

Year 2 | Dec - Feb

The continuation of the forth project in year 2, where we moved on from the masterplanning to designing an estate in one of the land parcels, individually

Continuing from the masterplanning, I targeted elders and focused on the beautiful views to the park and sea. Taking into account how the building would look with the mostly low environment, I wanted to ensure the building blends with the land while still giving residents full view of the river.

The staggering form introduces the building onto the site gradually, as it slopes up each level.

The balcony planters give privacy to each unit while giving the elders their own small garden to plant what they want. The dining tables are placed outside, luring the residents out, viewing the undisrupted view of the river and park, while getting fresh air and natural breezes.

The void deck opens upwards to the highest level giving the grand impression of the residence. Communal gatherings at the mini cafes, bakery and supermarket are convenient and all together in one area, on the ground floor.

The garden at the back has benches swirling along the swale in the center, inspired by the flowing lines of the river. Following the flowing lines up the building is a green wall.

Axonometric Balcony

Unit

Beams Slant Beams

Columns

Wood Decking Raft Foundation Lift & service cores, Storey Shelters

Masterbedroom

Living Room

Balcony View

Other Polytechnic Modules

12

Fundamentals of Drawing Year 1 | Apr - Aug

This module was during the first Semester of year 1 Exercise on sketching variations of an object, in this case- a speaker.

Exercise on the 2D and Perspective views of objects from the internet

Exercise on the 2D and Perspective views of objects from the internet

Exercise on drawing the Plan & Section of our house

Competitions

13

eVolo 2022 Year 2021 -2022 | Nov - Feb Group Competition

The year is 2053 and the world is faced with yet another pandemic. “We have been through Covid, we can handle this.” people pray, hoping to never relive an age of isolation. But, just as fast as people’s hopes rose, the world sank. The new pandemic dubbed The Deviant initiated a worldwide lockdown; borders closed, families separated, cultures divided. It was just like last time…

During the age of Covid-19, tourism was devastated. Tourism once brought different people together, creating a harmonious network of cultures around the world. However, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals dropped by 1 billion between January and December 2020. This did not only lead to a cultural divide, but collapsed economies around the world. Up to $2.4 trillion losses in global GDP is expected in 2021. The impact is unevenly distributed across developed and developing countries.

Singapore, although an advancing, developed country, heavily relied on foreign workers and tourists. With the shut down of its borders to protect its people, foreign workers were stuck behind its borders, and tourists could no longer enjoy the bustling streetlife of Singapore. In fact, its GDP plummeted by 7% after the closure of its border.

This yearning for travel was not exclusive to foreign tourists, but even local Singaporeans themselves, pulling at straws to try and entertain themselves while being bound to the small country. All they could do at the time was pray for a miracle…

Back to the present day, where a miracle has finally arrived. The Sea Nomad proposes an attraction that transcends borders, free from the shackles of pandemics. Currently, tourist attractions are bound to a country’s border. How might we create an attraction that could move to other places to share their cultures and experiences? Using Singapore as a point of reference, the Sea Nomad replicates the country’s attractions through a hybrid of natural and virtual experiences. As it travels to other countries, it allows others to experience Singapore without having to actually travel. Likewise, other countries can dock their Sea Nomads to allow Singaporeans to experience the world outside. Like a traveling circus, the attractions come to you instead, preventing the spread of disease.

The shape of the Sea Nomad, like a manta ray, glides through water using wing-like movements, which drives the water backwards. The top half of the vessel houses Singapore’s natural attractions like the Botanic Gardens. These natural attractions are enhanced with augmented reality that display animals living in forests, to emulate Singapore’s ecotourism. The bottom half of the Sea Nomad projects Singapore’s aquatic life, using the sea as its canvas. Weaved in between the natural environments are Singapore’s built attractions like The Jewel and Clarke Quay, where commercial houses make way for a bustling streetlife mixed with traditional festivals. To facilitate these attractions, 500 vaccinated Singaporean workers live in the Sea Nomad to maintain and sanitize the environment. These attractions are digitally augmented to simulate an authentic experience.

Like the gills of a fish, the Sea Nomad harnesses elements from the sea to sustain itself. At the mouth of the Sea Nomad lies a hydropower farm that harnesses energy from the currents as it glides through the water. This, along with solar farms, power the vessel to enable digital augmentation that enhances the attractions through simulations. The sea water that is harvested is then desalinated to provide drinking water to guests, or runs through the wireframe surfacing the dome, to pump mist into the interior, controlling air quality and temperature. While the fins gather ocean trash which are upcycled into souvenirs.

Interior along shopping & cultural street

Interior facing center core

Interior along the perimeter facing the ocean

My Hobbies

14

Sketching

Painting & Crafting

Mini Animal Clay Figures