Portfolio - Designing Environments

DESIGNING ENVIRONMENTS

PORTFOLIO MELISSA CHONG 864703

CONTENTS

SITE ANALYSIS

2

ASSEMBLAGE

7-8

SPATIAL COMPOSITION

SPATIO TEMPORAL NARRATIVE

3-4

LANDFORMING

9

FINAL PROJECT

5-6

10-17

1

SITE ANALYSIS Through this site analysis, it was evident that the main purpose of the space was to facilitate the movement of students from one building to another. It also acted as a platform for socialising, eating and studying.

The temporal diagram shows an overlap of activities which indicated the rising trend of multi-tasking.

9AM

1PM

TEMPORAL DIAGRAM

5PM

2

PLAN 1 : 2

SPATIAL COMPOSITION Spatial composition was where I explored the rippling effects of water.

Contrary to the rigidity of ‘grids and frames’, water comes across as soft and sensitive. It has no lines or a fixed shape. However, upon environmental influences, it ripples. It develops depth and parallel lines, mirroring the ideas of ‘grids and frames’. To express these thoughts, I created depth by layering seemingly parallel frames made of balsa wood.

A - SECTION 1 : 2

3

SPATIAL COMPOSITION

4

PLAN 1 : 2

LANDFORMING I based my landform on the anatomy of the brain.

The reflex mechanism is far more complicated than what it seems to be. I used the plain surface of the foam board to represent our shallow preconceived notions of reflexes.

They are raised and inclined at varying degrees to show the different parts of the brain that shapes our perceptions and henceforth, influences our reflexes. A layer of knitted fabric is hidden under the foam board to represent our highly efficient and interconnected nervous system, which we often take for granted.

A - SECTION 1 : 2

5

LANDFORMING

6

ASSEMBLAGE Smoothing was where i combined two polar opposite ideas; parallel lines (Assemblage) and intersections (Landforms) to form a completely new structure.

My model was based on the case study of jellyfish reproduction. To reproduce, each jelly fish buds off a polyp in the form of layers, that are parallel to one another. This quick reproduction led to overpopulation which had a disastrous effect to the ecosystem. To represent this mess, I used knitted fabric.

PLAN 1 : 2

A - SECTION 1 : 2

7

ASSEMBLAGE

8

SPATIO-TEMPORAL NARRATIVE While the prosecutor explained the case, I stole glances to the other end of the court room.

They look confident, calm and composed.

The barrister sat with his arms folded, legs crossed with seemingly high ego.

He looked very focused despite the frequent curling of his lips in disdain.

Every 10 seconds, he would nod as though he was listening intently.

At times, he would start madly scratching his head, and fidgeting with his handkerchief.

Then, he would calm himself down with a gulp of water.

Sometimes, he would exchange short and barely noticeable silent giggles with the cowardly solicitor.

A timid quiet man who is always in cold sweat.

Which i think, is actually a cover up.

He should have something up his sleeves, judging by those secret smirks and yawns.

So there i sat, curiously peeling their personalities, layer by layer.

9

FINAL PROJECT

FINAL PROJECT SEEING THE DIFFERENT LAYERS TO A PERSON

Everyone starts off the same, raw. As we grow in different environments, we change our actions and mentalities to adapt. Unknowingly, our personalities evolve, making each one of us different. Through this process, the traits we adopt, layer up. We learn to conceal and bring out certain characteristics under different circumstances. With the various personas presented, we often engulf people in a shroud of mystery and at times confusion. Regardless of close observation and time, it is impossible for us to see the true colours of a person, as they are constantly evolving.

ASSEMBLAGE MODEL

SPATIO-TEMORAL COLLAGE

SITE ANALYSIS MAP

I superimposed my assemblage plan and collage onto the site map for action. The collage suggests the idea of a person being able to possess several personalities that could be put on or taken off like a mask. I have also used the site map to emphasize the heavy influence of one’s actions on another’s characteristics. Lastly, I used my assemblage plan to further enhance the concept of harmonising contrasting traits.

SUPER IMPOSITION COLLAGE

10

FINAL PROJECT

SUPER IMPOSITION COLLAGE 1: 250 ON A3

11

A

B

A

B

PLAN 1 : 200 ON A1

I used the layering technique to conceal and expose different materials, which is parallel to how we intuitively suppress and expose different characteristics under different circumstances.

To depict the ‘organic’ personalities that we began with, rough and textured facades were used. They are partially covered by clean surfaces to bring across the idea of refinement, that we take on upon maturity. At different angles, we see different forms and varying compositions of rough and smooth surfaces, which could be identified with the complexity of human nature.The rough surfaces are weaved into the polished plans to bring across the idea of harmonising contrasting qualities. The structure offers space for individuals to interact under different circumstances, allowing them to see more sides to a person.

12

FINAL PROJECT

EXPERIENCE COLLAGE PARTIAL SECTION 1 : 50 ON A1

Parallel to human characteristics, metal starts off raw which gives an organic feel. With time and external influences, it begins to take a new form. Constant exposure to water causes metal to rust. Under extreme thermal conditions, they become increasingly malleable thus could be moulded into different shapes. On the other hand, with human manipulation, their rough edges could be evened out to form sheets donning a polished perfect surface.

This constant change in appearance part of a never-ending process.

A - SECTION 1 : 50 ON A1

13

FINAL PROJECT B - FULL SECTION 1 : 100 ON A1

14

FINAL PROJECT

15

FINAL PROJECT

16

FINAL PROJECT

17