COMPILATION OF DESIGN STATEMENTS

COMPILATION OF DESIGN STATEMENTS 2017-2020

NAME

: NORHAMIZAH BINTI MANSOR

MATRIC NO.

: BIA170023

DEPARTMENT

: DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

First Year, 2nd Semester Project typology: Capsule Project name: ALOHOMORA Site: University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

The capsule is implicitly meant to reflect memories encountered by the user to ‘confine’ himself into his work and imagination. it is inspired by a jigsaw, formulating a volume which incorporates mood, ryhtm and balance for better song composition. By dissecting the musical elements of song entitled ‘beautiful in white’, they are implemented throughout the design. The epilogue of phases is portrayed as missing pieces throughout the capsule.

As the main idea of creating functional spaces, it is implemented to the whole capsule design to literally restore his missing ‘spirit’ within a working space. A primary prismatic solid, cube is chosen as the basic form of the capsule because of the equality of its dimensions. by dividing spaces into three phases of creating a complete piece, the cube is manipulated within the capsule by applying subtraction and addition of form according to the interpretation of the space function; resting area is a place where those missing pieces (ideas of composing) in relation to his experiences and memories are acquired indirectly. Working area is a place where those missing pieces are arranged completing the whole form. Both spaces are interpenetrated each other to show that they complement one another. Storage space is a space where the whole piece is displayed or kept.

Basically, this capsule tells a storyline within spaces corresponding to the user’s conflict in the midst of working. in response to the site location, the expression of the capsule is enhanced by capturing the nature and urban views. The combination of subtractive and additive composition of the cube further creates a volume of space for the user to write lyrics and compose songs. It creates its own expressions yet a good parasite to the attached building (University Malaya Chancellery).

Second Year, 1st Semester Project typology: Kiosk Project name: HiPPO-CAMPUS Site: University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Comprehending the basic philosophy of Zumthor’s architecture, a concept of ‘Memory’ in relation to the theme of convocation and the site, Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC) is implemented. Highlighting on the fact that convocation would be part of memory for the graduating students throughout their university days, my kiosk is imagined to be part of that as well. This lies on coherence as the kiosk is designed as a photography booth and small gallery.

It is functioned to celebrate the graduates, therefore it will be opened for public for free. Yet, booking and registration should be done at the counter to control the circulation.

Memory is highly associated with photographs and journals in where it is kept. In the sense of the site context, convocation will be held at DTC which it is one of prominent memorial buildings in University of Malaya. A tree existed around DTC comes as one of biggest inspiration for this kiosk. The site has a very high potential to raise memorial memory within graduating students. Therefore, it is located at a specific site where it can frame views of two essential elements that can be a witness of the graduation ceremony. By reflecting Zumthor’s phlosophy to create an architecture of senses in which it will be part of the surrounding and interacts more with people, I intend to create a space for photo session by using a hybrid of designed backdrop and surrounding views.

Second Year, 1st Semester Project typology: Police Station Project name: Lättburen-cotta Site: Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

‘Lättburen-cotta’: A community police station designed to serve the community. Ideally, the job prospect of police is associated with the investigation of specific cases in order to put the culprits behind the bars. In prior to the function of this body, evidences and traces are vital to ensure investigations can be put to a final stop. Understand the philosophy of architecture of Peter Zumthor, lättburen-cotta is designed based on prominent ideas behind his architecture; light on things and the body of architecture. Though he does not design an abstract building, the ideas of incorporating natural light and unique tectonic is incorporated, embedding with approach concept of repetitive journey of finding traces. In the context of its specific site, there are few issues diagnosed around the area; lack of public spaces, no park for recreation purposes, only one police station existed.

To respond to the site synthesis, the whole idea of this police station is to solve these issues. Studying the demography of the site, targeted users are middle-aged community and youngsters in order to fit the functions of a community police station. Crossing over the abstract concept and ideas behind Zumthor’s architecture, formative idea of zigzag form incorporating spatial atmospheres, tectonics and light is achieved throughout the design. The material used for the construction is bricks where the arrangement of the bricks forming the wall is designed to fit the concept; zigzag and void/solid arrangement for light to penetrate through. Besides, its roof is particularly designed with skylight considering our climate and aesthetic values. Hence, the users can define the spaces with their emotions and tactility, experiencing the entire spaces with these elements.

Programs designed for the police station are police publication kiosk, flexible public spaces and event spaces to carter public needs to create awareness on their understanding about police work.

Second Year, 2nd Semester Project typology: Book Cafe Project name: Bibliosmia Site: University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

Bibliosmia: ‘Reading between the lines’. Readers are subjected to the linear movement of reading in order to comprehend what a book is all about. Taking out the literal diagram of a book, it is physically studied to further make a connection between readers and reading.

Conceptually, readers do read books without skipping a single page for their better understanding. The idea is to dissect the book into its finest state where it’s the crucial part of understanding. Correlating this to the physical part of a book; A spine connects the whole pages, it is then translated into a volume where the targeted users can experience of.

Contextually, based on the nodes and circulation around the given site, there are two possible entrances for this cafe. These entrances are taken into account while designing where it is resembled as the book spine in which acts as the backbone of the book. The spaces are divided into three; reading, eating and intermediate spaces. As radial organization is used, at the very centre, a counter and gallery are designed for Faculty of Built environment students as a focal point of this cafe. Therefore, customers can be attracted from the main road and creates a sense of surprise externally. As Bibliosmia is personally designed to dissect the expression of readers where expressive elements are used throughout the structures.

The structures are designed to carter the special features of cafe such as table and chairs and shelves. In oreder to enhance the reading habits of students, a special area where alumni or other students can donate and exchange books is designed. The users can experience the sense of loving books and reading while enjoying their light meals in the cafe. A cafe which depicts the spine of book acts as a gather point for the readers or students to interact to one another and futher express their passion. tectonic is highlighted throughout the structure.

Final Year, 1st Semester Project typology: Life Learning Centre Project name: Forestica Site: Jalan Chun Tyhe Phin, Taiping, Perak.

Highlighting Taiping as Top 3 Most Sustainable City in the world, the sustainability elements should be implemented throughout the heritage town. The botany education should be promoted in enhancing local knowledge in order to create an extension of knowledge.

Forestica is a botanical centre which prompts to give a community empowerment in developing Taiping as a sustainable city. This centre emphasises on collaborative botanical learning with adjacent botany-based venues namely Taiping Lake Garden, Perak Botanical garden and nurseries. The idea is to appreciate the botany ‘essence’ of those areas and bring them into the centre in order to create Taiping botany trail along with the heritage trail.

Highlighting the phases of learning and hierarchy of botany approaches, the plans of the centre is formulated according to level of botany technology; advanced technology, midtechnology and convectional approach. Advanced technology will be featuring hydroponics while mid-technology will be featuring terrarium planting. The rooftop garden is designed to carter the gardening workshop in collaboration with existing nurseries to enhance botany practices in Taiping. Using canopy of clumped trees as a main concept, the experiences under a forest-like environment is created throughout the centre. The lifelong learning centre depicts the canopy structure of growing foliage which protect the occupants by providing shades.

Forestica creates a nexus of landscape, extending up to communicate with the existing Taiping life street and drive people into the centre.

Taiping has been recognised as among the top three sustainable cities in the world. The recognition should be celebrated by all generations by implementing “Machineoki” concept in preserving the heritage values of the town in a sustainable green urban setting. Focusing on the theme of botany, Taiping people need a botanical centre to learn, practice and preserve the sustainable town of Taiping. Old and young generation should join in enhancing its sustainability in a more proactive and welcoming approach. Emphasizing the importance of

balcony as part of the learning facilities inside Forestica, its furniture is designed to create a sense of creativity and welcoming to the visitors. By using the same ‘canopy’ concept, the furniture is designed based on the connection between circles to promote the connectivity between the visitors. Based on psychology, humans think better inside a circular space.

Therefore, this fact is translated into a furniture design to improve the thinking process of the visitors. Furthermore, getting inspired by a botanical craft named pressed flower craft, casted inside epoxy resin, an educational railing along balcony is proposed to continue the botanical trail inside Forestica. Hence, the botany knowledge is continuous and further benefit the visitors. The botanical education is implemented outdoor to give a sense of connection to the nature via the balcony. The balcony outdoor education is designed by the furniture and railing to highlight the uniqueness of the knowledge space. Therefore, the idea of having a holistic education for Taiping people throughout Forestica will be highly achieved.

The programs of Forestica are designed to create awareness on the importance of botany in improving sustainable development throughout Taiping. It creates a botanical journey, at the same time improves the existing botanical areas to acknowledge their importance and contributions to Taiping. Forestica offers a satellite learning to discover Taiping’s heritage and these botanical areas. Therefore, the visitors can learn botany education and practise plant techniques at the centre. It somehow instils good attitude and practices. Other than that, they can experience a learning environment inside a green urban setting which brings them closer to the nature.

To implement the idea of bringing in the forest, forest-liked plants are proposed in Forestica to promote experiences being in a forest. The users can enhance their educational processes in green nature environment which really helpful in expanding wisdom and brain development. Besides their easy maintenance, these plants give multiple advantages in providing healthier environment for the users. This strategy is incorporated as a part of botany education that they can learn from the centre. Besides, to enhance the visual treatment from the street, colourful plants as part of the frontage landcape is proposed, extending up the botanical centre. It will create a sense of welcoming which then attracts the visitors to get into a new fantastic botanical world. Therefore, Forestica is aimed to be recognisable place maker and landmark of Taping. Besides, the construction of Forestica is also designed based on the concept of ‘tree’ to depict core of spaces, symbolising a tree trunk. The water circulation and piping is innovated and implemented in the roof structure to form a rain harvesting cycle to be reused for vegetation. The canopied roof is designed to reflect layering of tree bark. Forestica

is designed based on several sustainability features to improve sustainable development throughout the town. It promotes the features to create an awareness for Taiping people as they can part of education implemented inside the botanical centre too.

Throughout years, Taiping has progressed quite a lot serving as a popular heritage town.

Due to that, green area is getting lesser and lesser to carter to the advanced development of the town. As Taiping is awarded as Top 3 Most Sustainable City in the world, we are concerned if the greenery will slowly varnish throughout the town. Contextually, Taiping is inhabited mostly by older generation who inherent local culture and historical values of the community. Yet, the interaction of older generation and younger generation is a bit critical in the community. There is an age gap between the people in where they cannot find any similarities to interact with.

Inspecting these issues, a powerful connecting tool is needed to reconnect the community despite of their races, age or religion. The urban intervention site is located near Forestica, complementing its function as a botanical centre. It is meant to be a place maker of Taiping as they can experience a botanical trail inside and outside the centre. Therefore, the awareness on the importance of botany in sustaining sustainability can be highlighted among Taiping society.

THE END