ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN V [ARC60608/60306]
Phase 1: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis
Project 1A focused on building a thorough understanding of the proposed site in George Town, Penang, prior to entering the architectural design phase. Guided by the theme “Architecture with an Impact,” the project examined how architecture can meaningfully respond to the city’s social, cultural, environmental, and urban conditions.
Through site observations, urban analysis, impact studies, and precedent research, the study explored the relationship between people, place, and time. Key areas of investigation included the site's connection to KOMTAR and Sia Boey, its heritage significance, patterns of movement and public activity, environmental conditions, and the surrounding urban character.
The research findings were ultimately translated into an initial architectural position, project intention, and programme for the proposed Urban Living Room: The Socio-Cultural Exchange Hub. Project 1A therefore established the conceptual and analytical foundation for the individual architectural design development in Project 1B.
OUTCOME
Phase 2 - Design Strategies & Exploration
This project marks the transition from a collaboratively developed proposal into an individually refined architectural design. The process emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and iterative design thinking, encouraging continuous testing and evaluation of ideas. The design development critically explores spatial quality, formal composition, functionality, and the overall effectiveness of the proposed architectural intervention.
Design Aim
The project aims to design an Urban Living Room within George Town. Envisioned as a hybrid civic space, the project acts as both a city lobby and cultural gateway, providing an accessible “third place” where people can gather, interact, relax, play, and engage in social, recreational, and cultural activities beyond conventional commercial environments.
Key Design Parameters
-
Scale: The proposed development must achieve a Gross Floor Area (GFA) between 1,800 and 2,000 square metres.
-
Height: The building should consist of a minimum of three levels and a maximum of five levels above ground.
-
Programming: Approximately 50–60% of the building should accommodate primary programmes, while 30% is allocated to circulation and services. The remaining area is dedicated to living components, ancillary spaces, supporting facilities, and site-related mitigation.
Core Design Explorations
The design process is guided by four key areas of exploration:
-
Intent and Strategy: Establishing a strong architectural position and developing appropriate strategies to translate the project's ideas into meaningful interventions.
-
Spatial Organisation: Developing an effective spatial arrangement and sequence of experiences that support a user-centred architectural journey.
-
Form and Massing: Exploring the building's physical identity through scale, proportion, composition, and its relationship with the surrounding urban context.
-
Theme and Materiality: Integrating structural ideas and material selections to strengthen the architectural narrative while responding to the character and conditions of the site.
Expected Outcomes
The project concludes with a comprehensive pin-up presentation that communicates the evolution and reflection of the design process. The final submission includes a curated collection of conceptual 2D and 3D drawings, analytical diagrams, sketches, and physical study models, demonstrating the development of the project from initial ideas to a resolved architectural proposal.
OUTCOME
Phase 3- Final Design Presentation & Report
Building upon the schematic design developed in Project 1B, this final stage focuses on advancing the proposal into a fully resolved and refined architectural scheme. The project requires a more comprehensive understanding of architecture by integrating environmental strategies, technological systems, material considerations, and technical requirements into the overall design.
Core Objectives & Design Methodology
The design development is guided by a holistic approach that moves beyond conceptual and formal exploration. Students are required to further develop their proposals by considering:
-
Regulatory and Technical Compliance: Incorporating relevant building regulations, fire safety requirements, structural principles, feasibility, and other technical considerations.
-
Environmental and Sustainable Design: Integrating appropriate environmental strategies and contemporary sustainable design approaches into the architectural proposal.
-
Tectonic and Poetic Qualities: Exploring how structure, materiality, texture, light, and spatial atmosphere can contribute to both the technical and experiential qualities of the architecture.
-
Detailed Architectural Resolution: Selecting and developing a specific portion of the building in greater detail to demonstrate the integration of construction, technology, materiality, and architectural intention.
Key Deliverables
Pre-Final Design Review (Week 12)
This intermediate review evaluates the progress and feasibility of the design. The submission includes developed 2D drawings, 3D perspectives, technical studies, green strategies, and construction details to demonstrate that the proposed scheme is coherent, functional, and technically achievable.
Final Design Presentation (Week 16)
The final proposal is presented through a comprehensive exhibition consisting of 10–12 A1 panels or 5–6 A0 panels. The presentation includes a 300-word design narrative, complete orthographic drawings, exterior and interior visualisations, detailed technical wall sections, and a 1:200 physical model incorporating the immediate site context.
Final Design Report (Weeks 16–17)
A comprehensive A3 landscape-format report documents the complete 15-week design journey, tracing the project from its initial investigations to the final architectural resolution. The report includes the designer's profile, urban and site analysis, design development and explorations, technical integration, final portfolio, and a weekly reflective journal endorsed by the tutor.