Meera Satheesh
Architecture Design Studio 3 (ARC 2118)
Project 1: Memorials Themed 'Journey of the 5
SENSES'
This semester, we were told to concentrate on Poetic Spaces.
The term POETIC SPACES is basically a combination of the words POEMS and SPACES.
In lay mans terms, it means, a potrayal of a certain structure or spaces in various differents methods and representations in order to showcase its ability to convey certain stories, memories, events or incidents, fellings, emotions and etc.
We were also required to focus our attention to 2 of the major typologies, which are the Linear and Concentric typology.
This project required us to work in a group of 5 to produce memorials for 2 of the 3 major & tragic incidents which occured this year;
(a) Disappearance of MH 370
(b) The sinking of the SEWOL Ferry, Korean
(c) The crashing of MH 17
Besides the chosen incidences, we were to utilise the 2 main typologies that were given to us.
Upon having many discussions and researches, we came to a conclusion to design for MH 370 with a Linear typology and The SEWOL Ferry incident with a concentric typology.
Final Presentation Layouts & Models
The Church of Sacred Heart, Prague
Design Concepts & Stories
 Stairs upShows the effort and struggles of life. |  Penetration of LightA representation of hope for the future for the families of the victims. |  Elevated memorial (Fragility)A representation of how fragile life is. Seems very unsafe from the outside but doesn't affect the people inside. |
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 Double pathwayGives the visitors a choice of which path to choose but eventually ends up in the same space. Give a representation of the 2 possible struggles the pasangers may have gone through (unaffected or by force) |  High StairsPrevents the visitors from using the stairs. This gives the visitors a sense of journey - a possible journey of the passengers on the plane. |  Wrecked endingThe major fall, causes the visitors to have a sudden feel or shock. The visible door gives a tendency to go through, but it is realized to late. |
Reflection
A few of the things that I've learnt during this project is that teamwork and communication is very important in completing any task. Through this project we as a group have understood the basis of a poetic space and its relevant components. Besides that, we learnt that the allocation of work; in terms of collecting materials, throwing in ideas, producing the drawings and models was crucial.
Through this allocation, we've learnt to work together and teach each other what others aren't that familiar with as everyone has their strengths and weakness.
I've also understood the different spacial typoogies and how they inform the spacial use and emotions. These understandings were clearly demonstrated by the memorial designs and models.
One main problem that we faced during this process was miscommunication between members in which we managed to solve quickly and got back on track.
Project 2: GENIUS LOCI (Site Analysis & Concept Development)
This semester, we had our site visit o a very beautiful yet not famous Pulau Besar which is approximately 13km off-coast of Malacca.
This site visit was mainly done to allow us to produce a concept for our Visitors Interpretive Center in the upcoming project (Project 3).
For this project on the other hand, we were required to do site analysis of the island and our chosen site. Besides that, we were also needed to gain some inspiration, and ideas for the VIC.
In our previous group, we were required to do Site Analysis for our chosen site - SITE 1, collect these informations;
(a)Site survey: provide dimensions of its width and depth and indicate any adjacent buildings at the levels of plans,
elevations and sections to create an accurate record of what currently exists
 (b) Orientation (sun path)
 (c) Climate (rainfall & temperature)
 (d) Site contours
 (e) Adjacent street and vehicular traffic patterns
 (f) Pedestrian circulation
 (g) Neighbouring contexts
 (h) Vegetation
 (i) Views from the site
 (j) Views to the site
 (k) Views through the site
 (l) Noise
 (m) Human-Cultural
As an individual task, we were required gather the things that we found interesting and produce them as creatively as possible. Along with that, we were needed to produce an A3 board of our concept development for our Visitors Interpretive Center.
Some picture of SITE 1
Final
Personal Interpretation Representations & Concepts
 20141210_045424 - Copy.jpg |  20141210_045535.jpg |  20141210_045530.jpg |
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 20141210_045526.jpg |  20141210_045507.jpg |  20141210_045501.jpg |
 20141210_045453.jpg |  20141210_045447.jpg |  20141210_045440.jpg |
Reflection
A few of the things that I've learnt during this project is that teamwork and communication is very important in completing any task. Through this project we as a group have understood the basis of Micro Site Analysis and its relevant components. Besides that, we learnt that the allocation of work; in terms of collecting data, production of the A3 panel was crucial.
Through this allocation, we've learnt to work together and teach each other what others aren't that familiar with as everyone has their strengths and weakness.
I've also understood how site analysis will affect your design later on. These understandings were clearly demonstrated by the production of this A3 panel. This allows us to manipulate the design based on our personal problems and analysis.
One main problem that we faced during this process was miscommunication between members in which we managed to solve quickly and got back on track.
Project 3: GENIUS LOCI (Visitors Interpretive Center)
As a continuation of our second project, we were required to develop our concepts and designs in a proper VIC. This needed us to assume that the abandoned Marina Resort and the Club are still running. This assumption made it harder and challenged our skills to produce a very interesting yet workable design.
Some restriction s were given to us. They were;
(a)Total floor area: 450sqm (covered internal and external spaces), 2 storeys
(b) ROOM REQUIREMENTS for the space are as follows:
(i) Reception
(ii) Foyer / Public gathering space
(iii) Display / Exhibition / Gallery space
(iv) Book / Souvenir shop
(v) M&E / Utilities space(s)
(vi) Office
(vii) Toilets
(viii) Pantry / cafeteria
(xi) Storage
(x) 1 MISC Space to be defined by designer
(10 rooms / spaces in total)
(c) THE USE OF MATERIALS WITH HEAVY THERMAL MASS (CONCRETE, NATURAL STONE AND/OR BRICKWORK).
Final model
Final Presentation Layouts & Models
Reflection
A few things that I've learnt upon doing this project is the usage of the RHINO, 3ds Max software in creating the final presentation board. This is the first time I'm personally attempting to do so. Besides that, I've also learnt that asking questions is another form of learning and also understood the value and the importance of the site as a whole.
All the small details counts in creting your design.
Since it's my first time doing the boards in computer, I've done quite a number of models to portray and show my idea rather than just focusing on the drawings during the presentation.
I've also learnt that time management is also very important as well as getting help from your peosonal tutors.
