
D.S IV
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO IV
MODULE OUTLINE
In Semester 4, themed “engaging environment and community”, the studio explores design by harnessing environmental qualities and conditions for human and environment sustainability through a project with a specific community of users within a given context. Using the precedent studies, students explore the environment poetics of the building enclosure that respond to the basic natural context such as the sun, wind, heat, cold, energy issue and existing building context (which has clustered built forms for example community center, nature appreciative center, research center). Considerations should be given to the complexity of the program, site topography and vegetation, socio-cultural events, and variety of passive strategies for sustainable design. The design work should contribute to and merge harmoniously with environment and the site, and provide the best of experiences for the community of users. Students are required to demonstrate applications of knowledge gained from Environmentally Sustainable Design and Building Science 1 modules from prior semesters.
PROJECT 1 : OUTDOOR PLAYSCAPE
In this project, we were divided into groups of 3 where students are required to design an outdoor playscape with modular design incorporating recycled materials along with models and presentation boards.
PROCESS PHOTOS:
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FINAL MODELS AND PRESENTATION BOARDS:
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REFLECTION
Through this project, I was able to have a deeper understanding and knowledge modular design. On the other hand, i manage to further develop my perception in design where I have a deeper understanding on ways in analysing and producing a design in relation to the concept. In addition, I manage to explore different types of ways and materials in physical modelling. Working with my teammates, I was able to learn many things from them and it act as an eye opener which inspires me a lot.
PROJECT 2A : SITE ANALYSIS - TAMAN DESA
In this project, we were divided into 12 groups where we had our on site visit to Taman Desa to carry out our site analysis. Then, students are to produce presentation boards and site model which conveys all the necessary information for further development for our final project which is a recycle centre.
FINAL MODELS AND PRESENTATION BOARDS:

REFLECTION
Through this project, I was able to understand the true purpose of a site analysis which includes not only the data, but personal experience, thought and interpretation of the site itself. On the other hand, I was able to analyse the factors that will contribute to the design of the centre in various aspects in conjunction to the site.
FINAL PROJECT : TAMAN DESA RECYCLED CENTRE
In this project, students are required to design a recycle centre with a well-designed spatial arrangement and activities. A programme is to be developed into the centre which influences the circulation as well as main function of the centre. A certain requirement is implied to the building with site boundaries, setbacks and size of the building. Required spaces like management office, meeting rooms, gallery, classrooms, toilet, collection area, workshop and etc are the fundamental spaces that is required to be incorporated in the design.
FINAL MODELS AND PRESENTATION BOARDS:
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REFLECTION
This project was a very tough one as it really requires in depth consideration of function, usability, circulation and spatial arrangement. It was quite a challenge to design the spaces when it also has to suit the design concept of the building. For me, the biggest challenge is to be productive as I was always stuck at a point with total lost, no direction of which way to proceed. Thankfully for my tutor, i was able to pull it through this semester. I was able to learn, and listen to the comments which some are eye openers for me as I didn't know design could be taken up to another level. Through this project, I have learnt my lesson in having a strict discipline in the future so that works will be produce on time and accordingly to the schedule. And last but not least, in order to have a good final presentation, the design has to be finalised at least 2 weeks before the submission where the execution of 3D models and drawings , as well as presentation boards would take up at least 2 weeks to achieve perfection.