To Inpsire at Least One

Clarke Quay Eco Roof - Inspirational Singapore

2012-02-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

When I first step foot into Clark Quay, the only recollection that I could remember is that the Ministry of Manpower [MOM] is located just few minutes away from the MRT station where I would get my work permit, which reminds me, I have to renew mine soon. Cant believe it has been nearly a year working in Singapore. But what I failed to realised, there was a huge tree like sutrcture just around the corner on the other side of the MRT station, which happen to be an iconic feature. I just happen to bump into the location because my friend brought me around the place as it is a hot spot for drinking and hanging out by the river and incidently my company also had our Chinese New Year lunch around the area.

The major structure was design by Alsop and it was a dramatic redevelopment of the river district for Clarke quay, a mixed used scheme that is vibrant and an attractive destination which cost 45.3 million euro. The project was successful because the archtiect and engineer are able to manipulate the site's microclimate using sophisticated shading/cooling system. The system was integrated into the structure itself to enhance the visuality of the apce and its environmental agenda. The success of the space itself was confirm by the dramatic increase in foot traffic which increased by 4 fold.

The first picture is taken from the internet and the ones below are taken with my Iphone. Enjoy.

Stadium MRT & The Singapore Indoor Stadium

2012-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

I got the opportunity to go to the Singapore Indoor Stadium to watch a basketball match between the Singapore Slingers and the Bangkok Cobras, and it was obvious who I was supporting, and it was even more obvious who won lol. Anyways, putting the game aside, the real opportunity that I had was to experience the SMRT 'Stadium' station which was design by my favourite firm, WOHA. Stadium MRT Station (CC6) is an underground MRT stationon the Circle Line in Singapore. The station was opened on 17 April 2010 along with the rest of Stage 1 & 2 of the Circle Line in Singapore and is operated by SMRT corporatiom. It serves the Kallang area and the future Singapore Sports Hub which comprises the new National Stadium, new Aquatic Centre and the existing Singapore Indoor Stadium, Leisure Park Kallang and the Tanjong Rhu area. The station is named after the sport centres/stadiums in the vicinity. It is expected to have a high amount of passenger usage when there is a significant event in the Sport centres nearby. This station is also within the vicinity of Kallang MRT station and Mountbatten MRT station.

As you walk out of the station, you will straight away come across the stadium which is design by Kenzo Tange, a renoun Japanese architect. It was completed in 1989 and the $90 million structure was officially opened by the Prime Minister at that time, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The building has a cone shaped roof and a pillarless arena. The full capacity of the building is 12,000 but it will vary depending on the occasion such as concerts and sport events.

The pictures above are taken from the internet, enjoy the picstures below as taken from my Iphone.

Architectural Disaster in the Making

2012-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what will happen to a bridge, or stairs or anything elevated for that matter, when you drive pass or walk pass it? We always assume the structure would hold our weights and have the necessary structural strenght to withstand at least the minimal load approved by law or an engineer. So, now imagine the road that you drive onto everyday, was actually made out of very minimal structural steel with foams inside. WTH, really? It would definitely scare the hell out of me. The frustration really does build up when things like this happen especially when the forwarded email claims that this photos were taken in Malaysia, seriously, it makes us look like idiots.

When this forwarded email was sent to me, it was quite disturbing and scary at the same time. I am not sure whether it is real or not, but the pictures looks pretty convincing. I think the forwarded email was describing about the bridge being expensive and get a hold of that crap. I am not sure how long this bridge has been build but the cracks are already showing. It really goes to show how things really work in my country, sadly. A developed country by 2020? Yea right, dream on. Here are some of photos and enjoy the sadistic bridge feature.

A fresh start to the year

2012-01-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new start, hence the brighter and simpler set up, hoping for a great year ahead.

It has been quite a while since my last post, and many things did happen along the way. Time has been great and tough, but we all know its pretty much the norm to have it this way. My project is finally coming to an end, not exactly yet, but the transfer of responsibilities towards a project manager will be done when construction starts after Chinese New Year. I on the other hand, was also given the opportunity to do a few feasibility study which I was craving for months since I started as it involves a lot of design work, and damn, it was really time consuming and can be frustrating due to the fact that you might not get it. There were 2 feasi study which I did that had residential units on the top with commercial lots on the lower floors, while the 3rd was a hotel study. Unfortunately the clients has yet to reply on the calculations we made for them on all 3 projects. I am also currently doing a freelance design feasi for landed properties back at home, which I hope the developer will get.

Enough with the work talk, its at that time of the year where you would come up with a new year resolution. We all long to do better in life and to achieve something memorable. My new year resolution is to do something out of my comfort zone twice a month, so I wont have a boring life. To force start my resolution, I have sign up for a language class which will start soon and I have also bought two big painting canvas to draw and paint and will try to sell it LOL, truly inspired by the art gallery at the Marina Bay Sand shopping mall. I dont think I have the necessary skills yet but will definitely improve whenever I can.

Bumped into this article today and boy oh boy, it is not something we designers would like to see. Architecture graduates has the lower unemployment rate? Seriously? But obviously it is only a study that is applied to America, not sure how true the saying goes for other areas. I know UK had a pretty hard time when building development come to a temporary stall due to the cuts last year, hence moving on was my only option. Not sure about now, but projects are booming here in Asia, legally and illegally.

http://www.archdaily.com/197351/study-shows-architecture-graduates-with-highest-unemployment-rate/

The year ended quite pleasantly and here are just some photos my bro took while we where strolling around Marina Bay Sand the day before the new year celebration was held. There were a few rehearsals going on but the most interesting feature was the video show where water sprays were used as the background instead of a canvas. Please refer to the photos below for a better understanding.

Here is a even better explanation on the water spray, a video of the 'thingy' itself.

I uploaded the wrong video, no wonder it was so quick lol. Will reuploaded the proper video tonight.

2012 A Year of Reckoning :)

2012-01-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. A new year, a new start, new resolutions with higher aims. I'll be back. ;p

Simple is always the Better way

2011-08-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is just a self preference, although complex structure like Zaha's can be mind boggling but that is not for everyone, most of us do not have the support from client to create something as daring. Even if you do have the support, challenging yourself to design something extraordinary with cheap materials that is simple is harder than it sounds. I am designing my 6 HDB blocks project's mail box and all I can play with is colours, but with some concrete to my disposal. I need to come up with a design that will convinced the main con to willingly do during the construction, without them just constructing based on the standard 2000x1650x500mm box. Why am I just designing a mail box? The main building has been finalised and currently we are just dealing with managing the Show Flat and submission drawings. I am trying to learn to incorporate the main design idea into a small scale feature, to allow the idea to flow around the site and tie the project together as a whole.

I am starting to understand why architects in past design their own door handles for the building, the doors etc. I have always thought facade is everything when I as younger, but that is just to naive. I am in a middle of my project where construction will start in a few months time, and we are suppose to select ironmongery for the building, and I feel those old gen architects had such a nice time designing their own doors or handle, as I am bound to a series of suppliers that is being proposed by the main con. Here are just some projects I came across which looks pretty nice in a very simple manner, playing with lights, materiality and transparency, which is something I am trying to learn when I get my own project in a few months time, hopefully shorter, I cant wait.

Absurd yet funny

2011-08-27T02:46:00.001-07:00

HAHAHAHAHAA.....it is sad to say this but its located in Malaysia's National Museum. Got this picture from a forwarded email, I would pay a few RM dollars to see this crap.

A Rapidly Deployable Shade Structure

2011-08-14T01:08:00.000-07:00

PVC shade is a structure that is made up of very simple components to provide easy shading. It only consist of 3 cyclinders and 3 sockets to form the basis of the modular structure which is then integrated with a layer of perspex, before multiplying to form the shape desired. The materials is made out of PVC, making it easily accesible and recycable. Once the triangle form is made, the triangles are brought together with just a plastic recycled clip which can be done by any individuals. The design is not restricted by the size and can be manipulated to provide a space for an individual or for 100. A square has a 1x1 metre dimension and is made up of 4 triangles.

I really need to practice more on my presentation skills.
http://www.designbymany.com/challenge/rapidly-deployable-shade-structure

Uninspired

2011-08-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

For some particular reason I feel uninspired right now, although I am looking at archi sites daily, and I am finishing off another competition design work for this Sunday, things still does not feel right. Maybe because I was told that architecture is just a passion, and its not a thing you can earn money from. Reality just starts kicking in, I am at the point of earning for my own living, listening to married couples talk about life's difficulties, it is something I think I am prepared for, but I wont know it until I try it. Ever feel underachieved? That is how I feel right now, just need to push forward, life is a marathon, its a cliche to say it, but its a cliche for a reason, cause its true. Maybe it is also because, I did a feasibility study for a project terrace house back home, and IF i do not get the project because there are merit reasons in comparison with other designer, it is fine with me, but if political issues are involved, it just makes me mad, it is just an insult to all. I know it happens everywhere, and they keep asking me why I do not wish to go back. I think I need a abit of change in life, to do something different that I would not normally do, and that would be.....no clue, ge a hobby, maybe. Anyways, at least this blog, http://www.ohiseered.com/ is still inspiring me to do something fun with art, I have to thank my sister for showing me this blog. I will think of something, something, something, nothing right now lol. I think I repeated this concern before, oh well, it is my space to say what I want.

Duxton, I'm slightly disappointed.

2011-08-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

I had an hour visit to Duxton Pinnacle to get some inspiration for detail design that could be used for my current project. I had alot of high expectation on the building, knowing it won 'Building of the Year' and its in the same building category as my project, Design, Build and Sales Scheme, DBSS in short. It also happen by chance that the main contractor for this project would be our main contractor as well, so I had the chance to look at the workmanship the main cons can provide. To say the least, I was quite disappointed when I was there, and I was not even half way around the site. I didnt have the chance to walk around its roof garden as yet.

Duxton is also categorized as a special project, unlike my project, it is very restricted, as the design is govern by rules and regulations, however Duxton, the way I understood can be swayed a bit, by how much, I do not know. This bulky concrete parapets is nothing more then just money going to waste, and its not even smooth. -1 to the main con.This design for a little green roof really does not reflect on the project itself. With the disappointing handrail, it is as if it is an after thought design, or done by a junior who was rush for submission.Just beside to the walkway, all I had to do is look up and I came across another design problem. Somewhere in the upper half, middle section, you can actually see a ledge for sun shade for the window, that was build just under another protruding window. The problem is self explanatory, they could save money on it.Simple is always the best way if you cant come up with anything good.Probably the only thing that excite me was the sitting area, but it looks expensive, due to the amount of steel used in such a small area, and they have loads of this lying around. I just like the how the timber and steel are repeated vertically and horizontally.Duxton maybe a special project but it cant run away from all rules and regulations. Take a look at the picture above, right side where the AC ledge is, it would normally be a normal concrete floor slab but for this, it has gaps in it. My assumption is, the project's GFA has burst and they were required to cut down the amount that has burst. GFA means the area that is provided to build your building, and that does not mean just on ground floor [its 1st storey in Singapore], it applies to every floor you desgn and build. The site itself, you are only allowed 40% of site coverage, everything else has to be green, or something else, hence most of them goes upwards.Long ramp, disables in whellchairs BEWARE!Seriously, who uses that type of railing in a maintenance area, and because of that compromises every ugly AC railing for all units?

Suprisingly, for such a grand project, they do not have a proper drop off area. When I ask where the drop off area is, I was pointed to this place, and it is actually just beside the carpark. I know, WTH. Ill try to go to the top when I can and will post more pictures of it.

Render it My Way

2011-07-30T10:23:00.001-07:00

I promised a friend to show how I did my perspective montage and I have provide a general step by step of my rendering methods. Obviously I do not think it is the best way, but its the only way I know. I must inform that my method, for some paritcular reason, has a certain 'quality', not sure if I am using the right word, which does not make it look 'real' compared to a proper rendering, I feel its more animated. If this 'quality' is fine, then follow every steps I make, or else better ask someone else if a 'more real' rendering is needed. Hope this step by step guide helps.

Programmes used: Autocad, Sketchup, Kerkythea, Photoshop

I start by having a JPEG with the outline of the building and some of the surrounding to define the space that needs to be rendered. Obviously you already need to know what you want to achieve in that particular view. I use Sketchup as my 3d modeler and so I export an Autocad file to CAD and then save it as a PDF before transfering into Photoshop. I do not jsut save the 2d image straight from Sketchup as the line quality is still blurry, and the space define between lines is vague as well. If its for a rough render then its okay, I always go for the engineering style, I think I got the name right.Next is to render that particular angle you want. If you are planning to use Kerkythea, which is a free plug in to Sketchup, always save all the scenes that you want and never change the viewing dimension when you are about to render in Kerkythea. If a new scene is made in Kerkyhtea, the viewing dimension changes and you will not get that wide view. Well, render and add image into Photoshop.Clean the image up however you want. I always start my montage with the background to give myself a sense of the surrounding, its just my style, but I have contradicted this step far too many times. It is up to you to decide which you want to start first.Same thing here, additonal sky is added. It feels like I have done loads lol.The previous backgrounds are added based on photos, but ground flooring is a pattern that I use in Photoshop, the icon I used is the Pattern Stamp Tool. You just need to have the right JPEG, add into the library, select your desired area and colour it in. WA LAAA. How to add to pattern library? Photoshop>Edit>Define Pattern, but you need to have that particular JPEG open.If you realise, everything is done starting with the background, so everything else can be layed on top, without the need to move your layers all the time in Photoshop.The space has been created, you have the sea, sand, walkway, pond, building and jungle. Everything can always be touch up again at the end.After you are happy with the big scale editing, its time to do the smaller scale items which would make the render prettier. This image I have added some trees on the right with very light opacity and some trees by the main entrance. To make your life easier, trees are prepared in advanced, so it can used on all other project as well.Next is to give the building more detail, the design pattern is added, and all of this are just JPEG that are put in place, nothing complicated.Add more trees!!!! It looks pretty decent now. Remember to always add SHADOW to all things, it creates depth and it wont look like it is floating.The final step is obviously to fill the space with people. I know a lot of people like to use people where you can still see their face, shirt etc. I prefer to have mine desaturated, because using the 'real' reflection is not always clear or perfect, so that makes an inconsistent image, but that is just my preference.And if you want too, you can add some touch up like the bird in the sky etc. Remember to always make sure everything is to scale or else it looks weird. I do mine by drawing a LINE in sketchup to a certain height for guidance. Most of the supporting image in this render are lower in opacity to ensure that the focus would be towards the building. Well, it looks like a very short guide lol. I hope this helps in some ways, but remember, this is just my way. :)

Will upload a similar thing for the site plan soon.

Bench/Chair Design

2011-07-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is a bench/chair design competition which was just uploaded to the competition website just 2 days ago. I was surprise to be able to finish this whole presentation from modeling up to montage in just about 4-5 hours. Obviously you need to have the idea already backing you up. Im not trying to brag, but its more towards the notion of, if you need to do it, or you have to do it, that hidden energy would spring out, wrap around you like an aura coating, driving you towards delivering the requested finalised project design. I was in that position and I dont like my ideas hanging around and not being put to the test, although most of it has failed, but no matter, each failure is a big stepping stone to move forward. Enjoy this new piece.

Project description:

The whole concept about this project is about bringing fun into a matter that has been looked as a typical social interaction for as long as human civilisation. The integration of fun is look upon from a young kid point of view, where it not only provides the sole purpose of providing a sitting area, but a safe gadget that can be played with and even has the capability to beautify a space. The project is intended to be put at a park or any open space, a new focal point for many children, and perhaps adults. The colours used on the materials itself is reflected upon the 10 main Seoul colour, making the item applicable in any historical or modern area. The idea also applies to the arranging of the flower’s colour to suit the 4 seasonal weather.

The ‘bush’ and the flowers are all made out of recycled plastic, to ensure the buildability is inexpensive, sustainable and ecological. It being plastic, also make sure that the chair is light and is not harmful when young kids are carrying it. Dispatch of such item when a children festival is held is very easy, making it woeful for such an occasion.

It all starts with the base, where it would have multiple holes to allow the flower’s stem to be put into. The flower’s ‘petal’ can be move up 45 degree to represent a flower blossoming, allowing a variation of views on the item. If a paaserby wants to sit, he/she picks a flower, allow the petal to sit horizontally and open its 3 way stems for stability. The 3 way stem is supported by an interior recycled string/rope to ensure resistance towards the downward force is feasible. One bushel can provide 21 little chairs, allowing everyone to have a chair for any park shows etc.

Project Dimension

One Bushel Base: 3000mm diameters
One flower chair: 800mm (Open petals), 650mm (Semi-close petals) – diameters
285mm (Open stem), 400mm (Close stem)

Building to Building Pedestrian Bridge

2011-06-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is just the latest competition I join and in total, it only took me a day to do it. My tight working schedule only allows me so much time. During the weekend I try to go out and rest so I dont have to sit and just Sketch away. However I did spend 6 hours during the weekend to finish this off as the deadline is today just before midnight. We are suppose to design a bridge from building to building and instead of coming up with something very fancy, I had a more simpler and modular approach. The design is based on an orthotropic approach with a singular truss from the top to provide a support element. It is design within a 1 metre modular structure which then can be repeated allowing flexibility and adaptibility depending on distance between buildings. I realise everyone is doing round, helix and square and the structural composition is not really shown but mostly the concept. I know I should have spent more time on presentation, hopefully simplicity and functional practical structural idea would go all the way.

HDB, HDB, HDB and Reality

2011-05-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

I have been working for only 2 weeks but I am constantly hit by reality, the transition between education and working is harder then I initially thought. It does not feel as hard, but it becomes an annoying habit to revert back to student mode. Working in the UK is very different to Singapore, it is true for any country for that matter, but the design culture shock where Singapore highly believes in efficiency, rules and regulation, design becomes really difficult. I know UK has its rules and regulation, especially on ancient buildings, but I believe it is not as strict to how it is done in Singapore. Maybe I was never made aware, due to the limited responsibilities I was given during my year out, concentrating alot more on rendering, elevations, concepts etc.

I am currently involve in a private/government project, which HDB is concern. HDB means Housing and Development Board, which existed due to the housing shortages Singapore is facing. HDB right now occupies about 80% of the housing population, which is especially build for the local communities. The other 20% would be landed property, which means houses that are terrace, semi detached, detached houses etc, which are normally occupied by the rich. HDB are normally government projects, but mine is a hybrid, combination of private and government. It just means that the flats are developed by a private contractor which is later sold back to the government. It still has all the standard design a normal HDB would have but at a higher standard to try and make HDB look more appealing.

I am trying design a flat to the best efficiency possible at my own time but I need to spend more time on it, obviously, with some of the design rules consideration I was made aware off today by a colleague, which I know makes just a fraction of the whole list of books I need to read through. I always thought a private project would be exciting, or any project for that matter, but it really does seem to be the case for Starchitects only or if you join competitions regularly. I used to question my colleagues during my year out, why not join competitions at any given time? The obvious answer would be, it takes alot of your time and it can be wasteful. I never really understood that implication until I started working here. I am already involved with many responsibilities and that amount would go up drastically in 2 weeks when my colleague would be away for 1 month on private matter.

I can hear unpaid OT echoing in my head which is actually a common thing in my office. My previous colleague would weep and cry if they are ask to work here. I would be waiting for the time to come when I get to run my own project and I would be weeping along side my colleagues trying to finish up for tender submission.

Here are just some images of the HDB in Singapore.

Standard, rules and regulation does not mean it restricts the design potential but it merely gives you more of a challenge to meet the requirement of a site. The pinnacle is a 50 storey HDB and it has been selected as Building of the Year for 2010 at the WAF, World Architecture Festival in Barcelona. It is just a matter of creativity, push it to the limit and expand your potential.

A Whole New Dimension

2011-04-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am now in Singapore, been working and walking around for the pass 1 week and a half and the extreme heat is definitely not helping me settling down in this new city of mine. People always talk about culture shock when they first visit a country, like when I first step into UK soil 8 years ago, I was told by my parents, uncle and aunties that I will experience alot of encounters that might shock my system. But for some particular reason, I settled down pretty well without any problems at all. Maybe it is the naivety and being 17, it is easy to get influence by a foreign surrounding, when the sense of curiousity is at a very high level.

I have been working since Monday, a week earlier then our previous verbal agreement, and the working culture is definitely a big shock to my system. I was equipped with a sling bag and a soar throat due to the heat, I ended staying in the office till 2000 on the first day, 1945 on the next day, 1930 on Wednesday, 2244 on Thursday and a pitiful 1830 on Friday due to my request as I was sick and just had visited the doctor at 1530. It is definitely not a great way to start but I might learn very quickly being put into the deep end straight away. It is a very successful company, with one of the employee stating the company being a factory, run by rules, standard and regulations. Apparently, WOHA runs the office with less projects but it has a more concept based approach which I like, and they had vacancy in the month of February which I was not aware off. But that does not mean they do not work through OT repeatedly. These are just word of mouth from colleagues who has friends working over that side.

I have 2 weeks again before I could settle properly into a room that was dub as expensive, which I did not know, and it was harder to deal with landlords 10,000 miles away. Slightly uninspired, will bring my camera around and start exploring the nooks and spaces of Singapore when I can. Oh Geylang, inspire me lol.

Inspirational SIngapore [4]

2011-03-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

Things has been very difficult for the past few weeks with the internet down and the need to ship my stuff back home, I did not have the time to upload any pictures or do anything architectural. I feel that I am missing alot on design now that I am not really doing any competition work. I also find out that I may not be able to do any freelance work once my application to the MoM in Singapore is approved, hence the only way is either family work, ie house design renovation which is on the list requested by my mum, art work which is possible to propose towards the mayor of my hometown, Kota Kinabalu, although I have not done so due to my time limitation, and maybe I should take up a hobby, not considering sports as one of it like how we were led to believe when we were young. Maybe I should set up my own business, create products which I have always want to do and use my future housemates as guinea pigs. Anyways, the picture I have uploaded is an open theatre in Singapore near where I stayed. It is nothing unusual but it was a small project I saw in a magazine or a website few years ago and I was caught up in the moment to look at it. I would like to upload more pictures of a MRT station by WOHA in Bras Basah but coincidently it would not allow me to upload after this project. Would try again later on.

Inspirational Singapore [3]

2011-02-26T02:08:00.000-08:00

As I came down, walk through the mall and out again, I came across a bridge which I did not expect to see at all. Its the Helix Bridge designed by COX Architect, whom I applied to for work but has no reply at all.Sniff. Anyways, before crossing the World Best Structure Design of 2010, I had time to appreciate the Museum that was under construction at a closer view. It is interesting but I am not sure how practical the walls are, if I only have the chance to view the interior.

The bridge structure was really interesting and complicated at first, but it comes at a repetitive pattern as a double helix, the first in the world that provides inherent strenght to the bridge and the walkway.

There was a Chinese New Year celebration right after the bridge, I came across a model that was out of places in relation to the fiasco that was going on and it is a huge model of The Pinnacle designed by MPKL. The model next to it is a structure made out from plastic water models.

Last thing, I did not qualify for the Jardins Jardin this year and the Pavilion competition in New York. Quote from the Pavilion email 'Unfortunately, your submitted design proposal was not selected as a finalist in this year's competition' and the Jardins's email 'The jury gathered last week and studied carefully your project. They found it interesting but however didn't keep it for the exhibition.' Finding it interesting does not really help. But anyways, I will be working in Singapore from May onwards, so the only competitions I can join would be with the big boys. Student life is over, its time to take a step forward. It is a scary thought.

Inspirational Singapore [2]

2011-02-22T01:10:00.001-08:00

As I turn around from the tall building designed by MPKL, I came upon a project proposal which would be as high as 71 storeys beside a really small temple that has been there for 106 years! It would be interesting whether the project would be able to define the necessary solution for such a cram site. I do not think there is a way of going back as it is launching soon. So I lef the site and took a quick ride on the MRT towards Marina Bay and I came across a few buildings featured on Archdaily without the need to rotate my head.

Upon reaching the waterfront, you can see the Esplanade on the left just behind the Singapore's iconic lion fountain, if I could actually say that, and further left is being occupied by high rise buildings. The reason of coming to Marina Bay lies upon on the right, where I have to go through a shopping mall before reaching the destination. The picture shown below shows the relationship between up and down, as the picture is taken on sea level. Just before you enter the mall, you can get a glimpse of the Art Science Museum which is still under construction.

You need to walk underground from the mall to avoid the heavy traffic before reaching Marina Bay Sand, but before approaching, I was awed by the moving facade that I liked so much. It work really well considering the hotel is beside the water. I took a few pictures of its detail and it was done by James Carpenter.

I had to take a quick picture before entering the huge beast.

There were alot of visitors and it is a smart way of inviting tourists to have a quick glimpse of the city from one of the highest building in Singapore. Just as I was walking towards the ticketing area to go upwards, they have this intriguing water feature at the dropping entrance. The bar moves in relation to the movement of the water.

It only took less then a minute to reach the top, and upon reaching there, you are invited straight away to view the magnificient project proposal which was done in a competition, unfortunately I do not remember who the designers were, I thought it was Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio. Oh well, but nonetheless breathtaking from my point of view, I wanted to visit it when I saw the project a couple of years ago.

The infinity pool, hotel residents only. :(

The idea to make it feel like a park was great, there was alot of people up there and I didnt feel sick, although I am afraid of heights.

Inspirational Singapore [1]

2011-02-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

I went to Singapore for an interview on the first week of February, and I was lucky to be staying in YMCA Hotel as it is just opposite the Award Winning School of Art designed by WOHA. I was so excited when I saw the building while sitting in the taxi. I get up everyday and I was given the opportunity to view the building from my breakfast table.

After having a quick check on where my interview would be, I could not resist but to go and have a quick look at Marina Bay where the new big hotel is constructed. But before I even have the chance to walk towards the MRT for a 2 stop journey to Marina Bay, I saw this residential building across the skyline designed by MPKL, it was shortlisted for the building of the year award.

I would add more of the buildings I came across when I have the chance.

Happy Belated Chinese New Year

2011-02-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Just wishing everyone a Happy Belated Chinese New Year. I did not have time to upload any post due to the time limitation I have during my holiday back at home in Malaysia. Will be uploading some inspirational buildings I cam across in Singapore soon.

The City of Dreams Pavilion Final Sheets

2011-01-29T18:12:00.000-08:00

This design was suppose to look fun and intriguing, but I did not manage to show it in my second sheet. I did not utilise my time properly, dividing my time between work and my design work at the moment is difficult and would help if I can get myself a powerful laptop, or else the renders would take forever, not that my desktop would help alot.

I could not provide much details regarding price of build or companies that provide the materials. I struggled to define a suitable manufacturer company, as I was 'bing-ing', I came across a material stock system which was confusing for me to understand in a short period of time. I am just aware that materials used for the pavilion are all recycled and has great buildability. I must realise by now that I should not do the typing late at night, I might just be mumbling just to finish the work. I really need to learn to present a good construction drawings.

I will be moving onwards to a huge competition project next to try and learn to cope with client's detail needs. I know I would have a fresher mind set soon as I am flying home for Chinese New Year tomorrow. I dont really know what I am talking about anymore, it is 3am and its way past bedtime. Hope you all enjoy my competition entry.

A Different View, Radical [-] or [+]

2011-01-27T04:36:00.000-08:00

I recently received a forwarded email from my dad and it was one of those pictures from Dubai about its construction and new develpment. I would normally see and ignore a few seconds after that, but for some reason I started thinking about the design considerations that were put into the design for such project. They were never practical to start with and it was only for 'iconic' view purposes without any true consideration for the site. Alot of designers, like me would obviously love if there is the opportunity to redesign the whole city like my hometon, making it more sustainable and is a reflection of the environment. Maybe Dubai is an opportunity to create the perfect city with such a huge canvas but it would definitely has it downfalls with such a rapid development. China is somewhat the new Dubai, but maybe they have the human capacity to fill the new development space void.

This is a view from the top of Burj Dubai. The first picture seems to be fake but I am sure the second one is true, able to see the curvature of the Earth. I tried uploading more pictures of the reclaim man made island in Dubai but I cant for some particular reason, however, have a look at this site. It was done not long ago but it has already started sinking, it might happen with the houses show above.

http://inhabitat.com/dubais-world-of-islands-is-sinking-into-the-sea/

Dream City Pavilion: Final Perspective

2011-01-18T17:31:00.001-08:00

I just finish my first perspetive render and I have uploaded it here alongside the development work that I did in Sketchup to reach the final product. I would assume its not the most effecient of ways but thats the only way I know. I probably would have to learn to use Rhino or 3D Max for the rounder curves, but if I am not mistaken, Sketchup has a plugin to deal with curves.

My Dream City Pavilion is designed based upon the idea that a dream is a projection that looks and feels real, but knowing that its just mental images going through your head at night. These idea are projected into my pavilion, giving people the impression that the floating pavilion is real but provides them the doubt whether it is ever possible. The floating pavilion is supported by 4 thin columns that is precisely covered with reflective glasses, so when reflected with the surroundings, it gives the impression of a view through the structure. The circular tubes are made out of corrugated cardboard so its lightweight, making sure the columns can be thinner so it would be less obvious. Every tube is a store, a storage to your dreams, it opens and it closes, it varies all the time. To most people, dreams are unpredictable, its short, its long, it sways and its steady, but it will always be a part of you. This Pavilion is for you to store your dream, a dream city of your choice, a perfect city to provide for the next generations to come.

The final perspective is shown below. It still looks better in my head, but I do struggle if the models are not linear. I will try to tackle this project asap, and will move from small scale competitions to huge ones with 2 already in line. Comments about the design is welcome.

Improving Along the Way: Examples of Work

2011-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend about competitions and I cant help reminding myself the first competition I ever tried and the thought of it makes me cringe. I cant believe my design and presentation capabilities at that time was so low. I may not have the time to fully utilise my time for the competition, but its a far cry to what I was producing for the firm I was working for during my year out. It is something that I would never ever had to look at again but I just cant help it, browsing through my competition folder while waiting for my City of Dreams Pavilion to load the intersections. It was the year 2008 and I was given a website that updates itself with architecture competition daily, not sure why I pick this competition in particular.

The first thing that came into mind is what is with the swaying circles? It does not make any sense and the presentation as a whole is abysmal. These drawings below are just some of the work I was producing for my previous firm. My year out was really important to me, cause it certainly has widen up my perspective viewpoint about architecture.

My final design thesis perspective (below) definitely gives me the confidence, knowing that I did improve within the past 3 years. I am in the process of redesigning a new Performing Centre in my head to try and use simple design processes, seeking influence from Mr. Ingels to achieve the final product.

Finally, this last picture is my experimental approach towads the entrance design statement for my freelance job. Like I said, I have 6 and this is the 6th design concept which are under consideration. The others are not as radical and I am still advised not too upload the work. I was willing to upload this one cause its very experimental, and feedbacks are really needed just to know what others think about it, but honestly speaking, its huge, bold and radical, and I actually love it. It is inspired by the terrain that surounds us in Sabah, and with a hint of fantasy, it will be floating with rays of lights piercing through the gaps. It is a space that gathers attention for incoming drivers from afar.

Feeling Underachieve

2011-01-14T03:33:00.000-08:00

For some particular reason, I am feeling very underachieve although I know I have only graduated last summer. Maybe the fact that I am not working with an architecture firm is somewhat frustrating. I am trying to do alot of competition work to try and get some positive results and act as a catalyst to my career, but I have a feeling that I might just be putting myself to much pressure to be successful. I never thought of something like this in the past, but the determination to surpass all my high school colleagues started in university and rised drastically in postgraduate. One thing is for certain, knowing what others have achieved based on what I have been told or seen, Bjarke Ingels made a huge impact on my determination to move even forward. His design thesis is being realised, and when I had time to reflect on my previous design thesis, I am not happy and a redesign in my ahead has already started. The only way to get a commission for that project is to get my cert, but most of all, to know someone inside, a corrupted polictical method we have in Kota Kinabalu. I would only try to convinced them with a presentation and see how it goes. I have my entrance project freelance commission, it took me half a day to design one and I have 6 to show, loved it initially but hating it now, maybe it is just the pressure or not being confident in my own design. It is a good opportunity but I want more, but I know I have to be patient. I think these are just some of the factors that might have affected how I really feel, the need to get a car, the need to get my own house, the pressure to settle down, opening my own firm, to win some competitions, but most of all, to prove myself that I am capable to achieving something at the highest of level. Oh, I know I dont have the brains, but having a pHD would be cool. Started applying internationally, UK is getting worse with employment, Paris, Singapore and Australia, be nice to me.

The Way Forward?

2011-01-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

I am bored, waiting for my Sketchup to load with 3 surfaces being intersect with a few hundred of 200x200 cm corrugated cardboard cylinder. It is time to get a new desktop or laptop but everything at the moment is out of my budget. So while browsing through some concept works, I came across these 2, the winner and 2nd place for the Kaohshiung Port Terminal competition. Is fantasy lighting like in the movie Tron Legacy the way forward? Or just my way forward? My quest to find my style of design continues.

The City of Dreams Pavilion

2011-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

This is a competition I am currently doing and I am giving myself a few days to finish my design. I already have the design concept in my head, it is now all about modelling it up in Sketchup and bringing it to life. This competition is in its 2nd year so I took the initiative to look up at the design standard for 2010 which I think is pretty high. The winner went to "Living Pavilion”, a low‐tech, zero‐impact structure that employs reclaimed milk crates as the framework for growing a planted “green wall” surface. I quote from Bustler.net "The pavilion’s construction is simple and modular, relying on common materials such as heavy‐duty packaging straps and weather‐treated wood for its assembly. Erected in the courtyard of Liggett Hall for Governors Island’s summer season, the pavilion will provide refuge from the heat in a shaded environment kept cool by the evaporation from its planted surfaces. As the pavilion’s vaulted form meets the ground, it unfolds into a mat of crates planted with crops that can be harvested and distributed to the community. At the end of the season, its modular design will allow easy disassembly and distribution to the New York area for use in homes, public places, and community gardens."

It is funny how the render can be different from the actual product. The picture below is the final product shown during the event. The crate is a very creative way of using it as a borrowing product, trying to create a zero-impact pavilion, but I didnt realized their weather-treated wood would be so bold comparing to what they have initially for their renders.
Here are just some of the other top finalist for the competition.
[1] KALEIDOSCAPE, EASTON+COMBS

[2] Nimbus, ECHOMATERICO, http://echomaterico.net/?tag=parametric-landscape Check out the website, they have a pretty good presentation pieces for the competition.

[3] Playcloud, NAMELESS ARCHITECTURE, http://namelessarchitecture.com/work/11_playcloud.html

Most Creative People in the Business Industry

2011-01-04T03:52:00.000-08:00

There is a New York based magazine call fastcompany that showcases the top 100 most creative person around the globe and it all consist of people from Apples, Microsoft, Nissan just to name a few. I followed the site for just a couple of years but there are no more then 3 Architects in a year. I am not sure if that is a bad thing or a good thing, but the standard has been put down and 3 is the minimum for our profession. In 2009, we had Thom Mayne [15], Norman Foster [38] and Zaha Hadid [68] taking the 3 spots in the top 100. In 2010, we have Jean Nouvel [19], and my new-one-of-my-favourite-architect Bjarke Ingels [64] and Kazuyo Sejima [88]. The reason I like Bjarke Ingels work is because it has a similar ambience to Vincent Callebaut, daring, playful and futuristic. These are the things that makes me want to push towards a new design approach, dynamic fantasy architecture, realistic or not, it really depends. I am going to post and share some of my favourite works from the candidate of 2010.

Jean Nouvel [19]

I love this building, this is the design that got me into thinking about fantasy architecture. The huge roof looks like a huge bubble hovering a city, protecting the people inside it, and the way the sunlight is being cleverly taken into cosideration gives me the sense of calmness.

Bjarke Ingels [64]

I checked on Archdaily everyday and because the site constantly updates itself, it is easy to overlook the architects, engineer and place of build. I did not realised I had a few of Bjarke Ingels's work kept in my folder, making him now one of favourite younger gens architects. He has a certain way of coming about his design concept but seems to be simple yet very effective, but I believe simple is the most difficult thing to master.

Kazuyo Sejima [88]

Kazuyo has a finer, detailed approach to design, a method I tried but seems to sway towards big and bold all the time. This is not my style but her beautiful delicate approach is something I can try and learn, earning herself the 2010 Pritzker Prize beating Ito and Holl.

Fav archs: WOHA, Bjarke Ingels, Vincent Callebaut

Jardins Jardin Competition 2011

2011-01-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

A new start to the new year and I will start it with a competition entry for the Jardins Jardin Competition this year. That is right, I am joining again this year because I already had a design concept drawn and sketched in my little sketchbook when I had the exhibition in Paris last summer. I just had to put it on as an entry knowing I did try, instead of guessing the possible outcome in the future. It also just provides me with another reason to visit Paris, as my brother has not been there yet.

This year, there is no regulations about size restriction. My idea is to change the way how brick restoration is done, not exactly changing the way it is restored per se, but to change the product itself to create something new. The brick is custom made with a gap that is layered with a water resistant membrane and is capable of holding a rag bag for soil to grow small plants. There are two holes to help with any water overflow. It is a very simple idea to help beautify and brighten up a facade along the rundown alleyways in downtown, but can also be applied to any parts of the city.

That is method 1, which is restoration and method 2 can be used as a vertical garden. The product can be applied to both in cities and houses/gardens. It sits on a Rack Stack Pod made out of steel to support the accumulative weight of bricks. It can be altered to any style orientations depending on the client's needs. The brick is designed to utilies the 'Stem Extension' to promote and help plants like ivy, orchids etc to grow. All materials are very sturdy and can be cleaned and replace easily.

[The flowers on the wall is not clear for some reason]

These were drawn and modeled in just 2 days and being sick is not really helping. As usual, the confidence rate is pretty much really low. I am even doubting my design work for the KKIP gate entrance statement. Love it at first, and started to doubt it for some reason. Questions like, will the design work? Will people like it? I think I am putting myself too much pressure, but thats the fun of it I guess.

New Year and Resolution

2010-12-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

Just wishing everybody who follows my blog a Happy New Year. May 2011 be a better and more interesting year for everybody. My new year resolution is to achieved much more then what I had this year, to yearn for success, without forgetting to have a better health and closer relationship with my family and everyone around me. Always live life to the fullest. Will upload a competition work on the first week of Jan.

Fantasy:Dream:Freudian Psychology

2010-12-29T05:39:00.000-08:00

I was initially interested in Fantasy Architecture, a concept that would stimulate ones imagination and creativity when it is being look at or experienced. The idea of integrating Fantasy and Dynamic Architecture becomes an apparent choice which means alot of research and understanding should take place. As I was doing my research on Fantasy, which in itself relates to Dreams, it conveys a very in depth knowledge that leads to Psychoanalysis or Freudian Psychology, is a body of ideas developed by Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud and continued by others. It is primarily devoted to the study of human psychological functioning and behavior, although it can also be applied to societies.

I quote "To a psychoanalyst, the architecture of dreams is a uniquely Freudian concept, since prior to Freud's extraordinary insights into the dynamic armature of dreaming, dreams were thought of as baffling, formless entities that were not considered to be serious raw material for scientific study like other identifiable phenomena in the universe. Freud changed all that by suggesting that the manifest appearance of a dream may seem nonsensical, but the latent thoughts that have been expressed through an elaborate system of disguises are anything but nonsensical and can be deciphered, if the interpreter becomes aware of the dream-work that has so disfigured them."

All I ever wanted was to create or design something that would contribute towards and city, a focal point that seeks to become a design catalyst, a place of amusement and filled with light and happiness and nothing so in depth. The only in depth product in my design would be the amount of technology put into the idea. I feel kind of shallow after admiting defeat to that Psychoanalyst but I dont feel comfortable for some odd reason. I Wikipedia-ed Psycholoanalysis and a dodgy couch was shown, I am given the impression of it being dark, unhappy with negative aura. Taking some time off reading Vincent Callebaut's Biotechnologies article, my few handful of favourite architects. Also borrowing Fluid Mechanics just to see if it is applicable to my Gate design.

Dynamic Architecture

2010-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

I was going through the interweb and I realised I was not inspired by Kinetic Architecture, but by Dynamic Architecture. I stumble upon Responsive Architecture as well, with all having a similar response method, and that is Techonology with very different vision. Responsive architecture is an evolving field of architectural practice and research. Responsive architectures are those that measure actual environmental conditions (via sensors) to enable buildings to adapt their form, shape, color or character responsively (via actuators). Kinetic architecture is a design concept in modern architecture which explores the physical transformation of a building with the objective to redefine traditional applications on motion through technological innovation. The use of robotics, mechanics and electronics are being more known as new approaches into architectural possibilities. Dynamic architecture seems to involved both but with an added 4th dimension, Time. I have seen a number of videos online and it involves alot of technical knowledge which is not my forte, yet. I mentioned of applying Kinetic architecture which is actually Dynamic, but with the lack of knowledge in technical capabilities, I would try to use the idea of Time, “Architecture as Part of the Environment”, adjusting to the sun and the wind, to the view and to our momentary requirements.

This video is obtain from the Dynamic Architecture or Youtube website.

TRON: Architectural Inspiration

2010-12-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

I just recently watched the movie and although it was mediacore, the building design was brilliant. I started to think about the architectural fantasy I was thinking about, design concepts that seems unrealistic brought to life through CGI, Photoshop etc. In my head, these people are brilliant, an imaginative group of selected designers to work on the set. After a quick shower and surfing through the internet for Tron's building, I came across a very interesting interview with the director. It was a short interview but nonetheless intriguing from my point of view. I was only interested where he mention about how the movie was inspired by some world class architects. Here are the couple of Q and A that interest me.

We recently had the chance to talk with Tron Legacy director Joe Kosinski. Kosinski, who originally trained as an architect at Columbia, told us about constructing the brand new Tron City and updating the Tron aesthetic for the 21st century.

You have a background in architecture. In Tron Legacy, you're building this virtual cityscape from scratch. Were there any architects or designers who informed the building of Tron City?

The architects who come to mind are Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, Albert Speer — Speer was an architect for the Nazis, and you can see his influence in the designs for CLU's game arenas. You can see the influence of Neil Denari in Flynn's safe house. It was fun to pull from all these influences and construct something new for this movie. That's part of the reasons I took this project — I saw the opportunity to build a universe from scratch, not only with the architecture, but also with the character and vehicle design. You can put all of these elements together in a way that you couldn't do with other movies.

Would you say that the design of Tron City is more futurist or 1980s retrofuturistic?

The idea is that the Grid was created in the 1980s and evolved independent of the outside world. Syd Mead and Moebius' designs for the original Tron very much had an early 80s aesthetic, and it was fun to take these 1980s influences and evolve it forward within this particular world.

So, the buildings in the movie are inspired by Mies van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, Albert Speer and Neil Denari. There was no mention of any current architects and I would assume Zaha Hadid or Morphosis would be in the group. My brain likes to ponder but it seems my design theory has reach upon a limit that I need to break to move forward. There might be a huge relation between the old school theoritcal design towards the future. I am all confuse and feeling rather stupid, unable to have the ability to think and argue any valid statement for further discussion, all I could do is just ask. All that I could say is, in the past few days while I was surfing through the interweb, kinetic architecture seems to spark an interest within me. Will do abit more research before trying out some experimental design concept for the 4th entrance gate, this might get very interesting.

Architectural Fantasy

2010-12-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of video games, not just because I get the opportunity to blow zombie heads off occasionally, but I adore games like Final Fantasy because its visually stimulating and instead of playing it, I take my time walking around in the game sinking in the awesome creativity the production team has brought forward towards the game. I can assume alot of gamers would just ignore and not appreciate the amount of work that has been put through especially the younger generations because this is probably the norm. Anyways, it makes me wonder many times whether the design inside video games are the way forward? Or its something that we wonder hence its the way forward. It is just the same as wondering and saying that we would fly many years ago and now we have planes and helicopters. Architecture design is moving forward, both structural and visually, due to the modern and newer programmes and materials being innovatively used and made, but is the design becoming more of a cliche then radical or innovative? I know the likes of Zaha Hadid pushes the boundaries of technology to fit her difficult radical design as one might say, but I was not refering to that type of radical, radicalised towards fantasy, a type of building that would only appear in dreams. I made the initiative to look at a few pictures to compare and for some reason it does not provide the same aura, is it because its rendered hence it looks animated? Or we have not tried that approach yet? Or I am just being ignorant and something similar has been tried? Here are just a few examples comparing reality and fantasy.

Reality
New YorkKuala LumpurHong KongLooking at some of the best cities in the world, the tall concrete buildings do provide a sense of cliche. A similar scene can be reproduce anywhere else and the image above is only differentiated by just a singular entity.

Fantasy

The more I look and wonder, I realised that maybe I am not looking for a huge radical change in design but to make sure a repetition does not occur. The idea is to create your own identity that can't be found anywhere else, and when I say identity, its not just a tall building that becomes an "iconic" feature of the city, but something radically different. Every picture in the fantasy section is different and although it showcased tall buildings but the ambience is always different. Maybe it is just me, but I find it exciting.

My hometown Kota Kinabalu, is a developing city and there are words going around that "Skyscrapers" would be needed in the future. It is not ideal from my point of view due to the ecological and geographical feature but I had an impulse idea of creating a fantasy city, which I now realised that I need to create a radical masterplan which hopefully can be applied to in the near future. I would start my mission and vision by completing the 4 new entrance statement and upload to share when permitted.

This building was design by Santiago Calatrava, I just uploaded this picture because the picture above for some particular reason reminded me of it.

Ignorant or Design Flaws?

2010-12-17T01:20:00.001-08:00

I went to Manchester Airport recently, and I could not helped it when I was in the toilet, this guy approached the sink while unzipping his pants, he then took a step back, thinking twice before approaching it again and went forward a second time then took another step back still puzzled, before I interfered and told him the 'thingy' is around the corner. I was thinking, was he a complete ignorant or there is an actually design flaw to the sink? Can a simple thing like this be a real problem to alot of people? It maybe 1 in a million, but it may apply to alot of people but this is the first time I have seen such a thing, and it is still something to ponder about. After this incident, I am pretty sure this applies to everything around us, unless you are drunk.

Kota Kinabalu Archway Inspiration

2010-12-14T05:37:00.001-08:00

I was looking for precedents from my hometown itself to get some inspiration for my arch design and I only manage to find a few. It has a very typical theme to it and it looks very traditional, which is not really my cup of tea. While doing this research, I have come up with 3 gate design scheme and needing another one before sending it out. I would like to post the work up but being advice not to do so at the moment, maybe I would upload the initial rough design sketch. Honestly, none of these actually helped my design thoughts. Oh Kota Kinabalu, your design boundaries needs to be pushed, you traditional folks needs to be inspired. My mum has commented and says that my design is unique, which I would assume she does not really get it, describing my North1 design a flying fox. She would just prefer an archway across the big highway, that is not going to happen. Anyways, back to the drawing board, just needing a little bit more inspiration, I would just have to go back to the basic, getting inspired by Kota Kinabalu's culture and nature.

Finally, An Oppoturnity! Structural Design Inspiration

2010-12-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

I finally have the chance to put a real stamp on a project in my hometown, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It may be a small project, a gate entrance statement for KKIP, but it is nonetheless interesting due to the size of the monumental entrance. There would be 4 similar entrances which would be occupied by a dual carriageway with a median, hence the width could reach 30 metres. There is a need for it to become a focal point, a monument that is inviting and intruging for the new hub itself. It is exciting because I can practically do anything with it, but my aim is to design something that would hopefully influence the design around the city. The pictures gathered here are just some structural design featured in the World Archtiecture Festival for inspiration.

Selected projects from 2009

Entrance Square, Iran, Naqshyad Architect
This is a project that seems to fit most of the criteria, a literal entrance monument. This monument is designed as the symbol of harbors and seamanship and intends to convey a feeling of the sea elements without directly referring to any of them. A vivid contrast between the severity of metal structure and plasticity of the tensile structure displays an endless encounter which is emphasized in the collision of cycloid and straight lines in the monument structure.

Arena Zangreb, Croatia, UPI-2M [2009 Winner]
Mode-Gakuen Spiral Towers, Japan, Nikken Sekkei Ltd
Road Bridge, Netherland, OAK

Selected projects from 2010

AAMI Park, Australia, Cox Architects and Planners Buttressed Core Structural System for Burj Khalifa, UAE, Skidmore Kish Ladies Sea Coast Complex, Iran, Noandish Sakhteman Consulting Engineers Main Entrance Facade & Vestibule, Colchester UK, Rafael Vinoly Architects Mediacite Retail Centre, Liege Belgium, Ron Arad Architects

The Indicator: 101 Things I Didn't Learn in Architecture School

2010-12-06T02:23:00.000-08:00

This list was uploaded in Archdaily and its a list I would like to share with everyone. It was written by Guy Horton and this list is strictly based on his expression alone, it is still none the less interesting. I highlighted some of the points cause I like them, its self preference.

1] Even if your boss is your friend he may have to axe you to save his business.

2] Read the book, On Bullshit, by Harry G. Frankfurt. Carry it with you. It’s pocket-sized.

3] Do not drink at work and especially do not get toasted around your colleagues under any circumstances.

4] No matter how highly you may think of yourself you may still be a minion in the eyes of others who hold more power than you.

5] Once you leave architecture school not everybody cares about architecture or wants to talk about it.

6] All eating habits and diets acquired during school should be jettisoned.

7] The hygiene habits you kept in architecture school are inappropriate for real life; bathe regularly and change your underwear.

8] The rush and exhilaration you experience in studio may be inversely proportional to how much you will enjoy working for a firm.

9] It’s architecture, not medicine. You can take a break and no one will die.

10] Significant others are more important than architecture; they are the ones who will pull you through in the end. See 49.

11] Being smart and having advanced degrees can make you a better designer.

12] The industry underpays. Push for what you are worth.

13] Mind your internet traffic at work unless you are certain your office does not have someone monitoring. Of course you should be working every minute, so this goes without saying.

14] Go home to your family.

15] Call your loved one’s frequently.

16] If you are working overtime, the firm buys dinner.*
*Contingent on office policies, of course.

17] Don’t keep a mayline screwed to your desk. They are not cool and they date you. The same goes for colored pencils.

18] Get the biggest monitor you can.

19] Do not, however, ask for two monitors. Even though it makes you look like a bad-ass you will be expected to do twice the amount of work.

20] Make sure team roles are clearly defined.

21] Know what your role is.

22] Be careful with emails. If in doubt, don’t send.

23] At times respect and civility seem to be scarce commodities in architecture.

24] Be cautious of “opportunities” that do not pay.

25] Sometimes the most critical person on your jury might actually be right.

26] Understand how your office is run as a business and how they go after projects.

27] It is best to keep your outside activities quiet.

28] Your boss reads your blog.

29] Pyromania, car soccer, and other antics you made up to amuse yourself at 3 am are not actually normal. See 49.

30] There are no architectural emergencies that should make you completely give up your life on the outside. That may have been the ethos in studio, but don’t carry it into the office.

31] Be suspicious if your firm expects you to work long hours of overtime for no compensation. Be doubly suspicious if they justify it by saying things like, “It’s just part of the learning curve” or “We had to go through this, too.”

32] If a police officer pulls you over on the freeway for doing 90 mph on a Sunday morning while heading into the office, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities.

33] Know who the decision-makers are.

34] Don’t dress like an intern. See 72.

35] Read Dana Cuff’s Architecture: The Story of Practice.

36] Expect to be regarded with suspicion if your undergraduate degree is not in architecture.

37] Don’t be seduced by mere appearances.

38] If your firm is outsourcing work to save money, be concerned.

39] Architecture firms can have multiple glass ceilings. Be aware of them all.

40] If a principal of a firm sees making coffee or moving boxes as beneath him/her, consider looking for another office.

41] If a principal doesn’t say good morning when you say good morning to him/her, consider looking for another office.

42] When firms advertise themselves as think tanks or research labs, ask them specifically what it is that they do. And most importantly, make sure they pay. Well.

43] If you are invited to be on a jury, don’t trash the student just to make yourself look good or to contradict a rival on the jury. Be constructive and try to help the student. This is the point.

44] Subvert the signature of the software, unless you consciously want the architecture to convey this signature.

45] Architects are in a service industry. They provide services to clients.

46] In proportion to their pay, architects require the most education, most training, and the most exams to become licensed professionals.

47] Don’t be a Typhoid Mary. When sick, stay home.

48] Embrace the business-side of architecture.

49] If you are an architect you should automatically qualify for psychotherapy and medication. [LOLOLOL]

50] Most architects believe they were destined to become architects because of their early childhood experiences. They showed signs of architectural greatness at a very young age. This is a myth that reinforces an unhealthy hero complex. See 49.

51] Architecture in the academy is completely removed from the profession. Likewise, the values within the academy are radically different from the values within a firm.

52] Be cautious about applying theory to space.

53] Do not take design strategies or operations learned in studio too seriously.

54] Know the difference between architectural celebrity and actual worth.

55] Read books with words, not just pictures.

56] All firms are different. Shop.

57] To save time, assume your wife is right.

58] Do not date an architect unless you are certain he/she is able to maintain a healthy life outside of architecture. See 49. [LOLOLOL]

59] Architects should not intermarry. Inbreeding is not good for the gene pool. See 49.

60] If you are married when you go to architecture school, studio ends at 7:00.

61] Do not buy into the fashion of the moment and simply dismiss certain architects without examining them for yourself.

62] Architects who do not build things also have important things to say and should be listened to.

63] If your studio instructor is a recent graduate, be alarmed.

64] Do not obsess about sustainability to the exclusion of other factors.

65] Renderings done in China are so last year.

66] If you start a think tank make sure you have some thoughts to put in it.

67] Read Rem Koolhaas, but do not obsess and fantasize about being him. Delirious New York is still relevant.

68] Archi-babble does not make you sound cool.

69] Keep in touch with everyone you know, especially if they aren’t in architecture.

70] In fact, make friends who are not architects.

71] Do not wear the same shoes every day, They will start to smell.

72] Make sure your jeans are up-to-date. No acid-wash. No baggy.

73] The economically distressed urban zones you can afford while in school are not gentrified just because you and your friends have moved in.

74] If you must read Italo Calvino, read more than just Invisible Cities.

75] Expect a period of post-traumatic stress disorder after you graduate. Do not make any important decisions during this time. [Really? LOL I need a check up]

76] Don’t get a dog just because you are lonely.

77] Architecture is fueled by fetishes—rectilinear designer eyewear, for instance.

78] When trying to decide if a theory book is good, check the bibliography first.

79] Listen to your elders. They are wise.

80] FAIA can mean different things to different people.

81] If you already have a B.Arch, consider further education in a different field. Your M.Arch. can’t make a real contribution to the field if you’re just showing off software skills.

82] Always back up your hard drive.

83] Embrace social media, but don’t be its bitch. Only tweet/post when you have something important to say.

84] Architecture firms should consider forming economic alliances similar to OPEC.

85] Even if you don’t like the look of someone’s architecture they may have something valuable to teach you.

86] Great architecture, like great art, tends to arise from deep psychological issues. See 49.

87] The eighties and postmodernism were not all bad.

88] Being avant-garde is a choice that should be evaluated.

89] Architect’s web pages are often out of control and take too long to load.

90] In one’s life there are a finite number of all-nighters one can pull. You probably used them all up in school.

91] Understand the contexts from which modernism arose.

92] When the economy is good architects can rely on experience to run firms, but when the economy is bad they need advanced business skills they may not possess.

93] Architecture is dependent on boom and bust cycles.

94] Good design is not necessarily the most important factor in running a successful architecture firm.

95] Branding is important.

96] In a corporate firm, those at the top are not necessarily the best but they may have been there the longest.

97] Being good at software does not make you a good architect.

98] Architecture is cliquish.

99] Many architects do not live in houses designed by themselves or other architects.

100] Architecture office parking lots communicate success. There should be at least a couple high-end luxury cars. If there are a lot of beaters, be wary. If all cars are beaters, don’t go in.

101] Be concerned when you are too idle at work.

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The Indicator, a weekly column focusing on the culture, business and economics of architecture, is written by Guy Horton. The opinions expressed in The Indicator are Guy Horton’s alone and do not represent those of ArchDaily and it’s affiliates. Based in Los Angeles, he is a frequent contributor to Architectural Record, The Architect’s Newspaper and other publications. He also writes on architecture for The Huffington Post. Follow Guy on Twitter.

My visit to Prague

2010-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

I went to Prague for the past few days to run away from the everyday chaos. It was smaller then I expected but nonetheless enjoyable and most of all, relaxing. I did find myself looking for architectural features, I know how building can be abit repetitive, but I am drawn to hierarchies, repetitions, seperations, etc in the form of things that sits around it like logs, alleyways and even pumpkin. I even manage to get a quick photo of the Dancing House which seems to sit alone by the riverside. I am going to start looking at competitions again, I know it is going to be tougher but that makes it even more challenging and fun. Here are some of the pictures I would like to share.

My passion for design still REIGNS within!

2010-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

It is a time where recession is still hitting everyone everywhere, which includes me. I may not be working as a Part 2 Arch. Assistant, not because I stop, but to experience other opportunities which I may not ever experience next time. But the I am still involved with a design commision from back home which at least would not make my design skill go to rust. Anyways, desiging was becoming somewhat obsolete due to my current job until I saw the results for the World Architecture Festival, one of my favourite arch. firms, WOHA won the category for Completed Building Holiday, for Alila Villas Uluwatu which re-ignites my passion for design. For some reason, it reminded me of how much I used to like to create and present and make sure it gets recognised. Just had a quick look at my CV, its time to re-apply this bad boy.

Pavilion Project - Final Sheet

2010-07-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

This is the only perspective render view I did for this project. Enjoy.

Design and Presentation development

2010-07-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

These are some of the picture renders I used for my final presentation sheet which will be uploaded soon. I have not uploaded the other renders because its I have forgotten to transfer it into my pendrive, as I am in the public library, the internet at home has been terrible. This is a competition called the Pavilion Project in Australia and the deadline is on the 16th.

Water as a Theme

2010-07-07T01:58:00.000-07:00

Water as a design theme or a focal entity in a concept has been lingering in my head ever since I saw a design by WOHA for a underground train station in Singapore which they exhibit and won at the World Architecture Festival 2009, Barcelona. This theme was shortly forgotten due to my busy schedule for my thesis, but my interest has been triggered again after uploading my previous post, swimming 55 stories up.

Water seems to provide a certain tranquility that reflects and beautify a space with a very simplistic manner. The Infinity Pool at Alila Ubud (above) is an award winning pool, similar to the pool in Skypark, it also stretches towards the virgin jungle, sinking your senses with the surrounding.

This is a recent project design by WOHA, Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali. It is an exquisite eco-resort design and this beautifully designed complex straddles a striking white limestone cliff and an arid savanna on the tropical island’s arid Bukit Pennisula. The Alilas Villas resort is the first of its kind to achieve the highest level of certification for Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) and is designed for the Green Globes GG21 standard. The take-your-breath-away beauty of the resort and its sensitive placement on the delicate landscape is enough to set one’s mind at ease.

I will be designing a garden for my parents so this would be a very inspirational precedent. Water theme design does not have to be limited to just resorts. It can be used as an interface between two spaces. WOHA and Steven Holl had similar approach on different type of spaces.

This is the Bras Basah MRT Station which help WOHA scooped building of the year in Barcelona and also a RIBA award. The water acts as a layering between the outside and underground, an interface yet the transparency creates a connection between spaces. It sits quietly like a public pond from ground level, but the water glass roof is a huge skylight for the underground.

Steven Holl carpark design is similar in concept, different in material and context. The concrete roof is holding up a much deeper pond situated in front of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.

Now, time to think of something more innovative, if only I could. <_<>

Swimming In the Sky

2010-07-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Would't it be interesting to be able to swim 55 storeys up? You would be able to do so in the infinity pool at Skypark that tops the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. I remember looking at this project a few years ago of a perspective render on the interweb. The hotel itself did not do anything for me, but it was the horizontal deck on top that interlinks all 3 buildings together that intrigued my curiousity. Bold ideas like this gets people thinking and ponder. I hate heights but even this pool which is design to stretch towards the horizon, would give me the courage to sit at the edge and enjoy the wondrous panoramic cityscape view.

Design Concept - Pavilion Project

2010-06-28T03:44:00.000-07:00

This is a competition to design a pavilion that will serve as an emergency shelter in areas that has been affected by natural disaster etc. We need to design a shelter that would be able to accomodate about 100m sq in size. The winner gets to see their prototype being build and exhibit in Australia in the next few months.

Yet again, simplicity is what I have in mind. But this time, I want to design a product. I do not want to just design an architectural structure, but a structure that is simple, adaptable and functional. It literally has the same principal as my Flexi Garden. Whether it will the interest needed is yet to be seen. I am doing this competition based on an impulse idea. I tried to developed it further, but I am not sure now if has become a reliant product. There is always that voice at the back of my head that says, it looks rubbish now.

The shelter was designed to be portable, easy to be dismantled and put up without any aid from another person. [1] It started with a plank of wood, then both ends is fitted with holes for screws to interlock 2 planks together. [2] The middle section of the timber is fitted with metal to provide resistance againts bending. The upper bit is fixed with rubber guard to create resistance when wood or coconut leaves etc are placed on it for roofing. Detailed explanation will shown soon. [3] The metal is designed as a truss to create even more strength and resistance. [4] A coloured version of number 3. [5] The holes on the side for number 4 are created with a 45 degree angle interval, but it was changed to 30 degree interval.

This is the initial perspective on how it might look like. What worries me is that it looks like a 'breadstick' shelter. The planks are connected on the side, creating a shelter with ease by screwing nuts and bolt up.

These 2 are just a quick variant development work. I was trying to extend the space to allow more accomodation.

[1] A shelter needs a steady foundation, hence the end plank is designed with a slight variant to its surface, a horizontal line cutting across its center to allow adjustment according to the landscape. [2] Showing the extra stability the end plank can provide. [3] As mention, I wanted to design this shelter pavilion as a product. In a group of 12, 10 normal planks with 2 end planks, it is easily carried around and its size can be judged with the feet by the product. With just 2 of these, a shelter can be build.

This is the next perspective view with the end plank supporting the structure. The end plank as you can see, can be bend or move horizontally to fit the situation. Obviously the joist is yet to be put on but it has been designed and will be uplaoded soon. The great thing about this, is that it can be extended as much as you like. It can be shaped in many ways but that would be shown next.

Malaysia Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010

2010-06-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Shanghai Expo is something that interest me greatly, but knowing the cost of flight and accomodation would be high, I have decided to stay put, browse through the interweb and save up for other trips to come. Being a Malaysian, I would obviously try and support the design concept being put through for the Expo.

My initial reaction was somewhat unpatriotic, "Ugh, the ugly one, yes, that would be the Malaysian Pavilion". I would not say that it is the worse of the bunch, but they are given the opportunity to create something conceptual that would boggles everyone's mind. I know the country likes to use culture and tradition as a basis of design, but that does not mean we need to limit the creativity of design. Go wild, open up abit, show the world that we are creative in different aspects, not limiting ourselves to just dance routines and traditional costume design.

I am rubbish with local history, but there is even an arguement that this traditional house concept does not even belong to us. I am not going to debate about this, but if 80% of the forums say so, and 95% say its ugly, I would trust them. The numbers are based on my assumptions, as I could not see any positive comments, sorry. I am easily attracted to pretty pictures, and the only thing that interest me is how the roof would glow at night. It seems pretty transparent, looking based on the front entrance, the silhouette of the back roof can be seen. But as usual, they never seem to have a problem in disappointing you.

This is the Malaysian Pavilion once it is build. The 'extravagant' shiny transparent roof is no where to be seen, the exaggerated roof top has been lowered drastically and this pretty much depicts the same old traditional house which has a coloured pattern roof instead of zink or coconut leaves, with a red chimney attached. Very, very disappointing.

Our friendly neighbour, Singapore, however manage to come up with one of the most exciting pavilion that is being exhibit, in my opinion. Why can't our country be more daring in design? Is it not possible to have a competition to decide the designer for the expo? This way you would not only get the best possible concept design, but giving the young generations the chance to shine. No wonder we are moving away, thats right, you heard me.

The final product of a building should always look very similar to its rendered perspective, what you see is what you get. The UK pavilion is also the sexiest pavilion to be exhibit, with a 5 hours queue, it is 2nd most anticipated pavilion, behind the China pavilion, I think. The downside, however was the interior, apparently being to deep and abstract for visitors to understand. My trip to Tuileries has given me another simple perspective towards visitors, your product has to be simple to understand but yet mind boggling, something elementary but provides a big impact.

The Spain pavilion is one of my favourites. Instead of adopting their own culture as an inspiration, they look at Asian weaving as a design drive which led to the design of the facade. I thought Malaysia had weaving too? Anyways, this elegent building was also featured at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, 2009 and won an award.

I do hope the design merit in Malaysia will continue to grow, and we the younger generations do have the potential and talent to shine, and that is perfectly shown when students from Malaysia has won the 2010 Evolo Skyscraper International Design Competition. I do not know any other architects apart from Ken Yeang being known globally, but that I believe this will change and it starts now.

Jardins Jardin - Other Shortlisters

2010-06-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

1] This design is pretty decent, stacking up pots in a very efficient manner. It suits very well in a domestic surrounding.

2] This project, apparently got alot of attention during the private viewing. They mention about this getting to commercialised, how soon? I do not know, I was not present when the designers came with people who are interested.

3] This project belongs to a product designer, and its literally a watering can, just smaller and cuter. It caught quite a lot of attention than what I would have predicted. This is where I started to understand that, public are more interested with design approach that concentrates on a smaller scale, rather than how I approach my way of designing a garden.

4] This is a bench, it is unstable and it didnt get alot of attention in comparison with the others, I feel. This paritcular project did not do anything for me.

5] Quite a number of people like this project, including my dad. Its a hanging garden for the interior, but the design gives the client a few problems to deal with. There is always a possibility of it falling, and with kids who like to jump and climb, this would become a target. Maintenance is also hard, depending how high the thing goes, and it needs a gardener who is patient enough to spray the plants with water and not use a hose to drown it. Elegent but not practical.

6] This is a design prototype that caught alot of attention as well. The design is at its initial stages, but it is a garden box that would be capable of providing plants its natural habitual surrounding. Well, not literally but, it can control temperature, humidity, ventilation and mist, hence any type of plants around the world can be sustain in that box. The designer is trying to gather all the plants information, so it could be programmed and the box can suit to the plants habitual property with a click of a button. This guy is an engineer, hence the approach is different to the others.

7] This girl is a product designer. It is suppose to be a box, situated by the kitchen to help you grow spices such as basil etc. The first thing that came to mind when I saw this was, it would grow sprouts, hence cottons.

8] This product also belongs to another product designer. The concept behind it is pretty interesting. It is a cone, that is filled with seeds and it is meant to be put in cracks around the city to allow green vegetation. The great thing about the product is it is capable of being dismantle once the seeds show some growth, which can be seen in the sequence below the poster.

9] The approach is similar to mine but without the flexibility. I couldnt read French, but I could assume how the lines came about. The was a rake, which you could see on the left, raking the city, creating new breed of greenery to brighten up the area and as a gathering spot. It can also be added to create a continuous wave.

10] This was design by 2 architect students from Italy. It is a waiting garden box that is fitted at a side carpark. The area is elevated to prevent direct contact with pollution from the car exhaust.

11] This approach is very similar to the engineer's design at a bigger scale and simpler, it is a paradise box during winter, and it can be put anywhere in the city. The design in my opinion however is not sustainable, practical and it would be expensive.

12] I had a similar approach to this when I first tried coming up with concept for this competition. The designer was not there, so I could only assume its a shed with some plants in it.

13] This idea is for plants to be hang with ropes then left stranded outside. It may provide a quick fix for a broken facade, but what if a strong breeze comes along? Guess.

14] This pot got a number of interest as well. Its not just a pot for plants, but it is a recycable pot made out of recycled papers. It can be put in side a house and if becomes to big, just put the pot with the plants into the soil and it will start to degrade. Very environmentally friendly.

15] This is a design approach that tries to provide a garden for each household in flat and at the same time, bring greenery and colour to a broken facade. It is a steel frame expose structure and creates a balcony with plants for extra space.

16] I do not know much about this apart from it being a plants carpet. Wouldnt you need to wash your feet after stepping on those? Just a note.

17] I couldnt tell this was design by an architect. It is a recycable machine, but instead of exhanging recycable products with cash, you are given vegetables. You literally put in a can rather then coins into the vending machine and vegetable would drop out. Interesting idea.

18] This is called the green pimple. It does not seem to do much for me as well. It looks like a structure that tries to be a shed, but apparently can be put onto walls which I find weird because the design and compatibility does not seem to fit that criteria.

There were suppsoe to be 18 shortlisted including me but it seems to be 18 here already. Will need to get my booklet to see who is the extra exhibitor. Will update once I find that booklet.

Jardins Jardin Exhibition - 1st Day

2010-06-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is the entrance into the exhibition. It is situated at the entrance of Tuileries which is by the Place de la Concorde. The entrance fee is 11 euro, but I was given 2 free tickets for my dad and sis who came with me for the exhibition.

This is me, the blob, standing beside my work. I only manage to get a loose bamboo 'board' because the A0 timber board is huge and heavy, and to carry it around town through the busy metro from BVS to Tuileries would be a nightmare. It was also a rush and the organisors should have told us what we need to do and bring. When I went to WAF in Barcelona, the applicants only needed pins as everything is provided.

The exhibition receives a national coverage through france 3, but obviously they would be concentrating on the winners. We shortlisters are obsolete, utilising this opportunity to find interested people among the private and public viewers.

Out of all the garden designs, the egg shaped garden got my vote. It was pretty amazing in comparison with other gardens. It is made out of concrete with leaf pattern on the outside and 'bottle bottoms' on the inside. The Bubble Shed, in my opinion serves no purpose apart from aesthetic and being cool. The Green big chairs reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, the chair shaped like the guards.

My Exhibition in Tuileries, Paris - D Set Up

2010-06-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Arrived at 930 in the morning in Charles de Gaulle, then got a train straight to Tuileries to set my work up before the exhibition on the next day. The organisation did not prepared us anything apart from a tent for shelter and chains to hang our work up. They even got the printing in the booklet wrong, leaving me out, apart from that, it was pretty exciting. The site is pretty big, exhibiting other big companies such as Honda and garden suppliers. The exhibition apparently had 15,000 visitors last year over a duration of 4 days, 1 private viewing and 3 public viewings.

Final Pin Up

2010-05-22T06:15:00.001-07:00

All that is left is the Internal and External examination on Tuesday and Thursday. Then hopefully my sheets would be chosen for the exhibition. Although I am now experiencing a sweet relief from stress, preparation for the exhibition in Paris will start tomorrow or Monday, just need a day to rest.

Final Sheets 7 & 8 [4/4]

2010-05-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Final Sheets 5 & 6 [3/4]

2010-05-18T11:27:00.001-07:00

Final Sheets 3 & 4 [2/4]

2010-05-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

The 2nd quarter of the presentation, number 3 and 4. There are still a number of things to do on the other sheets before I could upload them up. The big white blank on the 4th sheet is where I would pin up a 1:1 scale roofing material I brought from Malaysia. It is exactly as the picture below.

Final Sheets 1 & 2 [1/4]

2010-05-14T17:43:00.001-07:00

This is how it would look on my final presentation, the first quarter of the whole lot.

Main Perspective Render

2010-05-05T15:34:00.001-07:00

Sections and many more stuff to go. Weeeeee.

Journey Towards the Building (3)

2010-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

2 other images seem to be broken, an internal error occured while uploading, will upload once the problem is solved.

Journey Towards the Building (2)

2010-04-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Perspective Montage - Journey Towards the Building

2010-04-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

The workload are just too much, so hopefully the pictures would speak for itself along with the title.

Design Analysis A3 Sheet - Final

2010-04-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Outer page sheet

Inner page sheet

Extra Work - Arkitrek, Poring project

2010-03-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is a quick conceptual render for a firm called Arkitrek in Sabah for a project in Poring. The project is all about local vernacular, local materials and buildability. This is a design I came up with for their Basha design. Its exaggerated roof is set to work as a wind scoop and guides rain into water tanks. It is made up of timber and bamboo, utilising materials that can be found around them. The roof is also 'patternised' to create that uniqueness, a focal feature for the Basha.

Render Perspective Study

2010-03-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

These are a few quick render perspective of my new building design. I did multiple renders just to look at how the space would look and feel so adjustments to the design can be done. I wont be showing the work that led to this form, but this form is developed through the understanding of function of the building. Materiality at the moment is not important, because it is understanbly going to be timber throughout.

Sketch 2.0 - Design Development

2010-03-17T08:05:00.001-07:00

Sketch 1.9 - Design Development

2010-03-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Over the pass few weeks, my design has change drastically, looking at function as a design drive instead of using form as the main inspiration. As there are many development design sketch to show, Ill only post a few seletced works. These are some initial sketches when I started to take another route to design. Unfortunately it is abit blur then I expected.

ProForma: Webcam to Model

2010-02-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

The previous post has led to check on another great product which was done by a Phd student from Cambridge University. It contribures more towards model study, but it is also possible in helping towards your presentation sheets. The guy is a genius, kudos to him. Hopefully the product is cheap when it comes out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEOmzjImsVc

http://www.archdaily.com/41684/proforma-from-webcam-to-3d/

Holographic Presentation

2010-02-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

I was reading through Archdaily and I came across this new technology. It is a new way of presenting your work, which reminds me of computerized holographic pictures in movies. It is so cool that I enquired for the price and if the product is available in the UK. I bet it is expensive but I just had the urge to know. There is a comment stating a 12 by 12 is $799, which is like 1/4 of 3d painting but it might be different here. What is a 3d painting anyways? Anyways enjoy the video.

You can also watch it at:
vimeo.com/8078523

Jardins, Jardin Design Competition

2010-02-13T05:48:00.001-08:00

Jardins, Jardin is an event dedicated to trends in Urban garden and outdoor design. It is a competition to find innovative and practical solutions to make a Green City. We are given a limited space of 15msq with no particular site. If the design is chosen, it will be built in the Garden of Tuileries for the exhibition in June.

Somewhere during the week, I couldnt sit and work through my thesis cause I got bored, so I strayed towards a competition website and found this. I saw this competition few weeks back and had an idea lingering around but didnt have the time to pursue any further. As I realized how lazy I got for the pass few days, I started modeling my idea on Sketchup and follow it through. Although it took 2 days, it kept my brain going instead of tapping furiously on the keyboard to activate 'Wolf Rush' and 'Anti Air Shots' in Dragonica.

My design approach was to reflect on the continuous change that is happening towards the urban fabric. I was trying to look at how a garden might be able to adapt itself to the change of surroundings, owners/clients or trends. Hence, I came up with 'Flexi Garden'. If you look at a city from plan view, it is living painting that would never stop. My design was to provide a green canvas, that is capable of adapting itself constantly. It can be moved around to suit the site and being detach to fit smaller pockets around the city or a house garden.

It has wheels at the bottom to provide easy orientation towards a new area if needed. As a whole, the garden is 3.8m by 3.8m but when it is detached into 4 smaller components, it becomes 1.9m by 1.9m each. This way, we are not restricted to just a square but making a linear garden possible. There are sitting areas, and the narrow pathway is also intended for people to sit on. We can plant or put any ornaments depending on a persons taste, creating a unique flexi garden of your own.

Going Back A Decade - Functionality

2010-02-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

Coming from a background where houses are all made out of timber and with some concrete, it is easy to overlook its functionality as it becomes obsolete as it is an everyday feature. The purpose of the design was never mentioned and I took things for granted for everything that was build around me. It is only now I realized, when I started studying Architecture, it all became obvious, and it is when I started looking at the finer details of the construction, the design as a whole is actually simple yet very effective. I am starting to understand how function can create its form, instead of cramping function into a form where the limitation of space can disrupt the orientation of spatial spaces. I like how the timber is not fabricated, showing the design in its rawest of form, providing protection and function. The design in a way is very pure, ornamented with timber crafts by local carpenters for those who are capable of affording decorations. Here are just some examples I briefly look at to understand the traditional construction in my country.

Quick Conceptual Render

2010-02-05T03:35:00.001-08:00

This is a quick render to understand how my initial design and ideas works on site. Unfortuntely, it was undoubtly full of flaws, concentrating on forms was a habit that I need to get rid of. It became clear, although, from a local's perspective, it looks something that represents the city's symbol, it does not create the appropriate functions within the space. The form limits the function of circulation, interaction etc. I am still at a developement stage and the renders were made not only to understand the spatial spaces and see whether the design actually works, it was also to get more comments and initial ratings from the architecture community website. I have taken a step back and concentrated more on functions, still incooperating local vernacular but with more details and emphasising on the experience on site. Development work will be shown next.

Sketch 1.8 - Design Development

2010-01-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the selected development design work that has been going on inside my sketchbook. The facade design tries to mirror the culture's dance and myth, creating a storyline along the surface, indulging visitors to metaphors that are related to the states nature and beliefs. It creates a journey through space, instead of just a walkway towards the stage and halls.

Sketch 1.7 - Design Development

2010-01-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

As I was sketching, I came to realised that a normal curving wall would not be suffice to accomodate the curving bamboo on the exterior. Hence, there are 2 methods I could go about constructing my central stage walls. The first one is to create a thicker primary skeleton, creating a depth between the facade and structure to allow the bamboo to act as a tertiary structure but still afix to the skeleton. Alternatively is to treat both wall and facade ornament as 2 seperate component, creating 2 curving walls, one for protection and another for aesthetic.

Initial Design Approach

2010-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

As my design developed, I have proceed with Sketchup to realized my initial thoughts and design impulses to get a better idea of the spatial space between 'petals' and understanding the relation of connectivity of all routes and buildings. Not only does it give me a better understanding of the structure and shape of my design, it becomes a foundation in developing the idea towards the final product. As shown, the idea is all inspired by local botany and local vernacular structure. I am using Rafflesia, the worlds biggest flower as my analogy, influencing the circulation and space. These 2 buildings are similar in spatial space and circulation, as the shape is the only thing that differentiate both design, keeping in mind that more design development is needed.
The design above shows 5 exterior 'petals' with 1 central core which would be the central stage for performance. Out of the 5 exterior 'petals', there would be 4 practice halls and 1 restaurant, which is directly linked towards the central stage to create a close relation, giving tourist the opportunity to eat whilst enjoying the cultural dances. There would be a central circulation between the central core and 5 petals which would be a garden with pathways which is planted with agricultural local plants as an alternative decorative ornament, instead of the conventional flowers. The main thing that needs to be taken into account is the ground quality which is not suitable for most plants.

Sketch 1.6 - Design Impulse & Development

2010-01-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Sketch 1.5 - Design Impulse & Development

2010-01-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Sketch 1.4 - Design Impulse & Development

2010-01-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

Unprecedented Design Approach - ABLE & Charles De Gaulle

2009-12-23T01:39:00.000-08:00

I have been to Paris a few times but for some reason, I have never walk through building terminal 2E, which shocked me when I found out that it has a very similar design approach to my ABLE project. A longitudinally capsule like structure, that emphasises on the open spatial surrounding, it totally mirrors to what I was trying to achieve for the ABLE project. I honestly have not seen this building before , but it is sad to say that I am lacking behind in innovative design approach by 10 years, when the construction started in 1999 and finish in 2004. But with my design thesis going as planned, I do hope I can create something different that set my design apart from any other, creating a distinction and a new focal point for my site and city itself. As the ABLE is only an experimental to my design thesis, it is just a way of studying my design approach for my concept, and not implementing the initial draft for January in any way.

> The Primary Structure

> The Exterior View

> The Interior View

Cross Design Week - The ABLE Project: Final Sheets

2009-12-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cross Design Week, consist of various projects that last for 5 days which was held from the 14th-18th of Dec in my university, and out of the various projects shown, I have chosen the ABLE project which is a centre that grows fish and plants. The site given was a 50 by 15 metres dimension with no design restriction.

This is my design statement made for the competition:
This is a rendered view that I have forgotten to use in the presentation sheet.

Cross Design Week - The ABLE Project: Initial Design

2009-12-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

There are more initial designs which I would upload next time, however, I joined this competition for a couple of reason. Firstly is due to its first prize of getting a commission to actually building the design. But most important of all is to experiment with some initial design ideas I have which will be implemented into my thesis design. It gives me the opportunity to fiddle with the design concept, creating spatial and shape study with the materials I am going to use for the primary and secondary construction.

Sketch 1.3 - Design Impulse

2009-12-09T09:24:00.001-08:00

Sketch 1.2 - Design Impulse

2009-11-24T04:42:00.000-08:00

A few more sketches of design impulses I had while doing my booklet.

Concept and Structural Study Models

2009-11-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

Initally, the materials that I was going to use were timber and steel, to combine both to create a harmonious yet an alienated building to the site. As I went through more research, it was apparent that a change in materials is needed, hence after a long thought, I am using bamboo as primary and rattan as a secondary materials. It is light, flexible and it is a sustainable material, boast to be as strong as steel, yet capable of disintegrating itself. It grows faster and alot in quantity in comparison to timber. After treatment, it can last for 20 years, a very respectable limit. Here are some pictures of a couple structural studies on bamboo construction, inspired by Vo Nga Trong Architects. While doing this model, I took abit of time to create my initial concept idea in model form.

My Concept Model: Inspired by Rafflesia

Structural Study 1: Dessert Bamboo Dome

Structural Study 2: Bamboo Wings, Vietnam

Structural Study 3: wNw Cafe, Vietnam

A3 Booklet (1-12 Draft)

2009-11-16T04:33:00.000-08:00

These are draft of the first 12 pages of my A3 booklet. The template design is to emphasis on Malaysia's natural beauty. There are on going work on page 8, hence its not uploaded.

My Thought 01: The WAF 09

2009-11-10T01:15:00.000-08:00

The World Architecture Festival which was held in Barcelona from the 4th-6th of November was very refreshing, enabling myself a wider perspective of the architectural and design approach at a global standard. It showcased seminars and most importantly for me, presentations of buildings by international architects on a Powerpoint format with 10 minutes time limit. This was an opportunity for them to sell their shortlisted projects to juries, to be crowned 'Building of the Year' in their category. What was rather suprising is, some of the presentation was rather, bad to be honest. English may not be their 1st or 2nd language, but it is quite obvious that they are either unprepared or just nervous. Other great presentation, the concept and ideas are actually comparable to us students, the poetic architectural language that is used to describe the shape and feature, but what makes them stand out, is the approach, the understanding, solving and coming up with innovative strategical method that is simple, yet complex. The simplest way of how I understand it is, there is always a reason behind every curve and orientation. I believe that design development has to be thorough, and instead of saying, I want, its more of a, it needs, they need, we need, to solve and enhance an area. Some projects are exceptional, Foster+Partner, LAVA and Rafael Vinoly posted some intriguing experimental innovative design that would be on going soon. I would definitely want to visit the festival again, but not with a £200 receipt, but with an invitation from the EDAW S.O.S Competition or shortlisted for a building I designed in the near future. This has truly inspired me to work hard and be a part with the big boys.

Here are some pictures I took during the seminar and presentation:

Main seminar room

[Managing Explosive Urban Growth] Arturo Ortiz (Director, Taller Territorial de Mexico, far left), Sanjay Puri (Founder,Sanjay Puri Architects, 2nd from left), Meng Yan (Partner, Urbanus Architecture & Inc, far right)

[Governance: Obligations and Opportunities for Architect] Phillip Follent, Queensland Government Architect

Keynote Speech by Farshid Moussavi, Function of Form (co-founder of FOA, Foreign Office Architects)

There are 8 rooms which consist of 3 judges in each room. (from left to right, Charles Jencks, USA, Nabil Gholam, Lebanon [i think] and Simon Allford, UK)

[Making the Uninhabitable Habitable - Masdar City, The Most Radical and Ambitious Urban Development in the World] Chris Bosse (co-founder, LAVA, left) and Gerard Evenden (Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, centre)

Another judging panel (from left to right, Will Alsop, UK, Paul Walker, New Zealand and I do not recognize the guy on the right, sorry)

Keynote Speech by Rafael Vinoly on the 2nd day.

The Human Camera

2009-11-10T00:12:00.000-08:00

This is something very interesting that I saw on bdonline, an artist drawing an aerial view of a city after just 20 minutes of looking, without refering back. I'll be quoting what bdonline said in the article.

Quote:
"Most architects have an eye for a nice building, but try looking at a building for twenty minutes and then going away and trying to re-create a life-like drawing of it. Now try a whole street. Now try a whole city.

Seems impossible, right? But British artist Stephen Wiltshire does just that and his latest exhibition features an 18 ft panorama view of New York as seen, for twenty minutes, from a helicopter.

After months and months of CGI's pinging into the straining inbox, these hand drawn images are refreshing and a reminder of just how amazing people can be, even without computers."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAfaM_CBvP8

If link is not possible, go to youtube and search Beautiful Mind, Stephen Wiltshire. Kudos to him.

Sketch 1.1 - Design Impulse

2009-10-21T05:24:00.001-07:00

A few more design sketch impulse.

Sketch 1.0 - Design Impulse

2009-10-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

Some quick impulse sketches I did while reading through some analysis and books.

Aerial Views - Site Dimension - Narrative

2009-10-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

At this stage, we are currently doing a group project which tries to incooperate our thesis ideas within a certain theme. At the same time, I have been looking at my given site, scribbling and measuring the dimension to understand my site better.

...my Narrative in 25 words
"Expanding the development of tourism economy whilst providing rural villagers handicraft business opportunity towards a vision of the most liveable city in Asia by 2025."

...Aerial Views
...Site Dimension

...Superimposed on Site

Site - Concept

2009-10-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

The site i have chosen is about 20 minutes drive north of Kota Kinabalu city, Sabah, Malaysia. It is a site that will be undergoing a masterplan development to expand the city tourism and industrial economy. The company in charge has agreed for me to design a conceptual idea for their amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is an initial idea that might change towards performing art as the design develop to suit the criteria. It is also very close to the Karambunai Resort and a golf course. The site has beautiful scenery with white sandy beaches to the West with clustered villages around.
My design concept towards the site would derived strongly based on the natural element of Sabah. I want to take an element that stands out and reflects itself as Sabah unique asset. As the site is in a village with virgin lands, the new development would be an alien, almost parasitic to the area. It tries to engulf the resource and opportunity but still maintain its natural beauty and keep visitors intrigue. This has urged me to use nature for inspiration, to be precise, Rafflesia as the base design concept as it reflect similar attributes to the development. Being the biggest flower in the flower, Sabah has 7 of its species out of the 27 around Asia. It is an endoparasite that has no leaves,stems or root. It is an alien to the nearby tree but it blends beautifully as part of nature. I want my building to have a similar feel which would only fit here contextually, creating a unique personality for the site.
There are other inspiration I could look at from Sabah's vibrant ecology but nothing is more fitting than the Rafflesia.

2nd year Project Dilemma - Resolve

2009-09-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

After discussing my options with my personal tutor, i came to a decision to design an Amphitheatre which indirectly links itself to the resettlement programme, through the essence of culture, community, economy, medium and social infrastructure.

Things to do:-

- More background study and site analysis

- Start of my drawing concept and design development

Some precedents that i have been looking at:-

Asser Levy Amphitheatre, New York

Chene Park Amphitheatre

The Scoop Amphitheatre