Architectural Design 2

This module introduces the principles and methods of analysis, abstraction, and synthesis in design thinking that are common to many design fields, including building and architecture. The key emphasis of the studio is “User and Context”, which investigates the relationship between user and natural environment. In this studio, students will undertake a series of studio-based exercises; firstly, an investigation of the architectural spaces and construction through precedent studies; and secondly, an exploration of form and space through architectural conceptualisation. Finally, students will design a small freestanding structure that meets user requirements and engages with the site context.

Project 1 (Diagramming Architectural Principles)

The first assignment, students are required to ‘learn from precedents’ by analyzing their design
objectives and principles, not limited to site and contextual approaches but also exploration of
solids, planes, lines and frames in architectural design. Emphasis is given to the elements of
architecture and architectonics that generate architectural form and space, produced by drawing and making. Our task is to investigate how spaces are created from the making of architectural and constructional elements: architectonics.

Project 2 (Designing with Architectural Principles and Materiality)

The second assignment will challenge students to explore our conceptual and operational procedures in order to produce a significant gesture of architectural space(s). Students need to select architectural principle(s) from the first assignment. This architectural principle(s) that we have selected will need us to define them. Our task is to explore the potential meanings and implications of this architectural principle(s) in the sense that they will inform two areas; generating forms and crafting spaces.

Project 3 (Designing with Architectural Principles, Materiality, Context & User)

This final project requires students to further explore and integrate the design idea and construction method of the previous assignment into a more complex program. We are required to define a proposition for a small freestanding structure in relation to the natural landscape. Emphasis is given to the interpretation and synthesis of the user, site and function in architectural design. The design of this structure must demonstrate your application of architectural objectives and principles, materiality, constructability and the context in creating a memorable spatial experience for the user.