ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO II
THIS IS WHERE I CONTINUE TO LEARN TO DESIGN STUFF
ABOUT Design Studio II
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, we will undertake a series of studio-based exercises; firstly, an investigation of the architectural spaces through prototype studies; and secondly, an exploration of form and space through architectural conceptualisation. Finally, we will design a small freestanding building that meets user requirements and engages with the site context.

PROJECT 1
FAMOUS ARCHITECTS, FABULOUS HOUSES – DIAGRAMMATIC ABSTRACTION
The objectives of this project is to investigate how spaces are created from the making of architectural elements: architectonics - solid, planes, lines and frames. Upon completion of the assignment students should be able to achieve a level of understanding on the works assigned and will be able to apply the idea and concept in the subsequent project. In group of 7, we are assigned with the house Dama zAmya in Phuket Island designed by John Bulcock.
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We were to produce a complete set of architectural drawings (scale of 1:150) of the selected house & the drawings shall be hand drawn and carefully rendered. We were also required to investigate and formulate our findings into a set of 10 analysis diagrams and 10 diagrammatic models (8 x 8 x 8 cm). The models should be precise and informative to express the analysis of the ideas hidden in the project assigned.
![]() Final Outcome | ![]() Architectural Drawings | ![]() Diagrammatic Models |
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![]() Perspective Drawings | ![]() Group Members | ![]() AxonometricI was incharge of this |
![]() Roof plan | ![]() Level 3 Plan | ![]() Level 2 Plan |
![]() Level 1 Plan | ![]() Us after presentationWe did not sleep for the nights before and therefore we looked like zombies after presentation | ![]() Setting up for presentationThis is the guy who didn't appear in the group picture so if u look closely enough we are holding his picture in our hands |
![]() Presentation for Interim Session | ![]() Our tutor giving comments |

PROJECT 2
GAZEBO @ TAMAN TUGU KUALA LUMPUR
The Taman Tugu Negara Project is a multi-component not-for-profit corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad in collaboration with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) with the support of various stakeholders. The 66-acre urban forest park will offer a fresh public green space for the Malaysian community – to use, to enjoy, to experience to own. The intent is for the Taman Tugu Park to be an urban forest for various communities. It will complement the beautifully manicured Taman Botani Perdana by allowing people from all walks of life an opportunity to experience a green space, which is more rustic, and forest like.
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In group of 4, we were to design TWO GAZEBOS (one for active zone and one passive zone) that will be located within the 27 hectares Taman Tugu. These will serve as iconic features of the park, which is second to none. The design requirements shall be as follows:
Capacity & Dimensions (for each zone)
· Minimum capacity for 10 people
· Dimension: within an area of 3m x 3m
· Ancillary functions such as bike racks, planting areas etc. can be considered as a part of the design
Construction Materials
· Meet fire standards and shall be non-combustible, low heat emission material and have a Class 0(zero) surface spread of flame.
· Ease of maintenance
· Vandal resistant
· Sustainable and aged well
Fabrication & Installation
· Simplicity in construction
· Exposure to elements of the outdoor environment
· Ease of cleaning & maintenance of functional and structural integrity, including general safety within the park environment.
![]() Narrative Board with Passive Gazebo | ![]() Narrative Board with Active Gazebo | ![]() Passive Gazebo Presentation Board |
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![]() Material Selection and Construction | ![]() Active Gazebo Presentation Board | ![]() Material Selection and Construction |
![]() Passive Gazebo Drawings | ![]() Active Gazebo Drawings | ![]() Presentation Boards |
![]() My team | ![]() Mock up 1 (Active) | ![]() Drawing for mock up 1 |
![]() Mock up 2 Plan(Active) | ![]() Mock up 2 Elevation (Active) |

PROJECT 3
WEEKEND LODGING @ KL FOREST ECO PARK
Firstly, in a big group of half the class, we were required to conduct site analysis of the physical context both at a macro & micro level of the overall site, collect data and record on the following using physical maps/diagrams:
·Site plan (Site section, Site Boundaries, North Point, Contours)
·Existing Structure (Significant Architectural Language/Feature, Adjacent building/structure building to remain/demolish)
·Landscape (Natural features, Soil Condition, Surface Drainage, Existing vegetation)
·Climatic Studies (Sun path, wind direction, rain)
·Circulation pattern (pedestrian, vehicular)
·Views and Vistas (Panoramic /spot in, out, approaching)
·Activities (category -dry/wet, zoning, noise)
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After that, on our own, we were to design a Weekend Lodging at KL Forest Eco Park. Weekend Lodging denotes ‘A place where one escapes for relaxation, recreation and vacation for a short period of time.’ This Weekend Lodging must function as habitable architectural spaces to enable the activity associated with living, dining, showering, cooking, storage and such within the built up space of maximum 150m². The relationship between our design and the context is also important in making the Weekend Lodging unique to its landscape and activity.
![]() Presentation Boards | ![]() First Board | ![]() Second Board |
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![]() Third Board | ![]() Roof Plan | ![]() Front Elevation |
![]() Left Elevation | ![]() Right Elevation | ![]() Back Elevation |
![]() Perspective 1 | ![]() Perspective 2 |
TAYLOR’S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGC)
Throughout this module, I have learnt a few things. First of all, I learned how to put theories into my practices. For example, I have learned about things like site analysis and space planning through lecture class and I used what I have learned with my assignments such as analyzing site context or design my lodging space. I have learnt independently and learnt how to locate, extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively. I have done all the research for the site analysis and other stuff by myself without any guides.
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I also learned how to think critically and creatively, especially when I need to design my lodging without or minimal tree removal in a forest with lots of trees and almost no space at all to build a lodging. Next, I have also learnt a new way to communicate, which is through design. I have learned how to communicate with design like for example I used the placement of doors and windows to show the user which one is a private space and which one is a public space.
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Besides that, I have understood team dynamics and mobilized the power of teams. We have worked with more than 5 sub-groups to analyse the whole site and compiled all our work together to create a presentation on our findings. Lastly, I have learnt how to work with ICT and related technology. I have learned how to use Adobe Illustrator to create my presentation boards and SketchUp to create virtual models of my designs.

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

LIFELONG LEARNING

THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

DIGITAL LITERACY