Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Personal Reflection

I think that this ADMT project has taught me much more about Google Sketchup, Indesign, Photoshop, and other media editing software. Like the different tools that could be used to enable the shopping mall I have designed to look better. I also realised that it is not that easy to design shopping malls like this, or any other building for that matter. Difficulties encountered include like making the sketchup, design boards, and journal. Basically, it was hard. One needs time management, and needs commitment, critical thinking skills, and creativity to at least perform in this project. I feel that I could have spent more time and effort on my Sketchups and my Indesign, but I have improved my capabilities in Sketchup over the days, weeks, or months (one of the above), with all my friends who have helped me out, by giving me ideas, advice, or helping out with my work when I face a difficulty. Teachers I would like to thank are Ms Seah, and Mr Ronald for teaching me more, and pointing out things in my work that I could have improved on. Thank you.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Pillar To The World - Ho Jun Hui

Name Of Project: Pillar To The World (Shopping Mall)

Purpose Of Project: This project aims to provide a modern and world class shopping environment to the people staying in the Bukit Timah area.

Concept Behind the Design: The design is basically a pillar, which branches out to other sections of the shopping mall on each level. Each level has a different theme compared to the other, in which guests and shoppers can explore and be amazed. At the top of the shopping mall, guests and shoppers will encounter "Heaven", which is a rooftop garden and swimming pool, where they can relax and enjoy the scenery of Bukit Timah Hill which is not too far away.

(To Be Continued) - Design may be changed drastically. :)

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

What makes a good Architectural Design?

Project: AUT Lecture Theaters & Conference Centre
Source: Simon Devitt - Simon Devitt Photographer
http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/clientUpload/images/project/large/HERO%2001%20CF007679.jpg


Details of the building: (Taken from: http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=2363)

Completed 2009

The building attempts a solution for a type of multi-mode architecture that allows the university the necessary fluidity to adapt to its ever changing functional and economic environment.

The evolving nature of tertiary institutions and the growing needs of this university defined a programme for a versatile building that would house both lecture theatre teaching spaces, a multi-purpose foyer space that could be transformed for various modes of operation and lastly a much needed outdoor plaza space for students to gather and occupy.

The building houses two lecture theatres - one 150-seat and one 300-seat - as well as the large format foyer space which allows the building to operate in either full conference mode or as a breakdown of smaller functions such as seminar spaces, exhibition spaces or banquet spaces. A north facing plaza occupies the land contained by an existing building and the new building providing much needed urban space for student social activities.

The University began life by colonising a defunct Teachers College and after a period of rapid growth the institution’s inherited facilities were no longer coping with the requirements of a modern progressive tertiary campus.

This new facility allows for a packed daytime timetable of lectures and seminars while concurrent sessions may also take place behind reconfigurable walls within the foyer space. Or, after hours, catered banquets or exhibitions can take place in the same space allowing the institution to economically benefit from the cross-over function. The landscaped piazza provides a variety of shaded and open seating areas and performance spaces for the full complement of formal and informal activities throughout the academic year.

The building is a sustainable design; equivalent 5 greenstar NZGBC. Its sustainable initiatives comprise: rainwater harvesting, warm air purging, low embodied energy material selection, high efficiency lighting technology, low-e glass, recycled materials and waste amongst others.

The confused and aging urban fabric of this tertiary campus coupled with the messy technical and philosophical requirements of the digital age of tertiary education and economic operation requirements allows this building to transpose complexity for simplicity; in both function and architecture.

Overall: Design is sleek, does not have many complicated parts of the building.
Location-wise: Near main entrance, and currently has empty space where there is ongoing construction
Map of university campus: http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/media/2075219/aut%20map%20800px.jpg

Interior design (Lecture hall): Neat, and looks like it is able to conduct lectures and lessons, while allowing the student to have comfort and listen to the lesson.

Source: http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/clientUpload/images/project/large/LECTURE%20THEATRE%20CF007566.jpg


Interior design (Hallways): It shows simplicity, yet it is different from just a normal type of building, and the slanting part of the building makes it look exquisite.


Source: http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/clientUpload/images/project/large/INT%20DETAIL%20CF007606.jpg


This is my basic overview of this building, and the designs that I noticed about it.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

What is Architectural Design?

Dictionary Definition:

Concept that focuses on the components or elements of a structure or system and unifies them into a coherent and functional whole, according to a particular approach in achieving the objective(s) under the given constraints or limitations.

(According to: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/architectural-design.html)

Defining from a person's point of view:

Architectural design as problem solving by adding value. Breaking things down to their most simplistic state, we design things to solve problems. But it actually design does more than solving problems, it must also be helpful and beneficial to people.

(Taken and adapted from: http://bluearchitecture.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/what-is-architectural-design/)


Architecture design refers to the actual design and layout of spaces. Architecture encompasses many different elements including construction, design, and the manipulation of light as it relates to shadow. Throughout history, architects have found ways to create functional and practical spaces using any materials that were available.

(Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-architecture-design.htm)

This are my 3 Definitions for Architectural Design.

Jun Hui~