SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT [ARC60108]

Sustaining Humanities
Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis
Assessment
Assessments Type Learning outcomes Due Presentation
Weight

Project 1a Group 2 (refer to MO) Week 3 Multimedia 10%

https://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/768156/microcirugia-urbana-primer-lugar-en-concurso-reinventar-mostoles-centro-espana

Overview

Architectural Design Project is a studio that forms the capstone project for the Bachelors of Science
(Honours) Architecture programme, emphasizing the broad theme of sustaining humanities.

This module is a thematic studio based on the theme of “sustaining humanities’ architecture for
people, place and time. Designing for sustainability has been a fundamental issue for architects in our
time within global and regional contexts. In line with the current discourse on sustainability, it upholds
the belief that architecture can create better places, that architecture can affect society and humanity,
and that it can have a role in making a place civilized by making a community more liveable.

Students are required to further develop the proposed design project that reflects the theme. In
addition to the theme of sustaining humanities, the module focuses on the development of students’
ability to integrate considerations of technology, environment and cultural context in architectural
design and offers a platform for students to develop their own position in developing their individual
project.

To achieve this aim, the design project is divided into three main phases: Project 1a: Pre-Design
Studies: Site Documentation, Analysis and Precedent Studies, 1b: Design Brief and Strategy Proposal
& 1c: Final Design Presentation and Report.

Architectural Design Project (ARC60108) March 2019 1|Page

Brief

This Project Brief is developed for the first part (Project 1a)
Group work (grouping based on tutorial grouping/ studio)

Located in the City of Muar, the students are required to do an in-depth and comprehensive analysis
and presentation on the intangible and intangible aspects of the site, hence look into the possibilities
of aligning these findings in developing the main programme: Art, Cultural & Innovative Centre.

This phase is the where students (in-group) will assemble all the parts and pieces to a bigger picture.
Parts will include the following aspects:
a. brief historical background of the place and site.
b. user profile and understanding whom we are designing
c. study solar analysis and other site specific analysis
d. reviewing building code and local or city ordinance
e. establishing design parameters
f. research on precedents or do actual visitation to projects

The study will enable students a full an in-depth understanding of the people, place and time.

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. Develop a short yet concise and comprehensive studies on site aligning it to the theme of
sustaining humanities-people, place and time.
2. Conduct pre-design studies to inform the design project.

Learning Outcomes of this Project

1. Conduct contextual and user analysis in the pre-design phase.

2. Analyze case studies to gain understanding of architectural responses and strategies of an
intentional design strategy to inform the design project.

Tasks - Methodology

The students will also begin to demonstrate an understanding of urban issue given in the scenario
above. The course work will apply learnings from previous semester’s Architectural Design Studio V
and Theories of Architecture and Urbanism, which focuses on public realm and connectivity to public
and other buildings.

The Pre-Design Studies consists of four parts: Site Documentation, Site Analysis (macro and micro),
Precedent Studies and Conclusion.

Urban study and analysis application

The study will look into two levels of analysis, namely, the macro site and micro contexts. Whilst the
macro study is about the role and how the location fits into the city. In micro study, the students are to
make a comprehensive study on urban form, activity and movement-pattern. ‘Legibility Analysis’ and
the other (6) qualities of a Responsive Environment (Bentley, et.al. 2013). The students are to
establish possible opportunities (such as routes and attractions) to sustain and to offer legibility by the
project.

Based on that, students are required to conduct and present the following pre-design studies:
1. Studies of the contextual conditions of your site
2. Studies on your selected user group and building types
3. Studies on the cultural and meaning place.
4. Studies on the current restrictions and proposed development on site and how it will affect the
project and design.

Precedent Studies
Studies on precedents that inform the ideas/approach/strategies that can be used in further
developing project brief and programme. The group is required to look into 2-3 precedent studies that

Architectural Design Project (ARC60108) March 2019 2|Page

are programme and contextual relevant. Ideally, (1) local, (1) Regional and (1) Western examples are
to be studied and analyzed.

To look into the following:

a. Understanding what an Art, Culture and Innovative Center is.
b. Understanding contextual and architectural responses. Why and how it works.
c. Understanding how the architecture approach works to the specific user type and needs.

Conclusion
The group are required to consolidate their analysis and studies in a form of conclusion. To include
the following:
a. Interpretation of the findings from the studies conducted.
b. Points to be take and consider in the next phase of the project. To establish the
design parameters and architectural position.

Deliverables and Expected Outcomes

Develop a simple, brief and yet comprehensive presentation. A 15-20 minutes presentation that
can be in video, PowerPoint/slide and multi-media or mix-media.

 Multimedia/digital presentation will include the following components

a. Brief historical background of the site.
b. Site Analysis/Urban Studies (macro to micro site analysis)
c. User Analysis/User Study
d. Policies and Regulations
e. Present condition and relevant future developments
f. Analysis of Precedent Studies
-2-3 (programme related precedents)
-Analysis on the following:
Contextual responses
Cultural responses
Spatial organization and programming
Effect to user or user group
Architects design approach or architectural responses
g. Conclusion (possible design parameters and considerations to be
used in the next phase of design).

Suggested References

1. Bentley, I., Smith, G., Alcock, A., McGlynn, S. and Murrain, P., Responsive Environments-
Manual for Designers, 2013, Architectural Press
2. Lynch, K. 1979, Image Of The City. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press
3. Moraes Zarzar, K., 2003, Use and Adaptation of Precedents in Architectural Design, Delft
University Press
4. LaGro Jr.J.A.,2001 Site Analysis: linking program and concept in land planning and design,
New York: Wiley
5. Laws of Malaysia, Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, 2007, International Law Book Services
(ILBS)

Timeline and Schedule

Week 1 : Session 1: Developing Project Brief

Session 2: Site Visitation Documentation & data collection-
Sketches, photo documentation, authority visit, others.
Week 2 : Session 1: Lecture on Pre-Design Studies & Analysis
Session 2: Pre-design Studies: interpreting findings & analysis
Week 3 : Session 1: Finalization of presentation
Session 2: Final Submission and Presentation:
Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis

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Submission Date and Guidelines

Submission Due : Thursday, 18 Apr 2019 (Week 3)

Note:
1. Peer Assessment to be compiled by group leader and submit to module coordinator.
2. All information presented must have proper referencing.

Assessment Criteria

Marking Criteria OUTSTANDING GOOD SATISFACTORY POOR FAILED

These will be assessed via the

80-100 65-79 50-64 40-49 0-39
following:

Site Background & Study

Historical, technical and in-
depth research of the city/site.
Restrictions, Guidelines and
Regulatory Requirements
Understanding and application
of pertinent guidelines and
project parameters.
Site-Urban and User analysis
(Micro-Macro) Comprehensive
and in-depth understanding of
the site both the tangible and
intangible qualities of it.
Precedent/Case Studies.
Relevance and analysis of the
project, concept or buildings
selected.
Multi Media Presentation.
Clarity, creativity and
organization ideas.

Peer Evaluation
refer to peer assessment sheet

Assessment Weight : 10%

Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by:

Ar. Prince Favis Isip (Phil.reg.) Mr. Ahmad Nazmi Anuar Mr. Mohd Adib Ramli

……………………………. ……………………………. …………………………….

Date: 25/03/2019 Date: 25/03/2019 Date: 25/03/2019
Email: princefavis.isip@taylors.edu.my Stream Coordinator Programme Director
Office Location: C5 Academic Staff Rm. (Design & Design Studies)

Remarks:

1. The Project Brief is to be distributed to the students in the first week of the semester.
2. Any changes to the Project Brief shall be communicated (in writing) to the Programme Director
and the approved revised version must be communicated to the students

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