ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN III
ARC60408
MODULE COORDINATOR : MS. ONG SHARON
TUTOR : MS. DELLIYA MOHD ZAIN
PROJECT 1A
POETIC ASSEMBLAGE: < CHOREOGRAPHY + ENVELOPE >
Project 1 is designed for collective efforts in research and knowledge sharing; and for individual bodily-conscious inspiration, affective experience, expression and experimental design process. It introduces a poetic design approach and process informed by the choreography of native culture-inspired contemporary dances. Students are required to observe and document bodily movements of the Choreographic dance with Ethnographic Drawings – plan and elevation movement mapping - in other words. The meanings of the dance shall be understood through reading but, more importantly, to be made sense of through the observation and drawing processes. A form-making process is introduced to achieve the creative outcome of the project A Choreography-Informed Envelope for A BodilyConscious, Affective, Expressive and Experimental Flagship Construct for a Pas de Deux.
Project 1’s outcome shall depict a flagship idea and initiate in-situ dlogues later. An interplay between scales is designed across projects, thus, a specific scale is determined for each project and must be strictly adhered to.
DRAWING: CHOREOGRAPHIC ETHNOGRAPHY
This project explores the cultural essence of Malaysian-influenced traditional Chinese dance through choreography, documentation, and design. Using a nine-grid system, dancers create dynamic movements that are recorded and transformed into choreographic ethnography drawings. These drawings capture significant pauses, gestures, and movement paths in plan and elevation, blending cultural expression with precision. The process culminates in a GIF, presenting the dance as a seamless narrative of rhythm, heritage, and artistry.
TASK B
A CHOREOGRAPHY-INFORMED ENVELOPE
Using choreographic ethnography as a foundation, participants create a scaled 81-grid model that captures the essence of recorded body movements. Through an iterative process of nodes, lines, and planes, the model evolves into a volumetric build-form, guided by principles like linear or concentric order.
The outcome transforms form into a space designed for a poetic pas de deux, emphasizing bodily expression and interaction. The final deliverables include detailed orthographic drawings on A2 watercolour paper, showcasing walls, openings, and spatial qualities, alongside a meticulously crafted abstract model. This project combines artistic intuition and technical skill, celebrating the intersection of movement and architecture.
PROJECT 1B
CHRONICLE & MANUSCRIPT: < THE PLACE AND THE SPACE >
The project focuses on reclaimed land in Malacca, Malaysia, a historic state renowned for its cultural and maritime heritage. Situated near Encore Melaka Theatre, the site connects the art centre, a park, and the sea, forming key spatial relationships. Students will analyze the site's physical and cultural context through photography, sketching, CAD, and model-making to create a Site Chronicle that captures its essence and Genius Loci.
TASK A
SITE CHRONICLE
The Site Chronicle is a collaborative effort to document and analyze the essence and Genius Loci of reclaimed land sites near Encore Melaka Theatre in Malacca. It encompasses six measures undertaken by various groups: RESEARCHERS, HISTORIANS, GEOGRAPHERS, SURVEYERS, MODEL MAKERS and JOURNALISTS. This comprehensive analysis informs the design process, emphasizing cultural and environmental sensitivity while engaging real-world site complexities.
As a Geographer in this project, my role is to uncover and analyze the environmental and geographical factors that shape the project site.
TASK B
VISCERAL BOARD
The analysis of the two micro sites will focus on capturing their unique narratives, derived through a synchronization process that aligns with the site’s interests. By utilizing materials, contents, and ideas from The Site Chronicle, students will represent the sites through various visual forms such as diagrams, maps, illustrations, and other creative media. These visuals aim to convey the Genius Loci—the spirit or distinctive character—of each location, showcasing its identity and atmosphere in a visceral, engaging manner. The resulting board will present a thorough understanding of the site’s essence and its cultural or environmental context.
PROJECT 1C
RECLAIMED ARCHITECTURE: < A DANCE ANNEXE >
Project 1C challenges to create an architectural proposal for a Dance Annexe as part of a Reclaimed Architecture initiative. The design must be a standalone, two-storey building adjacent to The Encore, dedicated to preserving and promoting local native dance culture. The site is located on reclaimed land along the coastline of Malacca, with a unique triangular relationship to The Encore Melaka Theatre and surrounding park and canal. The building, with a floor area of 350sqm to 450sqm, should cater to cultural dance programs and public engagement, ensuring accessibility for all. The architecture should embody a monolithic form, integrating seamlessly into its coastal context, and provide a functional, inclusive space for dance preservation and performance.
TASK (INTERIM)
THE MANUSCRIPT
This study informs the Formal + Spatial Manuscript, developing architectural spaces and forms that respond to real-world issues, such as the environmental challenges of land reclamation and the need to honor Malacca's rich heritage. The iterative design process integrates findings from prior tasks to create meaningful architecture.
FINAL OUTCOME
SELF REFLECTION
In reflecting on Project 1A, I have gained a deeper understanding of the integration between choreography and architecture, specifically how bodily movement can inspire and inform design. The project emphasized the importance of observation and documentation of dance through ethnographic drawings, connecting the physicality of the body to architectural form-making. The process was not just about reading dance movements but also expressing them through sketches and models, capturing the essence of the native culture and its significance in space-making. The project required an experimental approach that combined physical presence, emotional experience, and architectural form to create a space that reflects the cultural dynamism of dance.
The Site Chronicle for Project 1B encouraged a collaborative effort, where research, site visits, and observations led to a rich understanding of the Genius Loci of the place. Using photography, sketches, and CAD models, we explored the relationship between the site and its surrounding context, which would influence the design process of the Dance Annexe.
Project 1C then challenged me to delve deeper into architectural design, applying the research and methodologies from earlier projects to create a cultural building that fosters the preservation of native dance traditions. The Dance Annexe, situated next to The Encore, requires a thoughtful and respectful approach to both the site and the community it serves. Through this comprehensive process, I have learned the significance of a sensitive, culturally informed architectural approach that blends creativity, context, and functionality.