Through the course of the project, I have learnt to be more aware of the space and how to be more attentive to small details. I have also learnt about the importance of planning a layout beforehand and the use of different floors and their functionality and necessity.
I have learnt about the uses of research and how they can help to make an informed and logical choice of building or any other item. There are many conditions to fulfill while modifying or starting the plan of a building, and I have learnt how to consider the different criteria and sieve out the ones which matter more, since many of the conditions contradict themselves and not all of them can be satisfied at the same time.
Through the term, I have also learnt how to use various softwares and applications, such as Google Sketchup, with more understanding and ease. Although the first few attempts to use the software were feeble and did not amount to much, the final product began to take shape after a few tries and it became easier to understand the use of the software.
I also learnt about combining the good points of failed attempts to create a final product which incorporates the aspects of attempts which never made it. I also found out various methods of repairing a model which didn't quite look as it was supposed to look, and also about the importance of explanation and letting the model speak for itself. By placing furniture and colours into the model, there was a sense of reality and it was much simpler for the explanations to come.
Of course, I found some very interesting information on the subject of my building, in this case, the elderly. For example, I learnt about how colours and tone can affect the thinking of elderly with dementia and even help them remember where they are and where they want to go. Many of the concepts of my building came from the simplicity of catering to the elderly and making sure they enjoy themselves while feeling independent, while in fact they are being greatly supported by caregivers to make sure they stay safe and healthy. For me, this was one of the most important conditions throughout the whole project which I had to consider, as one of the concerns of people today is how they will be able to look after themselves in the future, especially with the dwindling fertility rate in Singapore.
Although my ideas have swung from quite a lot of different perspectives and uses, I feel that the brainstorming process was essential to the design of the building. Without the brainstorming process, I might have embarked on the planning of a building which was not even needed in the neighbourhood. There was a lot of time spent on research and brainstorming, even more than the actual building of the model on Google Sketchup and explanations of the building. Although the actual thought process was time-consuming and difficult to complete, and even at a time seemed overwhelming and impossible, it resulted in something totally different from what I had in mind in the first place, and looking back, it seems that my first ideas were completely off track from what I was supposed to do.
Overall, the project on Architectural Design has taught me many things, from time management and essential skills, to information regarding very little to do with the actual design of a building, but very interesting, and I would not have found out about such information without embarking on the project. I feel that this project has benefited me in many ways, and I have definitely not regretted the time and effort spent on it.
Friday 14 October 2011
Monday 19 September 2011
Eldercare Centre
The eldercare is built for the main purpose of catering to Singapore’s ageing population, which is a growing problem today. The margin between the number of youth and the number of elderly is growing larger, and people in Singapore are sending their parents and grandparents to Johore or old folks’ home when they are unable to look after them at work or when they are overseas. The purpose of the eldercare centre is to provide a place for the elderly to go to fro daily activities, and is something like a community centre for elderly.
The concept behind the colours and design of the building is to cater to the common problem of dementia in Singapore and the world. This problem is estimated to become more serious as time progresses, and tonality of colours has been shown to help the elderly recognise and remember locations.
Friday 19 August 2011
Friday 15 July 2011
Friday 8 July 2011
What is Architectural Design?
It is the design of buildings or urban landscapes. It requires good creative skills, imagination and artistic talent.
Architectural design requires values which affect the designer’s decisions and operation. Different design values tend to have considerable history and can be found in numerous design movements. The influence that each design value has had on design movements and individual designers has varied throughout history.
Architectural design is a 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.
What makes a good architectural design?
A good design has to have value to the client or society, and in its aesthetic aspect. It has to make use of its environment and area of space effectively and make people feel comfortable in it. It should be functional and be quite eco-friendly. If a design is to be successful, its interior should complement its exterior.
This is a good design as it makes good us of the space, as well as design of the house. The protruding area of the upper floor acts as a shelter for the area below, blocking out rain or sunlight. As the whole front of the upper floor is made of glass, it offers a good view. The design is very innovative, in the sense that one part of the house serves two functions, and it is aesthetically pleasing due to the extensive use of glass in the design.
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