BUILDING MATERIALS
This module intends to inform the student of the relevant visual and physical properties of a wide range of building materials. It also encompass the broad environmental debate by including energy saving and recycled materials. For each material the module describes the manufacturing process, salient properties and typical uses of these materials, with the aim of ensuring their appropriate application within the awareness of the suitability of the physical and chemical properties as well as its ecological impact
PROJECT ONE
CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING MATERIALS
For our first assignment, we are required to select a local or international Architect, together with their buildings that utilizes any 3 types of building material namely stones, concrete, brick or glass(compulsory). We are then required to study the architect's background, concept of building as well as analyze the materials that are used by the architect for the building chosen and present the findings in an A2 presentation board.
In groups of 3, Li Sze, Danica and I had chosen Yale University Art Gallery by Louis Kahn as we felt that the building materials used by him suited very well to his concept.
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REFLECTION :
This assignment gave me an introduction to the different types of building materials and their characteristics. I am able to identify them and understand why the architects chose to use them in their projects based on their suitabilty and their advantages and disadvantages. I also gain knowledge on how the theme and concept of the building can be influenced and changed by using different materials. Lastly, I am also able to produce a presentation board to present my findings professionally and how these materials relate with the surrounding context.
PROJECT TWO
MATERIALITY OF SPACE: An Experiential Exploration
This assignment is designed to introduce building materials that are commonly used in the construction industry. The spaces or building selected to study will allow one to understand the reasoning behind choices made by designers in terms of concepts, function use, environmental response, environmental profile, structural requirement, and availability of resources when selecting or proposing building materials. It is also essential for students to see the transition from vernacular point of perspective to the current application in built environment.
My group selected SP Setia Headquarters located in Shah Alam as our case study and had conducted a site visit to gather information.
As a group, we were required to study the building materials used and produce a mood board and 2 A2 presentation boards documenting our analysis of materials in respect to their physical and chemical properties, and suitability of material used in context to concept, aesthetic value, and climate.
SP Setia Headquarters in Shah Alam
Group presentation boards
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Individually, I was required to select an interesting space in the building and analyse the sense of materiality in that space. In my case, I got the building's lobby or waiting area. My task was to analyse how the materiality in that space provokes the desired ambience and atmosphere in terms of the use of light and shadows, tactically of materials and the scale and proportion of that space. I am able to give an explanation on the choice of bare concrete and transparent glass windows that has reflected the space's design intention and experience.
Individual presentation board
Group photo
REFLECTION :
This assignment allowed me to be exposed to the know about the local projects here and allowing me to visit the space itself to experience with our own touch and sight. This provides me an in-depth experience to know how the material plays the role in the design. By studying and understanding the materials physical and chemical characteristics, I am able to understand why the architects chose the material in that space as it also influences the mood and spatial quality of the interior spaces. On the other hand, I also learnt to design a presentation board digitally by using computer aided software.