[ EPIPHANY vs ETERNAL ] - Project 1- Spatial Translations - ‘Journey of the five senses’

Hi, I am Yeo Shi Jie, 0330176.

Project 1 is an introductory project by which we are required to explore issues of spatial typologies and poetics through simple design exercises. Working in groups of 5-6 students, we are to propose 2 schemes of Spatial Translations themed ‘Journey of the five senses’. You are required to design in the form of semi-open architecture by using two contrasting spatial types of your choice. There is no specific site for this design work. The story of your spatial translation should translate into a narrative, and it should be informed by precedents studies.

Objectives:

- To identify and explain different spatial types in architecture, and how they inform spatial use and experience

- To identify and analyse case studies to inform the design project

- To create tectonic expressions of different spatial typologies which impact on the uses and experiential conditions of space

- To generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures

Tasks:

1a. Precedent Studies: Analysing spatial poetics & spatial typologies in architecture

- As a group, we have to conduct a precedent studies of spatial typologies and spatial poetics of a LINEAR organisation and a CONCENTRIC organisation.

1b. Spatial Translations: ’Journey of the five senses’

- Learning from the design strategies of Project 1a, we have to design 2 spatial translations scheme themed ‘Journey of the five senses’, one is LINEAR and another one is CONCENTRIC in form.

- We will be given literature / film / painting, and we are to select 2 of them and translate them into spatial narrative.

Outcomes:

1a. Precedent Studies

For precedent studies, we have chosen:

1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul for Concentric Organisation

2. Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum for Linear Organisation.

1b. Spatial Translations

For spatial translations part, we have chosen:

1. Sweet Bean, 2015 by Naomi Kawase (Film) for Linear Organisation

2. My Soul Has A Hat by Mario de Andrade (Literature) for Concentric Organisation

1. Sweet Bean, 2015 by Naomi Kawase (Film) for Linear Organisation

The entrance opens up to separating pathways, allows you to start your journey of making decisions in life. Looking at the intertwining of spaces ahead, it represents the inconsistency of life. Arousing curiousity without revealing the fluid of trajectory of spaces inside, the wavy pathways of ascending and descending journey metaphors different life stages that awaits you to journey through.

Walking on the lightness of expanded metal, and slowly ascending along the pathway, with luminous lights shining upon you, guiding you to a brighter passageway. The feeling of care-free, released and lightness, informed by the semi-open spaces, that allows you to see through every surfaces u experience, as if they are "permeable" to the surrounding.

Submerged - While slowly descending to the bottom-neath of the space, the feeling of heaviness, being submerged deeply into the river floor, as if the feeling of suppressing and burden throughout the life. Lights is fading away slowly, as if the dim atmosphere is bounding you, and restricting your life. Looking outside, the waves of water gives you pressure. This is when you have reached the difficulty of life, the feeling of hopeless and depressed engulf you.

Interlude - In life, we meet different people with different backgrounds. The intersecting point of life allows us to interact indirectly with others while eager to achieve what others have in your inner thoughts. Sometimes, you might even want to give a moment of pause, and look back at your memories, the moment of time when you used to have.

Receiving - Walking on the uppermost of the building, with no boundaries alongside you, just to embrace the plain world of nature. Feeling the cool wind, the heartwarming sun, the breath-taking views and everything that opens up to you, as if you are ready to accept everything that happens in your life.

2. My Soul Has A Hat by Mario de Andrade (Literature) for Concentric Organisation

Life- Exposing to the outer world, looking at the surrounding, and giving appreciation to the surrounding world. Having conversation and lively atmosphere in-touch with nature and people, just like the daily chores and lifestyle. However, center shaft channeling to somewhere deep down the spaces gives you hint to explore your "inner thoughts".

Encapsulated - Being enclosed in darkness, igniting your imagination and bringing back nostalgic pieces of memories through silence. Looking at the people passing by solemnly, listening to the conversation of people echoing from the rooftop. Time and tides wait for no man.

Hope - Every steps you walk through, lights of hope are always beside you. Walking through every corners within the world of dream, myriads of lights penetrate into the dream space, and glimpses of light cast rays of enlightened hope upon you, reminiscing the bittersweet memories.

Contemplation - Breathe, think and reflect in the present moment, shaft of light channeled to you, looking up to gaze at the reflection of mirror at the ceiling, gives you an epiphany of time. While walking on the reflection of glass, giving you an illusion of hovering above water surface, flowing continuously. How elusive time passes through one's life.

Rejuvenation - Finally, walking towards the direction of light, looking at the waterfall, the dynamic flow of fresh water splashing across the face gently, as if it is healing the soul. Warm light illuminating into the space, from enclosed to open, to embrace new moment of life.

Overall Pin-up Presentation:

Progresses:

Linear Progress

Concentric Progress

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities (TGCs):

Reflection:

This first project exposes me to in-depth studies of spatial typologies and spatial poetics, as powerful tools to inform spaces and forms. It teaches me how architecture can tell a story itself, by using various design elements and principles. By exploring the 5 senses also, it helps me to design a space with emotions and feelings, accompanied with the architectural principles which work together and create a journey in architecture.

Through the precedent studies, I also gained knowledge of how architecture from other countries have their own different cultures and history background behind it, and contextually creating spaces that at the same time integrating spatial poetics and typologies. From here, I have learnt how the architects design the spaces and tells the story.

Also, this project also let me understand that the importance of section-plan relationship, as they can deliver clear ideas about the design intention and activities.