ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT
PRJ60408
PROJECT 1A
PROJECT 1A
Pre-Design Studies & Analysis
(15% GROUP)
PROJECT BRIEF
INTRODUCTION
This studio concludes the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture programme under the theme “Architecture with an Impact.”
It focuses on developing responsive, context-sensitive, and socially engaged architectural solutions that address the relationship between people, place, and urban conditions.
Building on previous urban studies, students investigate real-world social, cultural, and environmental issues through site analysis, programme development, design exploration, and technical integration.
Over 15 weeks, the studio guides students towards a resolved architectural proposal supported by workshops and lectures on user studies, environmental strategies, technology, and sustainable design aligned with the SDGs.
The project is structured into three key phases: Project 1a – Pre-Design Studies & Analysis, Project 1b – Design Strategies & Exploration, and Project 1c – Final Design Presentation & Report.
TASKS
Site & Context Analysis
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Study the site’s physical, social, cultural, historical, and environmental conditions.
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Analyse macro and micro contexts, accessibility, movement, built form, and natural features.
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Site Opportunities & Issues
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Identify key site problems, opportunities, user needs, and contextual potentials.
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Consider both tangible and intangible characteristics of the place.
Impact Analysis
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Assess the project’s potential social, environmental, cultural, and economic impacts.
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Consider inclusivity, sustainability, community well-being, and SDGs.
Precedent Studies
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Analyse relevant local and international projects based on programme, spatial organisation, context, materiality, and environmental strategies.
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Extract useful design principles and approaches.
Preliminary Design Studies
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Establish the architectural position, project intent, programme, and functions.
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Develop initial design strategies responding to site and community needs.
Initial Design Response
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Consolidate research and analysis into a clear design direction for the “Urban Living Room.”
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Provide a foundation for individual design development in Project 1b.
OUTCOME
(SLIDES)
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Analyze and interpret urban contexts through theoretical inquiry to identify the conditions that shape the street’s place-making qualities.
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Examine and evaluate key urban conditions to develop architectural strategies that engage urban communities while adhering to relevant design codes and regulatory requirements.
OUTCOME
(PRESENTATION BOARDS)
OUTCOME
(PHYSICAL SITE MODEL)
1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge
3.0 Thinking And Problem Solving Skills
Through the Sia Boey site analysis, I developed a stronger understanding of how site conditions, urban context, circulation, and architectural elements influence design decisions. Working together on the site model helped me translate site research into a clearer architectural understanding.
The site analysis challenged me to interpret different site conditions and identify relationships between movement, buildings, open spaces, and the surrounding urban fabric. Collaborating on the site model also allowed us to exchange ideas and solve design and modelling challenges collectively.
REFLECTION
Project 1A was an important starting point for understanding Sia Boey beyond simply observing the site. Through the site analysis, I learned how the existing urban context, circulation, surrounding buildings, landscape, and historical character influence architectural possibilities.
One of the most meaningful parts of this project was working together to develop the slides and site model. The model helped us translate our observations from drawings and research into a physical representation of the site. Through the process, we were able to understand the relationship between buildings, streets, open spaces, movement and the archaeological park more clearly. It also encouraged us to discuss and challenge each other's observations, making the analysis more collaborative rather than individual.
The site model became more than just a presentation model; it became a tool for thinking. By physically studying the site, we could identify connections, barriers, movement patterns and potential opportunities that were less obvious through two-dimensional analysis.
Looking back, Project 1A taught me that good architecture begins with good observation. Instead of immediately designing a building, I learned to first understand the site's existing conditions and allow them to inform the design direction. Most importantly, working together showed me that different perspectives can strengthen the quality of architectural analysis and lead to a deeper understanding of the site.