ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN III
ARC60408
PROJECT 2
PROJECT 2
THE (SITE) CHRONICLE + VISCERAL (20% GROUP)
PROJECT BRIEF
INTRODUCTION
The site is located in the Historic State of Malacca, southwest Malaysia, facing the Strait of Malacca. Malacca City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, was once a prominent port under the Malacca Sultanate before being colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
The region has faced challenges from land reclamation, particularly in the Klebang area, disrupting its unique maritime culture.
Our site lies within a developing reclaimed land zone, next to the Encore Melaka Theatre, forming triangular relationships between the theatre, the park, and the site. The theatre, which opened in 2018, symbolizes Malaysia's historical trade ties with China since the 1400s.
Project 1B involves group work to conduct site analysis, including physical site data and the essence of its "Genius Loci" through photography, sketching, CAD, and model-making. The findings will guide the design process for "The Visceral" in the following project, aligning with the design methodology from Project 1A and continuing into Project 1C.
OBJECTIVES
Record, interpret, and assess the site's physical characteristics and its "genius loci," then create a design that reflects the unique qualities and context of the site.
TASKS
Large Group Task: Site Data Collection (Macro-Site)
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Site Chronicle - Canva-Book (A4 portrait)
Small Group Tasks:
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A Visceral Board: + ONE (1) A2 portrait board
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Analytical mapping/ drawing/ diagram/ visual depiction of the TWO Micro Sites utilising materials/ contents learned and/ or ideas derived from The Site Chronicle and/ or the Site/ Place embodied experiences
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Drawings/ mapping/ diagrams/ illustrations (any form of visual with any media) that will speak of the Genius Loci and Poetic of the place
4.0 Communication Skills
7.0 Citizenship And Global Perspective
The use of visual communication, such as sketches, diagrams, and models, helped convey the concepts clearly, while verbal presentations allowed me to articulate my design process and rationale. Additionally, the collaborative work with my group fostered open dialogue, encouraging the exchange of ideas and constructive feedback, which enhanced the overall quality of our design.
I developed a deeper awareness of how architecture can influence and reflect the cultural, social, and historical context of a place. By exploring the site’s connection to Malacca’s rich history and its role in the global maritime trade, I recognized the importance of preserving local heritage while engaging with modern design practices.
REFLECTION
The site visit to Encore Melaka and the surrounding area was an enriching experience that significantly enhanced my understanding of the context for our design. By directly engaging with the site, I was able to immerse myself in the environment, which allowed me to document its physical conditions and interpret the "genius loci" more effectively.
The process of producing the Site Chronicle helped me translate observations into meaningful insights, providing a solid foundation for the next steps in the design process. The exploration of "The Visceral" added another layer to my understanding of the site. It encouraged me to consider not only the physical attributes but also the emotional and sensory responses the space evokes.
Working on this aspect was both inspiring and enjoyable, as it allowed me to connect more deeply with the place and its potential to shape the user experience. The site visit, combined with the subsequent exploration of its visceral qualities, was a crucial and rewarding part of this project, making it a memorable and insightful learning process.