ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN III
ARC60408
PROJECT 3
PROJECT 3
RECLAIMED ARCHITECTURE <A DANCE ANNEXE>
(60% INDIVIDUAL)
PROJECT BRIEF
INTRODUCTION
“Writing about music is like dancing about architecture,” highlighting the different senses each medium engages, but dance and architecture share a common ground in space, light, and the human body’s proportions.
Architecture and dance both evoke emotions and stimulate the imagination, connecting through their use of shape, form, and rhythm.
They manipulate space to create a sensory experience, where architecture can inspire awe, just as dance can provoke joy or longing. By combining these art forms, we create performances that harmonize with architectural spaces, amplifying the emotional essence of both.
The concept of Genius Loci—the spirit of a place—reminds us that spaces hold significance, which we experience through how we perceive and remember them.
The integration of choreography, poetic architecture, and Genius Loci enhances our understanding of the human body’s relationship to space, fostering a deeper connection to both the physical environment and its emotional resonance.
OBJECTIVES
Resolve basic building construction, material choices, and environmental factors
Design and justify a small-scale community building within an open/suburban context, considering the site, user needs, sustainability, buildability, and spatial poetics
Present the design effectively using visual and verbal communication to peers, tutors, and architects
TASKS
INTERIM 1 (5%)
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Workings and outcomes represented via massing models and diagrammatic/ pictorial/ visual descriptions
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A Formal & Spatial Manuscript
INTERIM 2 (5%)
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Butter Paper Session
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Design intention and process
FINAL REVIEW
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Building Site: The Strait-Site and The Park-Site, land size of 1000 sq.m, with a building size between 350-450 sq.m (half covered outdoor area)
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Building Form: 2-storey, maximum 1m sunken floor, standalone, concentric/linear space arrangement.
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Design Considerations: Practicality, poetic architecture, genius loci, materiality, construction strategy, and detailing.
1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge
6.0 Intrapersonal Skills
I incorporating cultural and contextual elements into the design, such as the space requirements for dance activities and performances, while addressing the technical aspects of building construction, material selection, environmental sustainability, and the practical considerations for public engagement and community involvement.
I have learned to critically assess my own ideas and design decisions, refining them based on feedback and personal insights. Managing the complexities of a community-building design has helped me develop resilience and adaptability, while also improving my ability to balance creativity with practicality.
REFLECTION
Space planning for the dance annex, located near the Strait-Site, has been an exciting and insightful process. The project's focus on creating a public space where users can experience cultural dance and community engagement allowed me to think deeply about how to design for both practicality and poetic expression.
The challenge was to create spaces that accommodate diverse functions—like regular dance practices, performances, exhibitions, and community events—while ensuring a seamless flow of movement for people of all ages and abilities. The process was enjoyable, especially when exploring the integration of green sustainability and poetic spaces.
It was fascinating to see how spatial organization could respond to both human needs and the essence of the site, considering its Genius Loci and the cultural context of Malacca. Working on this project helped me better understand the balance between functionality and aesthetics in public space design.
What stood out was the importance of flexibility in the design. Spaces like the dance hall had to be adaptable for various events, and smaller areas like the café or retail spaces needed to serve both intimate and large-scale needs. Considering the surrounding environment and ensuring that the space offered a welcoming experience for everyone added a meaningful layer to the design process.
Overall, this project not only allowed me to apply space planning principles but also deepened my appreciation for creating environments that resonate with the people who use them.