Modules
Architectural Design 1
This module is organised as a primer on architectural design. It aims to present and explain design in terms of tectonics through the expression of the self and the body, construction, and materiality. In terms of exploration and research, AD1 has been a fun module. The assignments are extremely well-thought-out and meaningful, particularly project two, which had an impact on a community. It solidified my "why" for becoming an architect.
Design Communication
This module aims to introduce fundamental skills for appropriate architectural design communication. It engages different methods of visualising and expressing space and spatial ideas through architectural drawings and prepares us for design projects. Each assignment, as well as a series of sketching sessions in and out of the studio, teaches these skills.
Architecture History and Theory
This module teaches us about the evolution of Ancient architecture to Western architecture from the beginning of time to the period of the Enlightenment, taking into account the intellectual, aesthetic, technological, political, and economic factors that influenced building design. These issues are examined using major contemporary examples as well as the work and philosophy of significant exponents. The lectures provided in-depth accounts of the major developments in the early world, from the ancient to the revolutionary periods to the present.
Architecture and Environment
The module covers the elements of environmental conditions and issues. It focuses on the effects of human intervention on the environment, both positive and negative, as well as the relationship of buildings to the natural system. Through lectures and discussions, we were introduced to fundamental environmental awareness. Furthermore, the module introduced us to the fundamental elements of climate and their influences on architecture, with the goal of assisting us in developing acceptable environmentally conscious and comfortable building designs. This module included formative and summative assessments in the form of an assignment, a test, and a case study.
Architectural Design 2
This subject addressed the ideas and methods of design thinking such as analysis, abstraction, and synthesis that are similar to various design professions such as construction and architecture. The studio's main focus was "User and Context," which studied the link between the user and the natural world. We conducted a number of studio-based exercises in this studio, first investigating architectural spaces and construction through precedent studies, and then exploring form and space through architectural conceptualisation. Finally, we created a little freestanding structure that both serves user needs and interacts with the site surroundings.
Theories of Asian Architecture
This module was a great history class on Asian architecture, its origins, and methods of construction. It has widened my understanding of sustainable design as well, as we had to learn about the preservation of old structures but keeping them sustainable as well as we do not want to increase our carbon footprint. We have learned about Chinese, Indian, South East and East Asian architecture. Through the projects, we have learned to consider the tangible and intangible aspects of the building and the environment surrounding it.
Building Construction and Materials
As the most technical module in semester two, this module shaped in the way of thinking whenever we consider a certain type of material for our building. Construction drawings were required to be memorized and drawn during our examination and they have to be as detailed as possible. it has shaped me to become a more detail-oriented person when it comes to my future technical drawings and rationality to building materials suitable for a certain type of structure, especially in the Malaysian climate.
Sustainable Design Policies and Regulations
I took this module in semester three because I wanted to learn more about green design through policies at an early stage. It has enabled me to become more aware of the importance of sustainability in architecture and to keep a look out for buildings that have the potential for retrofitting or increasing their green building index. This module, I feel, has made me more aware of the importance of sustainable design.
Architectural Design 3
I've never had so much fun in a studio module focusing solely on poetic architecture as I did in this one. In terms of my design concepts and strategy, supportive instructors and tutors had an important role in motivating me to believe in the impossible. I regained faith in the magic of architecture and learned a lot, particularly in the digital arena of making drawings and presentations. It's been a steep but rewarding learning curve.
Architectural Design 4
This module has given me an opportunity to further explore a different kind of design altogether. This is because it's brief is somewhat similar to Architectural Design 3. We are required to design a community learning center for the people of USJ 14. I've experimented with vernacular design as a base for the the rest of my structure's elements in terms of spaces and the arrangement of spaces.
Green Strategies for Building Design
Thinking about the technical ways of incorporating green design in a building was way beyond me before taking this module. I have learned a lot about integrating systems that would actually help with the environment of the building instead of adding greenery and calling it a green building. This module has opened my eyes in terms of the technicality of environmental design.
Advanced Architectural Construction
Before taking this module, I was always confused on the construction and the details of a building. I am known for not being a technical person when it comes to my designs. But with tremendous motivation from both my lecturer and tutor, I have realised that it was not the case. I do in fact enjoy the technicality of a building design, and by incorporating it, I managed to explain my designs better with more concrete evidence.
