DESIGN STUDIO 4

In Semester IV, themed “engaging environment and community”, the studio explores design by harnessing environmental qualities through projects with a specific community of users within a given context. With the given sub-theme of "Leisure and Architecture", we were to investigate what are the possible new programs that would constitute leisure, which will complement conventional recreational activities and to interpret the investigation into architectural intervention that is sensitive to context and the needs of the community.

RE-PLAY : CHILDREN'S OUTDOOR PLAYSCAPE

In this introductory exercise, we were assign in a group of three, to design within a given area of area of 5m (l) x 5m (w) x 3m (ht), an outdoor playscape for children that is modular, lightweight as well as safe with all mechanisms being simple and easy to operate. The main materials for its construction are reclaimable/repurposed materials and reasonably weather proof. It must be able to accommodate/support a set of proposed activities designed to instill among children not only a sense of play or exploration but also the appreciation of sustainability through the application of reusable materials.

HOUSE OF LEISURE - COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTRE

Furthering the exploration of ‘Leisure and Architecture’, the project calls for the design of a "House of Leisure" within an urban park environment. We were to generate concepts that respond to context and leisure related programs and explore design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilizing clustered spatial typology and passive design strategies. The design for the House of Leisure must take into consideration the activities and social life already existing on site, and contribute in meaningful ways to its context. The design must be based on a multi-layered understanding of contextual issues and weave together sustainable environmental strategies and user and programmatic needs into poetic architectural spaces.