P R O J E C T   1 - Contextual Architecture Study & 

 

 

 

This project is driven by Architectural Design Studio 4, as an approach to support students’ design through extensive research within the framework of Contextual Architecture in Asia. The Contextual Architecture framework focuses on students’ selection of building, with research objectives defined through in-depth literature review, leading to a well-established case study paper structure and writing. This assessments involve oral presentation and a written paper of minimum 2,000 words. The final topic of the paper evolved in discussion and consultation with our tutors and finalised on the fifth week of the course. Students were asked to present the summary of the paper with images in class – which contains an outline of the paper covering issues and themes explored, as well as a bibliography.

 

The first task for this project is to identify a building in Asia which I intent to investigate through observation and readings on the contemporary Contextual Architecture practices and issues in Asia. Then, conduct a literature review on vernacular architecture references attributes such as culture, construction, structure, layout and etc based on the selected building. Besides, students should also include the contextual architecture elements of the selected building. 

 

The second task is to conduct a case study research paper. We have to first identity the specific topic/issues/significance of study and then define the specific scope of study about the selected building. Students need to create a concept mapping to highlight the specific topic/signficance of study and scope of study. We are also able to use examples of other relevant architecture design in Asia in order to support our discussion and arguments. 

 

W O O I   R E S I D E N C E .

 

Wooi’s Residence is a two-storeyed bungalow that is designed by Wooi Lok Kuang, the architect himself for his family with a self-contained studio at the basement. This residential building is situated on a hilltop in Shah Alam. It is one of the very few residential design that takes after all the inclusive idea of being ecologically well disposed and energy efficient as could reasonably be expected. Whereby, the architect allows the building to blend in beautifully with the aspects of surrounding into its design. According to press article, this well-known project is awarded an Honorary Mention in the Single Residential Building category in the Malaysian Institute of Architects by PAM in 2004 for its excellence in the construction of an energy efficient and environmentally friendly bungalow (Chor Wah, 2004).

 

Throughout this project, I am able to intergrate architectural design and research through a specific case study through extensive research within the framework of sustainability design in Asia. Besides that, I am able to identify the contextual architecture of Wooi Residence through the production of oral presentation and research writing. Other than that, this project also allows me to gain a better knowledge about my selected building and it was my pleasure to have an interview session with Ar. Wooi. Before I visit the building, it was quite difficult for me to find out the answers/solve the issues/picture the house layout and etc. However, I would say the house is incredible and well designed after listening to the explaination from the architect and a walkthrough around the house. Last but not least, I am very thankful that I have such opportunities and it was really a great experience that I have gained in order to carry out this project.