Through this project, I’ve learnt to conduct case studies and site analysis to generate an understanding of the physical and cultural context and development of urban environments. Besides that, I am now able to determine and describe the role of community library in a contemporary urban settings and examine, establish the appropriate architectural responses and strategies for designing within an urban infill site. Finally, I am able to produce necessary documentation which includes diagrams, mappings, photographic images, orthographic drawings and models to record and communicate site analysis findings, and for the further use in the coming design stages.

Conclusion

Product

Site Analysis
The purpose of the Site Analysis is to observe and record the site’s current condition, and to collect additional information to be used in the initial design conceptualization and strategy phase.
Key concepts and themes to be discussed in relation to the analysis include: Way-finding (5 Lynchian Principles), Typology and Morphology, Figure/Ground Mapping, Patterns of Movement and Use, Human Behaviour, Street Culture 

 

Precedent Studies
Each group is required to study and analyse one example of an urban infill that is a community library. In analysing this example, students should develop an understanding and awareness of:-

 

(1) What is an Urban Infill?
This investigation is to help you understand what an urban infill is, and what are the architectural strategies (massing, spatial planning, façade design, etc.) adopted that are necessary in response to its physical context and functional programme. Investigate what were the regulatory laws that the architects were required to comply to as well.

 

(2) What is a Community Library?
In this module, we shall define the community library as a “place which provides public with access to books and periodicals acts as social meeting grounds for an urban/suburban community”. This part of the Precedent Study entails an investigation into a relevant example of a community library and inquiry into establishing its role within its specific context and community. Key themes and criteria that require consideration in this study include the following: Programmatic Response, Formal Response, Public/Private Realms, Society & Culture.

Tasks

The Preliminary Studies is a preparatory assignment that focuses on investigating basic notions of the city, and learning from examples of community library around the world. This assignment aims to firstly introduce students to the basics in urban design and its relation to architecture, and secondly,
studying and determining the programmatic function, societal role and spatial layout of a community library and architectural responses for urban infills.
The Preliminary Studies comprises of three components: Site Documentation, Site Analysis, and Precedent Studies of Urban Infills and Community Library. The Site Documentation and Site Analysis will equip students with a firm understanding of the site they will be working with this semester, while
the Precedent Studies will provide an insight into architectural responses for designing an urban infill community library.
The outcome of the Preliminary Studies will include the production of site documentation materials (drawings and models in both digital and physical copy for further use), a comprehensive analysis of the site, and a detailed case study of a relevant urban infill and community library.

Introduction

Architecture Design Studio 5 [ARC 60306]

Preliminary Studies