project portfolio
rubina aw hui lin
00 proposal
proposal statement synopsis
01 analysis site context history zoning current use issue context cancellation of arts stage closure of galleries lack of appreciation for arts
02 design concept designing in pockets permeability customisation programme public display public library artist-in-residence
03 floorplans floorplan – first storey floorplan – second storey floorplan – third storey
content
00 proposal
proposal statement, synopsis
synopsis
is a multi-disciplinary arts centre that houses independent artist or collectives to cultivate and lead societal conversations in Singapore. It engages the general public and exposes them to the full possibilities of contemporary art in shaping public discourse. It is a space that recognises its responsibility in encouraging awareness of human and social issues, and is dedicated to sharing the potential of art and the Singaporean community.
synopsis
Singapore is losing its forefront as an arts hub of Southeast Asia due to the lack of interest and art production. It is in need of a space where arts societies can come together to create art that speaks to the people and address the issues that matter. This calls for an avenue that the public can identify with the arts, and also for smaller independent artists to be encouraged to proceed in their career in the arts with local support. 00 design proposal
01 analysis
site context, issue context
history
The Old Parliament house is situated within Empress Place, Singapore’s first civic district established by the British. It encompasses of many civic centric buildings such as the Immigration Office, which is now the Asian Civilisation Museum. Civic Engagement is a process in which people take collective action to address issues of public concern and is absolutely instrumental to democracy. 01 analysis – site context
zoning
The site is situated in the civic district. It is surrounded by renowned performing arts venues such as the Victoria Concert Hall, Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay and The Promontory. There are also several visual arts venues such as the National Gallery, Asian Civilisation Museum and Peranakan Museum. It is saturated with high-profile and renowned art from all over the world. Many of which are ticketed events to witness or visit. 01 analysis – site context
current use
Despite its rich history and standing as the oldest building in Singapore, It is primarily used as a rental venue for private events such as weddings. Currently operating as an Arts House, its main focus is on the literary arts, whereby the annual Writers’ Festival is held and several small literary events are conducted. With its distinct influence in the literary scene in Singapore, it proposed an audience that is not fully tapped on.
01 analysis – site context
cancellation of main arts event
Art Stage Singapore, considered the country's main contemporary art fair, was cancelled on Jan 16 2019, just nine days before its public opening. Although not outrightly cited, its closure was attributed to the gradual decline in interest and a rise of rival contemporary art hubs in other neighbouring countries.
01 analysis – issue context
closure of galleries
In 2015, nearly a third of Gillman Barracks galleries decided not to renew their leases. Low human traffic and poor sales were responsible for the . In the three years of its operation, the art enclave had fallen short of its ambition, suffering from a hardto-shake listlessness in terms of sales and visitorship.
01 analysis – issue context
lack of appreciation for the arts
According to the Singapore Cultural Statistics 2018, A measly 13% of respondents feel that Arts and cultural events activities help them broaden their minds and become more accepting of new things. A staggering 10% of respondents feel that Arts and cultural events and activities help them to better relate to their culture and heritage.
01 analysis – issue context
02 design
concept, programme
designing in pockets
Instead of fully revitalising the site, I utilised its strength of being a literary arts and the essence of being the “Arts House�. By using the existing galleries and screening rooms, the spaces I interject into the site tie them together and bring permanence to the space. 02 design - concept
permeability
Due to the inherent heavy and bulky nature of the building, I introduced permeable materials and structures help lighten the space. This also emphasises on the contrast between the existing building and the new intervention. Through the permeable elements, there is heightened interaction between users.
02 design - concept
customisation
With the variety of different art disciplines come a diverse set of This base structure is applied in all needs for each individual user. programmes to string the spaces Therefore, to suite various types of together while being able to art forms, I implemented flexible distinguish the spaces through its elements that can be modified to suit the needs of the user, while retaining different applications. the base structure. 02 design - concept
public display
A public display which runs through the entire space. It consists of a main display at the entrance where selected works and art curated through the artist-in-residence programme are displayed. Running through the space are 4 art zones for the 4 art forms & input boxes where thoughts can be expressed.
public library
A public library curated with local literary arts. Art Studios are stacked above it in view of the library users. This creates an interaction and insights as to how artists work to the public eye.
artist-inresidence
A programme of residency for multiple artists to curate art. This is done through taking inspiration from results of the public display. At the end of their stay, they host a public exhibition of their collaborative works.
02 design - programme
01
public display display exhibition
Serving as the new main entrance of the site, the display exhibition is a collection of the works done by the artist-in-residence and a collection of works submitted by the public. There are also miniexhibits scattered within the site.
display deposit
Regardless of reputability, all walks of life can deposit their art to reviewed and displayed at the main display exhibition and miniexhibits. 02 design - programme
display exhibition
facade
public display main entrance
public display exhibition
02
public library library selections
With its current focus on the literary arts, the library selection is a curation of local works on exhibit and an open seating area to promote discussion amongst its users.
artist studios
Surrounding the public library are art studios that are inhibited by the artist-in-residents and external artists. This creates an interaction and insight as to how artists work to the public eye.
02 design - programme
library selections
artist studios
public library selections
artist studios
public library
03
artist -in-residence
shared living
shared living
The shared living quarters are in an open layout in which the different spaces are not boxed up into individual rooms, unlike the conventional household. The spaces are also at varying heights which enable more visibility amongst each other.
bedrooms
The bedrooms are placed in s stacked arrangement where by the residents can communicate with one another. Privacy can be controlled by the users through movable partitions such as curtains and shelfing. 02 design - programmes
bedrooms
a-i-r shared living
a-i-r bedroom
03 floorplans