PROJECT 1 : THE CURRENT STATE

the brief & deliverables

Exercise 1 (plans & sections)

Select a tree to be the focal point of your plan

Utilizing the human body as the primary measuring device, map out the tree and its surrounding elements

Draft the plan utilizing architectural drawing conventions (including architectural lettering for any text required on the plan)

Cut a section across the focal point. The section drawing should also include details of the underground and other unseen areas (e.g. inside of the tree trunk etc.) (Refer to section drawing prompts)

Guiding Questions

General

What is the scale I am drafting at?

What is the level of detailing required?

At the given drawing scale, what are the elements on site that can be captured?

What is the relationship between the elements on site and the focal point? How do I layout the plan and the section to give focus to the key elements?

Section

What is the relationship between the focal point and you (as the user)?

What are the hints in the landscape that suggest what goes on under the ground and through areas which you can’t see? How do you graphically express the difference between what is underground and what is above ground?

Section Drawing Prompts

Look for clues in the landscape that suggest the ‘hidden life’ (e.g. trail of ants, sound of water, etc.)

Use research and logical deduction to determine how and what to draft

Deliverables

Minimum 2 x A3 of onsite draft sketch & documentation (e.g. how the measurements are done, sketched plan done while on site, and ’clues’ found on site which suggest the detailing drawn in the section )

1 x A1 plan in 1:200 scale (hand drafted)

1 x A1 section drawing across the focal point in 1:100 scale (hand drafted)

All drawings to include the following: human scale, drawing title, drawing scale, dimensions, lineweights, and key plan with section cut line (when applicable).

The first project focuses on experiencine and documentation of site observations; zooming out to capture the elements that affect the landscape and zooming in to document the change. This project involves analysing the site using conventional landscape architectural site analysis methodology, followed by an 'unconventional’ methodology of analysing using different lens (e.g. from the perspective of an ant, etc.).

Exercise 2 (model)

Build 3 x site conceptual models that express the quality of the site (e.g. explore different textures and materials) in 3 scales; 1:200, 1:100, 1:50 The 3 models should continue the narrative expressed in the plan and section drawings from Exercise 1

Guiding Questions

What ‘texture’ would you describe the site as? Are there textures that conflict or complement each other? How are the plan, section, and the model graphically related?

Deliverables

Each models to be a minimum of A4 size Criteria: models to be in maximum of 3 colors only

Exercise 3 (visual narrative)

Brainstorm as a studio on the different point of view the site has (e.g. the human perspective, ecological perspective etc.) – Be specific Pick one of the point of view to create a visual narrative. The visual narrative should explain how the interaction between the selected point of view and the site change over time

Guiding Questions

What is the scale difference between the chosen point of view and to a human’s point of view? Does the chosen point of view have a different visual perspective? And what is it seeing differently? What changes occur over a short period of time? What changes occur over a long period of time? Is there a pattern in the change?

Deliverables

Min 3 x A3 of visual narrative (hand-drawn or digitally composed)

In Exercise 1, Jen delved into the color value of a selected area, transforming the vibrant landscape into subdued grey tones. This revealed the naked texture of the site to the human eye. In Exercise 2, she conveyed line density and form using various materials, weaving threads through a three-dimensional structure. Finally, in Exercise 3, Jen curated 'The Harmony of Shades,' a visual narrative capturing that of a zooming camera focus. This series transitioned from scenic landscapes to a detailed exploration of a specific grass patch's texture.

Student: Lim Xin Yi

In the 3 exercises, Xin Yi delved into the architectural morphology of trees within a specific site. A realization emerged as she discerned that the trees' forms could be distilled into elegant rectilinear lines, evoking a troupe of dancers. Documenting the scenes encountered on the site, Xin Yi translated her experiences into a series of drawings, capturing the essence of a dance performance.

Arya embarked on a project exploring the transformative influence of heat on our spatial perception. Guided by the notion of 'Change of time,' she documented the shifting shadows' depth across a span of moments. For the final exercise, Arya crafted a narrative wherein a butterfly traversed the site, its flight path becoming a poignant documentation of the project's essence.

Student: Eng Hee Teng Jasmine

Jasmine selected a cluster of trees as her subjects. She delved into the intricate textures of their barks and the ethereal ephiphytes they cradled. She discovered that each ephiphyte variety crafted a distinct spatial perception. Harnessing the power of landscape lighting, Jasmine skillfully wove a narrative, evoking a solemn atmosphere.

Student: Lim Jun Young (Julia)

Julia noticed that as the wind danced among the trees, their canopies transformed into collective masses rather than separate leaves. With this observation, she crafted a narrative from a baby's viewpoint, likening the swaying foliage to a mobile. The motion shifted from a hazy blur to a distinct focus, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Luyi started the project by examining the spaces between trees, recognizing the significance of this "negative space" in shaping our perception of an area, In exercise 3, she adopted the perspective of a bird, soaring through the canopy in a desperate escape from a predator. Through this narrative, Luyi explored the interplay of gaps and filled spaces, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between absence and presence within the natural environment.