AkiVAL 2024 Official Digital Booklet

AkiVAL is an illustrious exhibition series, curated through the collaboration between the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Architecture (DoA) and The Architecture Society (TAS). Formerly known as Archival, this event serves as an ode to the artistic odysseys embarked upon by students in the disciplines of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Master in Arts in Architectural Conservation, Master of Science in Integrated Sustainable Design, Master of Arts in Urban Design, and Master of Urban Planning.

AkiVAL offers a glimpse into the intricate threads of design processes that students within the DoA weave together, serving as a testament to individual ingenuity. With this exhibition, we honor the unwavering commitment and dedication exhibited by students throughout their rigorous academic journey in NUS DOA, as we equip ourselves with necessary skills for an architectural career. The strong educational foundation we build will empower us to pursue architecture with confidence and motivation, encouraging proficient and passionate individuals who will contribute to the building and shaping of Singapore's future.

ABOUT AKIVAL

exhibitions@tas.org.sg

EXHIBITION DETAILS

The themes for the first year of B(Arch) programme allude towards the foundation of architectural education. The modules provided serve to introduce basic methods of visual communication, spatial design theory and discussion, equipping students with requisite grounding to develop visual language.

In these two semesters, students learn through analysing and emulating existing architecture. They embark on a guided exploration of architecture through the investigation of ordering principles, materiality and engagement with the contextual environment.

Semester 1 | Seeing, Thinking, Making Semester 2 | Scale, Precedents, Context

YEAR 1

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURE

The themes for the third year of B(Arch) programme investigate the demand of architecture in an urban context and introduce to student notions of urbanism which govern the cities that our societies reside in today.

The themes for the first half of the second year of B(Arch) programme introduces students to the more tangible aspects of architecture. In the field, it exists as structural elements of architecture, programatic responses, and reactions to its site.

Students would explore dynamics between man and architecture of urban environments and push boundaries of their integration through innovative technologies. In this final year of the programme, design projects demand a holistic awareness of architecture in relation to social relationships and surrounding environmental context.

Following the first semester, students then learn how their designs not only play a vital role in manipulating climate within a space, but also how its envelope can react to different climatic conditions.

Semester 1 | Structure, Program, Site Semester 2 | Environment, Climate, Envelope

YEAR 2

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURE

The themes for the third year of B(Arch) programme investigate the demand of architecture in an urban context and introduce to student notions of urbanism which govern the cities that our societies reside in today.

Students would explore dynamics between man and architecture of urban environments and push boundaries of their integration through innovative technologies. In this final year of the programme, design projects demand a holistic awareness of architecture in relation to social relationships and surrounding environmental context.

Semester 1 | Density, Publicness, Urbanism

Semester 2 | Comprehensiveness, Integration, Technology

YEAR 3

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURE

The three-semester long design course for M. (Arch) 1 AY23/24 programme establishes the foundation for master level creative research and design. The students are provided an opportunity to select a variety of studio topics that allows them to explore themes that align with their individual interests and intellectual drive.

Students would explore thematic questions pertaining architectural design research and navigate these themes through empirical and visual methods. The research are then translated into architectural approaches, techniques and strategies that takes into account its impact on the social, urban and natural environments.

Semester 1 & 2 | Preliminary Option and Elective Studios

YEAR 4

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURE (HONS) MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE |

The NUS Master of Architecture (M Arch) stands as a premier design and research program in Asia. It places a strong emphasis on architectural design expertise, recognizing architecture as a cultural endeavor involving both speculative thought and practical implementation. The program fosters students' acquisition of knowledge and development of critical perspectives crucial for their future creative endeavors.

Spanning four semesters, these studios, including the Design Options Studios and the Graduate Level Design Thesis Programme, delve into various issues through research-oriented design approaches. Students are encouraged to think critically and engage in iterative design processes, enhancing their architectural design skills through complex and practical exercises.

Semester 1 | Advanced Design Studio

Semester 2 | Independent Thesis Project

YEAR 5

The four-year B.Landscape Architecture Programme and the M. Landscape Architecture programme imbues students with a deep understanding of the dual nature of design as both a process and a product. Landscape design is prioritized to not just be creative but one that is grounded in socio-cultural sensitivities, ecological knowledge and grasp of conventional and emergent technologies and techniques.

The programme is a distinctively Asian and pantropical in its geographic attention and urban in its emphasis. The design education the students receive are sensitive to the myriad of challenges that are faced by Asian cities and the opportunities provided by the sheer richness of heritage, cultural and socio-economic and socioeconomic prospects of the ecological elements if the region.

LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECTURE

BACHELOR MASTER

MUP: Master of Urban Planning

The program focuses on leveraging Asian cities' experiences for urban planning, emphasizing high-density living, ecological sensitivity, and social equity. Graduates are prepared for roles as urban planning professionals in rapidly urbanizing areas.

MaUD: Master of Urban Design

The program offers a unique learning experience in design innovation, aiming to equip graduates with advanced knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to advance urban design in a rapidly urbanizing world.

MAArC: Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation

The program provides comprehensive training in historic building conservation, offering a unique perspective on Asian cultures and preparing students for careers in conservation.

MSc ISD: Master of Integrated Sustainable Design

The program addresses global sustainability challenges at both building and urban scales, integrating knowledge from various disciplines. It focuses on Asian urbanization and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.

URBAN DESIGN

URBAN PLANNING

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

SCIENCE IN INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

MASTER’S PROGRAMMES