Learning through Design

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RACHEL NG Learning through Design


RACHEL NG An interior design diploma graduate from Singapore Polytechnic currently pursuing her degree in The Glasgow School of Art (Singapore). With two years of industry experience, she is now strengthening her ideology and concepts in a learning studio. She holds by the idea of learning through design, and that designs created should be able to educate and inform of something new, either to herself or to the audience. The following is a series of works completed during her degree program in Year 3, learning from the projects and then applying the lessons into her designs.

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Introduction

LESSON 4

Estate Planning

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Tessellation

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3D Tessellation

DESIGN 70

The Port

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Pastelier

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Office

Content

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LES SON 1


The first lesson covers the process of researching and documenting a particular Town in Singapore. Through mapping up estate plans and grouping them based on functionality, I discovered a pattern that is adapted across every cluster of HDB flats in Punggol. The designed outcome highlights on the idea that Punggol has a certain estate planning strategy, and the aim is to inform of and to increase insight on the meticulous approach the town was designed in.


Punggol, a town located in the northeast region of Singapore, is home to an estimated population of 92,500. Punggol means “hurling sticks at fruit trees to bring the fruits to the ground” in Malay, one of the four official languages in Singapore. Punggol was slated to be “a waterfront town of the 21st century” under the Punggol 21 Plus initiative back in 2007 which planned to develop more public and private residential housing and introduce recreational spaces in close proximity to the waterway. It was also marked by the HDB to be Singapore’s first ecotown.

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In 2011, the Punggol Waterway was opened and has since then became a feature of the ecotown, providing a clean and green environment where not only the residents can enjoy but for the rest of Singapore as well. Green and eco features are aplenty not only in the parks of Punggol but also an implemented feature in both residential and commercial buildings making Punggol a truly unique town in Singapore. Most of the estates in Punggol are built around a common green, usually a roof garden on top of a multi-storey car park situated right in the middle of a housing estate. It is an alternative communal gathering space for residents apart from the typical void deck found under most apartment blocks and also the common green space on the ground floor. It provides a space for residents to not only interact with their neighbours but also to unwind after a hectic day and thus contributing to a serene environment for one to come home to.

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The Housing and Development Board (HDB) was set up in the 1960s to solve Singapore’s housing crisis where many were living in slums and overcrowded squatter settlements. Now, more than 80 percent of Singapore’s residents live in public housing provided by the HDB compared to 8.8 percent before. There are public housings located at more than 20 towns across Singapore.

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HDB Estates Condominium Recreational / Commercial Educational Instituitions Place of Worship Parks / Park Connectors

Treelodge Estate

Meridian Estate

Map of Singapore

The grid-like planning of the Town

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Site Research

Site Plan

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The catergorization of functional spaces

Plans of two example estates -- Meridian and Treelodge -- are mapped to show the layout and relationship of HDB Flats to their surrounding facilities. A similarity of key elements can be found in both estates, as with all other estates in Punggol.

Estate Boundary Residential Units Communal Gathering Areas Recreational Areas Gardening Area Rooftop Solar Panels Planting Boxes

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Meridian Estate

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Estate Boundary Residential Units Communal Gathering Areas Recreational Areas Gardening Area Rooftop Solar Panels Planting Boxes

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Treelodge Estate

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0 PRELUDE

What You Will Learn

What You Will Need

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HDB Flats

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Penknife

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Multi-Storey Carpark

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Cutting Mat

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Common Green

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Metal Ruler

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Commercial / Others

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Glue

About

Objective

The Punggol Estate is constructed and planned in a wellthought-out manner. Looking at its infrastructure, the roads form a grid with clusters of housing developments. Each cluster is made up of 2-3 sets of housing groups, each consisting mutlitple blocks (6-9) of housing flats, with its own central garden above the multi-storey carpark. Also located in the same cluster is a common green space, filled with recreational activities and communal platforms. For the convenience of their daily necessities, there are mini marts, coffeeshops, and supermarkets within the cluster. Schools are also built in most clusters, to cater to the vast amount of residents with children in the Punggol Town.

To engage the reader and to allow for an interactive platform where the reader is able to perceive the concept from this research, and thereafter applying it through means of crafting.

Task The reader is now the ‘architect’ of a HDB housing estate. As they capture the ideas and concepts through this book, they will find cut-out templates which they can use to build elements of their estate. When they have all the components, they are able to start putting together their very own Punggol Town.

(The following chapters are visual narrations that will bring the reader into the different areas in Punggol.)

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Prelude

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1 HDB FLATS

The corridor as an extension of the HDB households Self-cordoned off corridor space shared among two households

Template cut-out (Part of Set 1)

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HDB Flats

Chinese decorations reflect the owner of the flat

Corridor space utilized for residents’ potted plants


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MSCP + ROOF GARDEN The multipurpose planning and usage of a multi-storey carpark Roof garden on top of multi-storey carpark for recreation and communal activities

Template cut-out (Set 2)

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Multi-Storey Carpark

Surrounding flats towering over the playground area.

Restricted pathway with barriers to prevent riding or driving through


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COMMON GREEN The provision of ample communal spaces with vibrant atmosphere Void deck communal area for small gatherings

Shared gardening area grown and maintain by residents themselves

Template cut-out (Set 3)

Common green space with several amenities for the residents

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Common Green

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COMMERCIAL + OTHERS

The convenience and accessibility in an estate LRT station and provision shops across Punggol estates

Template cut-out (Part of Set 4)

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Commercial + Others

Coffeeshop located in the close vicinity for convenience

Preschool to cater to families in the neighborhood


Sample configuration 1

Complete assembled model package

Model Package

Sample configuration 2

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Urban Redevelopment Authority and Housing Development Board, Punggol 21: A Waterfront Town Of The 21st Century (Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 1997) Katherine Robinson, MArch 403 - Baltic Triangle Masterplan, online image, Coroflot, 10 July 2012, <http://www.coroflot. com/krobinson/MArch-403-Baltic-Triangle-Masterplan> [accessed 1 October 2015] Karissa Rosenfield, Competition Entry: Zaryadye Park / Turenscape, online image, Archdaily, 14 December 2013, <http://www.archdaily.com/458393/competition-entry-zaryadye-park-turenscape> [access 1 October 2015] Atelier HOKO, HABITŠAT (Math Paper Press, 2014)

References

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LES SON 2


The second lesson involves producing a designed display for a client. Through analysing the textiles manufactured by Kvadrat & Maharam, I was instantly drawn to the intricate details presented on a physical textile by Maharam. The graphics on the front and the threading on the back is so elaborate it piqued my interest to figure out how its done. I identified that a repeated graphical pattern needs to have a technique known as tessellation. The designed outcome showcases the breakdown of how a textile is repeated and the steps to tessellation.


Kvadrat’s line of textiles tend to be more solid and bold in colors. To create depth and volume to their design, they incorporate modular patterns that uses their fabrics to form panels or artworks.

Maharam leans more to graphical and patterned textiles, which include collaborations with several artists. Such fabrics tend to have more intricate layers of weaving due to the colors used.

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Clouds, by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec Industry, by Studio Job

North Tiles, by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Image credit: http://www.kvadrat.com

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Kvadrat Maharam

Bavaria, by Studio Job

Image credit: http://www.maharam.com

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Braiding of ropes to depict the art of weaving in fabric making

Exploratory Models Broken down interpretation of a graphic fabric through layers. Use of basic primary colors to complement kvadrat’s collection.

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Exploratory Process Models

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Weaving of colored ‘threads’ Exploration and experimentation of how weaving fabric works.

Back of a Maharam fabric showing the weaving of threads.

Shredded colours to complement previous model Shows that the back is a flattened imagery of the front as what was drawn out from a piece of sample fabric

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Exploratory Process Models

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Repetition of textural surface to show patterns Shows the ‘front’ of a fabric

Development of previous model by placing each module side by side to create a solid 3D texture element Plays on the idea of repeated triangles to get an idea of 3D tesellation

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Exploratory Process Models

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Tessallation Translations

Play of repeated pattern with a single piece of paper. Paper can be bent to form various shapes

3D Tesselation made of different colored squares. Creates various interesting visual perspective

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Exploratory Process Models

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Shows the simplified tessellation of two selected fabric by Maharam Repeated shapes can be seen Use of different shade to distinguish pattern

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Exploratory Process Models

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MAHARAM

- Narrative Textile - Industrialisation - Mechanical iconography of the machine age

TESSELLATION IN TEXTILE

Industry, by Studio Job

Graphically stitched and assembled using Square Tessellation

Bavaria, by Studio Job

Graphically stitched and assembled using Hexagon Tessellation

Image credit: http://www.maharam.com

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Kvadrat Maharam

Tessellation

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A3: Layers of Tessellation Pattern overlaid onto original fabric pattern

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A3 Window

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A0: Use of square mosaic tiles and its tile movement to show the principle of graphic tessellation It consists of removing one tile from the original shape, and transferring to the opposite end

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A0 Window


LES SON 3


The third lesson further experiments on the idea of tessellation and repeated patterns. My initial outcome was on the concept of Repetition -- to create a boundless form that allows for unlimited amount of continuation. My improved outcome focuses on building a 3D tessellation, starting from the three basic tessellation shapes: Triangle, Square and Hexagon. The assembled outcome led to the discovery of each shape having its own prevailing axis point which the modules can expand on.


Structures and form can be created by repeating various types of elements. The play of these models is to explore the different elements and shapes, constructing a spatial sturcture.

Form made up of repeated triangular planes with transparent voids to break the solidity of model

Staggering lines forming a rhythmic structure

Play of repeated vertical and horizontal lines, together with cantilevered planes.

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Repetition - Process Models

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Angular Modules

Spatial experience created by angular form.

Key aspect of a repetitive model is that there is no limit to how the form should be. And more units can be added to expand the form. Therefore, there can be multiple angles to view the model.

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3D Window - Repetition

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Linear Modules

L-Shaped lines forming spatial canopy and platforms

By repetition simple lines, a rhythmic form is created and the play of light and shadow allows for a very light structure.

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3D Window - Repetition

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Multiple surface and platforms created throughout model

Play of horizontal and vertical planes and strips

Planar Modules

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3D Window - Repetition


Use of 1st basic shape of tessellation; triangles, the repeated triangular shapes put together creates a form that is very angular, with a diagonal axis across the structure.

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Revised 3D Window - 3D Tessellation

Triangles: Diagonal Axis

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Using the next basic shape of tessellation; squares, the repeated squares put together creates a form that is rigid and orderly, with a grid axis across the structure.

Squares: Grid Axis

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Revised 3D Window - 3D Tessellation

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The last shape of tessellation; hexagons, the repetition of hexagonal shapes creates a form that is very curvy and round, with a arched/circular axis across the structure.

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Revised 3D Window - 3D Tessellation

Hexagon: Curved Axis

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DES

IGN 1


The first design proposal takes on the course of experimental approach. The Port is a budget accommodation to cater for short, temporal stays to guests travelling at transportation hubs; bus, ferry or airplane. It hangs around the idea of portability and also creating a holistic hotel system. (I referenced to my first lesson where a systematic planning scheme is created and applied across different areas, and translate that to the hotel by having a set of guidelines and strategies that can also be adapted in other transportation hubs in Singapore.) Each port hotel should follow the guidelines, but also blend in with the site in its own unique way. The following is an example of such hotel design located in Beach Road.

(The following pages will discuss the steps/guidelines to designing a hotel for transportation hubs.)


1. Research on the site and the target audience

2. Identity and ensure that all amenties are catered for

Core Necessities Primary

Secondary

Luxury

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6 Sanitation

11 Scenery / View

3 Sleep

7 Electricity

12 Entertainment Areas

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8 Facilities 9 Accessiblity

About the Site

Target Group

Golden Mile Complex is a transportation hub for people travelling from Singapore to Malaysia or Thailand. The bulk of passengers are Malaysians or Thais who are here for work, using the coaches here to return back to their hometowns.

Coach travelling being a cheaper form of transportation compared to air travel, the target group is expected to be on a lower budget, thus accommodation has to be made affordable to the consumers.

Facilities

Hotel Operation

The complex has several amenties that hotel guests can utilize and explore on their own. Such as restaurants, massage services, bars and the toilets.

The hotel at Golden Mile Complex will venture into the sketchy operations of the building management through making agreements and exchanges.

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Shelter This is accounted for as the rooms will be in existing enclosed shop units in the Golden Mile Complex

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Security Shop units must be out of access to non-guests. Guests should have a space to keep their personal belongings and valuables safe and locked.

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Sleep All guests should have a comfortable ‘bed’ - at minimal a comfortable surface/mat to rest on.

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Light All guests should have their own (reading) light so as to not disturb other guests around.

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Food Mainly Thai Restaurants can be found at Level 1 of Golden Mile Complex. For a wider selection, there is local food across the street at the Golden Mile Food Centre.

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Sanitation Public toilets on every floor of the complex should cater to the guest’s sanitation needs.

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Electricity All guests should have a individual power socket in their ‘room’ or at least a provision for power in the vancant shop units.

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Facilities All guests should have their own (reading) light so as to not disturb other guests around.

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Accessibility There is a busstop right outside of the complex. The complex is also in close proximity (walking distance) to Nicoll Highway MRT

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Site Analysis

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Luxury Needs The hotel does not specifically cater to these needs. However, these can be found in certain places in the complex, and also across the street, like the Community Centre and Coffeeshops.

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3. Source out sale and rental units near the transportation hub

4 pax 16 pax

Stairs

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Lesser human traffic and activities compared to lower commercial levels More available empty units to utilize Hotel to buy shop units for hotel operations like reception, housekeeping and storage Hotel to use rented units as accomodation spaces for hotel guests To save cost, hotel should only rent rooms according to occupancy (can be established by making periodical agreements with lease vendors)

Stairs Store

Lift Lobby

Lift Lobby 14 pax Reception

Stairs Stairs

4 pax

Escalator

Toilet

For Sale

Hotel reception situated in a visible and easily accessible location

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Hotel Operations - Site Diagram

Sale unit to be bought for hotel’s permanent storage

Golden Mile Complex

For Rent

3rdLevel Storey 3 Plan Golden Mile Complex

Back of House Trail Hotel Guest Trail

Rental units to be used as bunker rooms

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Firstly, choose a base color suited to the site. In this case, black is used in order to cover up the interiors, similar to all other existing units in the Complex, creating a sense of mystery from the outside.

4. Creating a brand identity to be used across all hotels.

Next, map out the movement of hotel operators and guests from unit to unit.

(Base color should vary depending on site context)

THE

*Refer to diagram on previous page

Lastly, arrange into a repeatable pattern. About ‘The Port’ Hotel The Port aims to provide affordable, short stays to travellers who wish to stay near their departure station. The experience of a hotel guest would be to - Check in and get keys to their personal locker and room

- Collect the foldable mattress and sheets from inside the locker and transport it to their designated bunk The idea of having the guest move their furniture around by themselves is to create an experience unique to this hotel.

Repeat Pattern A graphical representation of the portability of the accomodation. The pattern should defer from each site as the hotel layout would be different across Singapore.

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Hotel Operations - Concept

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Stairs

Escalator

5. Establish agreements with building management Such as toilet renovations, where showers will be installed to cater to hotel guests, and at the same time benefit the building by improving sanitation.

Toilet

Existing toilet seems old and dirty.

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Hotel Operations - Existing Site Photos

Some of the cubicles can be converted into showers

Proposed renovation to last 2 cubicles to provide shower for guests

Design Overlay

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6. Select loose furniture and accessories

Primary 1 Shelter 2 Security 3 Sleep 4 Light

Thai Mattress with Rubber Fitted Sheets

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Bedding & Accessories

Transportable Bunking System

Furniture

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7. Design and Plan the spaces

Reception

Stairs

Escalator

Reception at the background, close to the escalator

Reception close to the open staircase connecting all floors

Design of reception should not be too elaborate to suit the context. The subtle design should show the branding of the hotel, enough to allow guests to identify them

Reception Front

Primary 1 Shelter rd

Hotel reception situated in a visible and easily accessible location, in the middle of 3 Storey

2 Security 3 Sleep 4 Light

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Hotel Operations - Existing Site Photos

Designed Outcome

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4 pax

Stairs Store Lift Lobby

nit for sale to be bought for hotel’s permanent storage

Store Room front to be covered in hotel’s branding vinyl stickers

Interior still in good and clean condition

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Hotel Operations - Existing Site Photos

Designed Outcome

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16 pax

Reception

Portable bunk beds with curtains for privacy

Primary 1 Shelter Rental unit suitable for guests

2 Security 3 Sleep 4 Light

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Hotel Operations - Site Photos

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Woodlands KTM Train

Changi Airport

Novena Firstcoach

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

Queen Street Bus Terminal Golden Mile Complex

Marina South Pier Harbourfront Ferry Terminal

Image credit: http://www.googlemaps.com

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Potential Sites

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Places of Worship

Stretch of structured pathway Others

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Garden Playground Communal Areas Carpark

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Multi-Storey Carpark

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Basic Hotel Needs PRIMARY

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Overview of structured pathway

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Entertainment Areas

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When a hotel accomodation is stripped down to its very basic, there are only a few main necessities a hotel has to cater for a budget stay. The remaining amenities can be located in the near vicinity.

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Pathway dwelling makes use of existing structures in a suitable location, and accomodate for short stays by providing basic needs like bed, lighting and lockers.

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Possible Alternative Hotel Proposal

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The map on the left depicts the human traffic flow during peak hours. The selected site has the least amount of traffic, making it a suitable place for resting.

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Hotel to cater for basic needs like bed and locker

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DES

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The second design proposal looks into the consumer’s profile of Haji Lane, and designing a suitable hair salon for the district. The target audience are mainly young adults who are looking for fresh and exclusive services/products. Thus, the designed salon should posses their own style which the consumers can identify with. As Haji Lane comprises of conserved shophouses, there are guidelines which the URA encourage store owners to follow: The colors used should be of pastel hues to reflect traditional shophouses.


61 & 63 Haji Lane, of which unit 61 is proposed to be converted into a hair salon

Haji Lane - Street painted in assorted colors and patterns

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Site Map

Sheltered pathways right outside shops are features of a shophouse

Site Photos

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F&B / Cafe

Toys / Collectibles

Interior Design Firm

Textile

Convenience Store

Salon / Barbers

Services (Tattoo, Nails)

Others / Unknown

Fashion / Accessories

Bars

Bicycle Shop

Site Analysis

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Beach Road

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Surrounding the proposed unit 61 and 63 are mostly fashion and accessories store. It shows that the majority of consumers in that area will be trendy and stylish young adults who are looking for new or funky fashion to suit their character. These styles can be depicted from the design of shops, and also the products that these shops carry. They are mostly of a vibrant, eccentric flavour which should be translated into the design of the salon to harmonize with the street,

North Bridge Road

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Kindo, Kid’s Boutique Store by Anagrama (2015)

Different hairstyles for women and men, ranging from straight to curls

This boutique store boasts a soft pastel hue interior. The architect’s goal was ‘to create a shopping experience that stood out among the rest so it could be an interesting space. Which relates to Haji Lane as the style of the street has its own taste that defers from other fashion areas in Singapore.

Soft Feminine Strokes

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Slight Curls

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Wavy Curls

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Short Curls

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Angular

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Striaght, Boxy

I explored watercoloring different shapes and colours, to create a pattern design that can be applied to the salon.

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Design Development

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Option 1 - Painted pattterns on feature wall

Option 2 - ‘Peel-off’ patterns with lighted and painted underside to reflect color

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Design Feature


Shop front to embody the use of pastel colors and patterns to give a holistic appearance to the salon

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Designed Outcome

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Furniture and fitments mirror the patterns displayed on the feature wall

Indirect lighting across to bring subtle emphasis to the feature wall

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Designed Outcome

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2D Drawings

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DES

IGN 3


The third design proposal looks at three magazine’s client profile and aims to design a suitable office space according to their work scope and field of topic. The research will firstly focus on the background of the magazine and then create a schematic or conceptual design for each office. Next, a selection is made to further expand on the design for one office which will then be the final output.


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School located in a stretch of conserved buildings

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AA School Library

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Background of Office Design

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Larkin Adminstrative Building by Frank Lloyd Wright (1904) “Taylorism (ca. 1904)” Crowded workers together in a completely open environment while bosses looked on from private offices, much like on a factory floor.

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German State Library (1964) “Bürolandschaft (ca. 1960)” Arrangements might vary by function—side-by-side workstations for clerks or pinwheel arrangements for designers, to make chatting easier—but the layout stayed undivided.

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Herman Miller’s Office (1969) “Action Office (1968)” Action was the first modular business furniture system, with low dividers and flexible work surfaces. It’s still in production today and widely used. Also known as ‘cubicle’

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Disney Film “TRON” (1982) “Cubicle Farms (ca. 1980)” Extreme concept of the ‘cubicle’. For the new class of employee: too important for a mere desk but too junior for a window seat. These people were accomodated in the cheapest way possible, with modular walls.

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“Virtual Office (ca. 1994)” The virtual office had no personal desks; you grabbed a laptop in the morning and then claim a seat.

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“Casual Office (ca. 2000)” Designed to encourage highly-personalised workspaces suited to long hours spent programming, analysing data, building links or designing graphics

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Vitra Funiture System “Networking (Present)” Movable, semi-enclosed pods and connected desks whose shape separates work areas in lieu of dividers. Large tables have low dividers that cordon off personal space but won’t guard personal calls.

End-of-Year Exhibition

Members of AA

Student Presentations

AA Files is a magazine published by AA Publications. The magazine comprises of content that focuses more on writerly models of scholarship, criticism and investigation of architectural works, events and concerns. It sticks to the traditional method of bringing knowledge to people, which is print on paper, instead of other technological means. They believe in the very essence of how we read; through carrying a book. It also means that knowledge and information is permanent and will last throughout time when it is being printed. AA believes in essays that are written with original ideas and arguments instead of just academic papers which presents only facts. But that said, everything written should be of intellectual quality and with substantial research. It shows that AA Files is a magazine that speaks of ideas and knowledge. It wants to bring about more perspectives and arguments into architecture and its concerns. Though the topics discussed in the magazines tend to be of academical seriousness, there are some interactive snippets attached to certain issues of the magazine in efforts to bring a more interesting aspect to the publication. The coloured covers also adds a level of attraction to the magazine. “Magazines need to be attractive, clear, powerful, coherent and identifiable, and yet full of incident and change.”

AA Files

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Cabinet is a magazine that holds information about art and culture in a vast spectrum. It publishes all sorts of ideas for almost anyone interested in engaging in the thought of the current happenings and what might be of the future. The idea of curiosity, exploration and imagination. The Columns section provide continuing topics throughout its issues, where writers are given a certain color or image by the editors. But the essays are entirely subjected to what the writers feel and believe in. Thus it still provides a range of ideas and perspectives. The Main section has no definite scope and can feature all sorts of topics. The Themed section produces a topic in which it is discussed through a wide range of methods to provide a different perspective and discussion across. Cabinet is for the eclectics and for anyone with a curious mind. It talks about a wide range of stuff, but then also have a structure to go about doing it. It is unique of its kind. “Para-academic organization” They are also a non-profit organization, which may also mean that they do not have a lot of fundings.

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Cabinet

Office located in Brooklyn

Cabinet Members

Office facade in Barcelona

First Floor Event Space

Back Alley

Omar Sosa and Nacho Alegre

Cabinet Office

Event Space for Rent

Omar Sosa in his Office

Apartamento Magazine Pattern Spines

Apartamento features articles and interviews, with photographs of lived-in interiors of growing artists in the creative industry. It showcases their lifestyle through their living spaces. The directors believe in producing the real lifestyle of people instead of styling their homes to look neat and professional. “The idea is about how people live in their homes and being able to tell their amazing stories. It’s more like a diary.” The magazine is based mostly on interviews, which gives a very personal interaction between the reader and the magazine itself. The magazine does not believe in controlling the outcomes of the featured, but instead let the interviews and interiors show the essence of each artists. Its the idea of being very open to new ideas and features that does not necessarily resonate with the general public. The people at apartamento also love patterns, thus the designed spine of every magazine. “We have an office in Barcelona which Omar and I use for our own projects too, but I don’t think office space is important. I believe the greatest thing for a company as a group of people is that it can be completely decentralised.

Apartamento

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AA Files - Clean and Structured - Black and White - Pin up boards - Central Table Setting

Cabinet - Organic and Fluid Design - Bright and Vibrant - Linear Table Setting

Apartamento - Unstyled Design - Light and Relaxing Colours - Comfortable Setting

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Initial ‘Impression’ Model Collage

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Keywords: Structured, Clean, Professional - Clean lines and structures - Subtle use of colours and materials - Attention to details

Return Brief What is the main focus of this magazine? They publish articles about architecture and it relevant concerns. It comprises of scholarly ideas and knowledge. Who is their target audience? Academical and educational readers, students, professors and lecturers, architects. For people who are interested in reading about architectural works and topics. Who are the contributors? They are mainly high profile contributors like professor in Universities or well-esablished architects. What are the positives and negatives of the magazine? It is highly educational and contains lots of information ranging from early 20th century to present. However, articles can be very lengthy. But there are also interactive inserts to liven the magazine. How many people should the office cater for? Around 4 to 5 persons as the office is gonna be based in Singapore instead of UK so lesser people will be needed as compared to the office size of about 10pax in Bedford (see next page)

- Designed ceiling details - Large white bookshelves for books / magazines. - Subtle colours as office desk. Colours chosen resemble magazine cover colours

What sort of office environment do they work in? Clean and bright office. Functional, neat and condusive. Communicative environment is important, reflecting the studio type of space. How are they funded (and what is their budget for designing an office)? Governemnt funded and thus they have more funds compared to the other magazines. What type of office design should the magazine apply? It should use the ‘networking’ design to allow for better communication between the editors and team, and to allow for discussion like in studios. But they should also have a separate meeting room for meeting high profile individuals. What are the conceptual keywords to be applied to the design? Structured, Clean, Professional, Detailed

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Conceptual Collage

- Hanging student’s works on ceiling / inspiration. Collaboration with AA School - Bright and clean interior - Ample bookshelves - Pin-up board for drafting / discussion - Central table seating for better communication

AA Files

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Keywords: Functional, Resourceful, Adaptive - Simple and Functional Space - Makes use of exisiting elements/furniture - Clever and Witty choice of furniture / design

Return Brief What is the main focus of this magazine? They publish articles about art and culture. Each issue talks about different topics but there are also some repeats/continuation that span across a series of issues. Who is their target audience? They are catering to anyone with a curious mind, wanting to read about art and culture in any scope and perspective. They are very open to what can be published and who can read them. Who are the contributors? Anyone can submit articles and will be read by the editors before being published. For themed content, editors will pick writers/people in that speciality to write the articles. What are the positives and negatives of the magazine? They are highly diverse and they get their contributors some different fields and different groups of specialists which brings about a wide range of information that no other magazine has done before. However, they might come off as confusing and undefinable due to its many contents.

- Use of recycled pallets for ceiling design (Resourceful) - Properly organised cabinetry - Library bookshelves - Simple and functional choice of furniture

How many people should the office cater for? Approximately 7-8pax as they require more people to be reading through and sorting the articles. (see next page) What sort of office environment do they work in? In a casual environment. Simple, nothing too fanciful as long as it is functional. How are they funded (and what is their budget for designing an office)? They are a non-profit organisation thus funded by donations from other organisations or individuals. They have an event space for rent showing that they are trying to make the best out of whatever space they have (and also earning more budget). What type of office design should the magazine have? They should have a open concept linear arrangement office so that each editor will have their own desks but at the same time have some form of communication between each desk. They should also have a quiet corner or room to read through the articles in silence. What are the conceptual keywords to be applied to the design? Functional, Resourceful and Adaptive

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Conceptual Collage

- Simple and raw design to show no or less renovation done, exposed ceiling - Storage for magazines / books just as what they have in their current office - Warm colour scheme

Cabinet

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Keywords: Quirky, Real, Personalised - Lived-in feeling / Homely - Organised Mess - Fun and colourful - Personalised belongings and style

Return Brief What is the main focus of this magazine? They publish interviews of emerging artist alongside photographs of their real home interiors. They focus on the lifestyle, working style and inspirations of these artist. Who is their target audience? Anyone interested in reading about lifestyle and interiors. Unedited interiors that does not have any prior styling. Who are the contributors? The contributors are mostly interviewers and photographers sharing stories about artists and creatives. There are several contributors thus different voice and slightly different style in which the directors embrace and see it as being authentic. What are the positives and negatives of the magazine? The information published are real and not styled, showing true interior spaces that looks lived-in. How many people should the office cater for? About 5-6 pax (see next page)

- Vibrant Atmosphere - Colourful working board, creative process like spine design of the magazine - Comfortable seating and tables

What sort of office environment do they work in? Relaxed and homely environment. Omar Sosa talked about the things on his desk being an ‘organised mess’. They do not believe in having a controlled system in the office. How are they funded (and what is their budget for designing an office)? Through advertisement pages inserted into the magazine. Through charging a higher cover price and also through distributing directly to retailers. Thus they should have a decent budgeting. What type of office design should the magazine have? They should apply the casual office design where the space is highly personalised and has a space for work and relax. The director also talked about working in a ‘decentralised’ environment. Thus the furnitures/desks could be movable or declustered. What are the conceptual keywords to be applied to the design? Quirky, Real, Personalised.

- Selected wallpaper shows their love for patterns - Creatively designed bookshelves to match style of spine patterns - Cosy Ambience

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Conceptual Collage

Apartamento

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Keywords: Structured, Clean, Professional - Clean lines and structures - Subtle use of colours and materials - Attention to details

d c

a

b

e

f

1

2

3

4

5

6

DORMA MOVEO Operable Walls - Solid white panels with one panel of glass 1 | Concave wall abutment

2 | Fullwall element

3 | Passdoor

4 | Glass element

White Magnetic Dry-Erase Board Wall 5 | Telescopic element 6 I Wall abutment

STEELCASE MEDIA:SCAPE Conference Table with TV Screens

Operable walls to create option for privacy when necessary, for example when high-profile guests/contributors are coming in for meetings. Otherwise, the office should be open and bright for working efficiency. Multiple pin up boards for notice or discussions. Tinted glass door for privacy as one desk is open to view from outside.

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Designed Outcome

VITRA TYDE Single Table in Soft Light powder coated MDF

Office Sizes

Funtional Requirements

4-5 PAX

4-5 PAX

Publication Team:

Central Desk and Office Chairs (Large with low dividers) A3 Office Printer Coffee/Refreshments Area Meeting Room w Projector and Board Bookshelves

Editorial Board x6 Editor Publication Editor Editorial Assistant x2 Design Team (External Studio)

AA Files

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Keywords: Functional, Resourceful, Adaptive - Simple and Functional Space - Makes use of exisiting elements/furniture - Clever and Witty choice of furniture / design

Office Sizes 7-8 PAX Publication Team: Editor-in-Chief Senior Editor Editors x2 Operations Manager Art Director Website Director Editorial Assistant x2 Librarian Interns

Custom-made wood table tops and bookshelves to fit into the office and maximise space.

Funtional Requirements 7-8 PAX Individual Desks and Office Chairs (Open) A3 Office Printer Coffee/Refreshments Area Meeting Area Library Space Quiet Corner/Room

Simple, black office chair

IKEA PELLO Afforable armchair for reading

Desks tucked to the side for individual seating without distrations and also to maximize space. Central meeting table where staffs can turn their chairs around for meetings/discussions. Corner library for reading submitted articles or others. Bookshelves act as a privacy divider.

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Designed Outcome

Cabinet

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Movable desks organised for optimal work performance and space efficiency. This is for a scenario when there are no meetings held. Pantry creates a more relaxed and comfortable environment. And also shoe rack for staffs to change into comfortable footwear when working. As the furniture can be moved around and kept, a storage space is needed.

Keywords: Quirky, Real, Personalised - Lived-in feeling / Homely - Organised Mess - Fun and colourful - Personalised belongings and style

Office Sizes 5-6 PAX Publication Team: Editor-in-Chief Art Director Creative Director Managing Director Distribution Manager Executive Manager Content Editor Interns Desks are transformed into sofa seatings for discussions and meetings. This is just another example of layout. But due to the nature of the furniture, there can be many layout of desks/sofas depending on how the office plans to work. This creates a personalised setting as staff can choose to work on a desk or on a comfortable sofa with a small round work table.

Funtional Requirements 5-6 PAX Individual Desks and Chairs (Movable) A3 Office Printer Pantry Meeting Area Bookshelves

VITRA HACK Movable Desk

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Designed Outcome

VITRA CORK Small coffee table for sofa

Apartamento

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SELECTED CARPET DESIGN

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Final Design

AA Files

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S2 - SELECTED PAINT FINISH

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Final Design

S3 - SELECTED PAINT FINISH

AA Files

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Perspective

AA Files

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Scale Model

AA Files

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Scale Model

AA Files

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The course of Year 3 proved to be a preparatory stage for what is to come in the next year. In the first semester, I was able to learn how to identify and draw out key points in projects and research, that may seem different and new. The main idea is to bring forth a different viewpoint to which we analyse things around us, and also to be more aware of the details. The discovery of an idea or a finding through a project always excites me. I aim to continue learning and searching for that breakthrough in every project to come.

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Conclusion

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The Glasgow School of Art Interior Design, BA(Hons) Year 3, AY 2015/2016


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