S E L E C T E D
BY
RAYMOND
W O R K S
SIM
Selected
INTRODUCTION Works
This portfolio consists of 5 selected interior design projects that I have completed during my studies at the Glasgow School of Art Singapore, starting with my 2 part final year project titled ‘Rediscovering Rituals’. It showcases a range of skills that I have and applied to my works, from research and conceptualization, to technical skills such as 3D rendering, drafting, publication design, as well as model making.
Page 01
Vitae
RAYMOND SIM JING YE
CONTACT
Curriculum
+65 9873 0213 raymondsjy@hotmail.com https://behance.net/rsjy
Selected
SKILLS
EDUCATION
3ds Max InDesign AutoCAD Photoshop SketchUp Microsoft Office Photography Model Making
Hougang Secondary School GCE O-Level 2007 - 2011
INTERESTS
WORK EXPERIENCE
Photography Interior Design Architecture Music Lego Film
Architrave Design and Planning Services Pte. Ltd. Intern JUL 2014 - OCT 2014
Temasek Polytechnic Diploma in Interior Architecture and Design 2012 - 2015 Glasgow School of Art Singapore Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Interior Design 2017 - 2019 Works
FREZHMAN Pte. Ltd. 3D Modelling and Renderer 2014 - 2015
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES Singapore Design Awards 2015 Student Category 2015
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Contents
09
More Than Just a Library - Rediscovering Rituals Pt. 1
of
67 FADED - barbershop
Table
103 Eu Yan Sang - window display
Selected
41 The Domestic Interior - Rediscovering Rituals Pt. 2
Works
85 PEKING OPERA: UNMASKED - exhibition
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Pt.1 Rituals
“We are creating a machine in which each of us is a mindless and reflexive cog, relentlessly driven by the competitiveness of the system and the everlasting
Rediscovering
pursuit of material wealth. It’s just a means to an end.”
Selected
Rediscovering Rituals Final Year Project
As we become increasing driven to study harder so as to be able to earn more, we end up forsaking our emotions and psychological well-being by throwing ourselves into works and studies.
Works
In an unpredictable era filled with an acute sense of anxiety we are at risk of losing our deeper identity. Due to our consumerist culture, our self worth and social status is largely defined by the goods and services we consume.
My project aims to place users in a heightened sense of awareness, to refocus their attentions to the ritualistic simplicity of everyday actions. Spaces that are designed to connect us with our inner selves.
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Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.1
Selected
More Than Just a Library Rediscovering Rituals Pt.1 Students are unfortunately not spared from this perpetual cycle. From young, it is ingrained in that us our life is more often than not defined by what we have, and that we should study hard and achieve excellent results so we would be successful in the future. Works
In part 1, I will be redesigning a school library. This project aims to address the issue that is plagueing the education system in Singapore, and that is the huge emphasisplaced on grades, which is afftecting the mental health and well-being of students. The goal is to take advantage of the spatial qualities that is commonly associated with a library and utilize it to create a new kind of library, one that provides opportunites and encourages the students to take one step back from theirs books, and allow the space to evoke feelings of calm and restfulness. These emotions are much needed, and especially beneficial to students when they are feeling stressed out.
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Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.1
Selected Works Page 11
“A series of integrated shelving units in varying heights strategically placed along a strong horizontal datum creates a space that is at once clear and readable, but at the same time introduces the element of discovery and unpredictability, turning an ordinary school library into a space that stimulates the mind and soul.�
Pt.1
Temasek Polytechnic Library Firstly, the reason I chose to work on the library in Temasek Polytechnic is because there is a clear demographic of users, which is limited to students and staff members, unlike a public library where anyone is able to access. Also, it is situated within an academic environment. This brings about certain expectations on what schools and its facilities should look and function, contributing to an image that is befitting of an educational institution.
Rediscovering
Rituals
With that being said I feel strongly that there is so much potential in the redefinition of how a library should function and how it should look like, especially in this day and age where materials can be accessed so easily online and the fact that a library does not just function as a traditional library anymore.
Selected Works
A Library Now Traditionally, the purpose of a school library, an important source of knowledge, was for students and members of the faculty to browse and borrow the collection of reading and video materials for teaching and research purposes. But nowadays, this is not the case. Especially in this digital age where materials could be easily found online. Libraries have become so much more that just a place to browse and borrow materials. People now visit the library for an even wider range of reasons, from meeting with friends, getting some rest, to even utilizing the space as a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Pt.1
Location A library located in a polytechnic functions differently from a library located in a secondary school. Firstly, because there are only 5 polytechnics in Singapore, facilities like libraries serve an exponentially larger population, making it so much more crowded. Secondly, libraries in polytechnics also acts as a ‘third space’ for the students. Again, because there are only 5 polytechnics in the whole of Singapore, a higher percentage of students would most probably not stay nearby or even in the region where the school is located.
Rediscovering
Rituals
Due to this reason, most of them would rather choose to stay in school, especially in the library, in-between periods instead of wandering outside, because of the rather comfortable and quiet atmosphere.
Selected Works
Observations The most striking thing that I have observed while working on the site analysis is that majority of the students that are studying in the library do not use the books. All of them are doing their research and assignments in their own personal computer. Secondly, there is an obvious sense of disconnect between the elements in the library. The shelves, desks, chairs and all other furniture in the space appears as though they are only there to serve its own specific purpose, with no regards to the overall aesthetic of the space.
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Pt.1
Visual Coherence
Rituals
A consistent color palatte, clean lines and simple geometric forms are key to creating a restful and neutral ambience that is beneficial for either studying or quiet self-reflection. But as shown in the previous section, the condition of the existing library is far from peaceful. All the mismatched elements end up creating a library that does not appear peaceful and harmonious to the users, because every single item is fighting for the user’s attention.
Rediscovering
In this section, I plan to streamline all the different functions of the library, from the chairs and tables to the shelves and fixtures. By creating a system of integrated furnitures, I would be able to reduce the number of visually inconsistent elements. The goal here is to create a space that is visually coherent, a seamless system where nothing distracts the eye or the mind.
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Works
Page 17
Pt.1
Simple Geometry Shelves are a quintessential part of any library. These rectangular forms are repeated in neat rows and columns throughout the whole space. They contain thousands of books and article for the browsing pleasure of users. But since now there is no need for so many books, do we still need so many shelves? Although there is no need, I fell that the formal language of these shelves should be retained. It provides users with a sense of familiarity, because without them a library would just be a static and open space.
Rituals
In the next few pages are my exploration of integrating usually disparate functions of a library into the geometrical forms of shelves. Form and function come together as one to create a uniform and balanced environment.
integrated seating
Rediscovering
bookshelf with seating
booth
bookshelf with seating
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3
Works
1 3 2
1 - shelf & booth seating 2 - shelf & integrated table 3 - shelf & enclosed table
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Rediscovering
Booth Seating
Rituals
Pt.1
Selected
Works
Low Shelf
Tall Shelf
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Pt.1
Discovery Process Part of the appeal of going to a library is to experience the joy of discovery. The endless rows of shelves provide the perfect setting to engage in a process of spontaneous wandering and exploration, whereby we drift from aisle to aisle, touching the spines of the books as we run our hands across every shelf. It does not matter if we leave the library with a book or not, but rather it was the feeling of unpredictability that was so satisfying. To not know what you are going to see or find right around the corner or on the next shelf.
Rediscovering
Rituals
With the series of integrated furnitures which I have designed, the next step would be to organize them in a way which emulates the experience of discovery and unexpectedness in a traditional library setting. The only differencce is instead of books, users would be discovering spaces.
Selected Works
These process models depict that layering of shelves may look intimidating and impenetrable at first, and only by venturing inside would the users then discover that there are pockets of clearing amidst the mess.
Layering As seen in the previous section, I have designed 3 different structures to streamline the forms of a library together with its functions. They are the tall shelf, the low shelf and an integrated booth seating. Now the challenge is to find a way to organize them so that they can provide the users with an environment which feels instinctively familiar but at the same time possess a subtle sense of intrigue and unpredictability, much like how a traditional library is. In these next few explorations, I played around with the idea of layering and using the shelves as a kind of partition, thereby segregating and at the same time creating little pockets of intimate spaces. Users would be able to wander through these seemingly unassuming forms until they stumble into a clearing right in the midst of all the shelves.
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Pt.1
Layering The next step would be the application of the layering of the shelves onto the floorplan. Note that because the plan of the library is curved, I have tried to incorporate the rectilinear forms of the shelves in a way that addresses the unique shape of the library, and at the same time still be able to create the pockets of spaces..
Rediscovering
Rituals
But after much consideration and exploration, I have decided to organize these elements by way of a grid. The grid ensures that all the furnitures and fixtures in the library follow a visible system. The grid also allows for more opportunnities to create spaces that are modular, which in turn would render them easier to read and understand.
Selected Works
As shown in the diagramatic plan above, the grid aids me in the space planning. There are 4 obvious different sections, with one just slightly variating from another. There is also a clear circulation path in between the 4 different sections, and also an outer path that connects all the sections together. Next, since I have already decided on the placement of the structures, I will be going more in depth and explaining in detail why did I make these decisions.
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Rediscovering
Rituals
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Temasek Polytechnic Library 7th Storey Floorplan Self-study Zone 1 - Elevator Lobby 2 - Atrium 3 - Library Search 4 - Reading Booth 5 - Modular Lounge Seats 6 - Toilet 7 - Escape Staircase 1
3
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Low Shelf
Booth Seating Page 27
0
Tall Shelf
Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.1
Selected
Orientation Nowadays libraries now should not be defined as a space for books anymore. As stated in my site analysis in pages 40 to 43, a library located in a school serves a more varied purpose. Students now use this space as a refuge, a third space, due to the obvious quiet and restful nature of a library. Students who use this space also do not utilize the books on the shelves, preferring instead to work on their own personal computers because the materials they need can be found online. I have decided to reduce the number of books in the library. Then I will orientate the shelves, alternating between inward and outward facing, so that not all the books would be visible at once. This would make for a less visually distracting environment.
Works Page 29
Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.1
Selected Works
Civic-mindedness The different height of the shelves also ensure that the space has a high degree of readability, unlike the walls of shelves that is seen in the current library that immediately blocks the view of the surroundings. This also helps to make users more aware of the space that they are in by maintaining visual connection to the other people that are using the library, therefore signalling that they are not the only ones here. This would in turn help to foster a more civic-minded and gracious generation of Singaporeans.
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Pt.1
Walls
Rediscovering
Rituals
As shown in the 3D rendering in the previous page, it is clearly shown that the black shelves are the more prominent objects in the space. But their height and dark color serves a purpose. These structures can act as a passageway, their curved edges slowly drawing and enticing passerbys to come discover what is just around the corner. This small design gesture subtly guides users around the space, a forest of rectangular forms, and ultimately to the many quiet and enclosed spaces dotted all around the library.And also their monolithic froms provides users with a sense of security, much like the thick walls of a fortress.
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Works
Page 33
Pt.1
Intimate Spaces I will be using the spaces behind these tall shelves as private areas. To further intensify the feeling of being protected inside a fortress, I have decided to incorporate low modular sofas because that would make users perceive the height of the shelves as even higher. The modular sofas also share the same geometric forms as the shelves, thereby contributing to the overall aesthethic of the space.
Rediscovering
Rituals
All of these intimate spaces would be oriented away from the main circulation paths in the library so as to maintain a degree of privacy. The goal here is to help create a sense of belonging and familiarity between the users and the library. After several visits, students would be able to understand the whole space and then gravitate naturally to the spaces that they feel connected to, thereby providing them with a feeling of peacefulness.
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Works
Page 35
Pt.1
Study Corner
Rediscovering
Rituals
These shelves also provide users with the optimum setting for self-study. They help block noise from the surroundings and also create a semi-private area that does not feel detached from the main library space.
Selected
Works
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Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.2
Selected
The Domestic Interior Rediscovering Rituals Pt.2
In part 2 of my final year project I will be working on redesigning my own house, a Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment. What this project sets out to do is to address how we as Singaporeans, having grown up in a meritocratic society, occupy spaces.
Works
Inevitably, the spaces that we occupy would bear traces of the items that we have amassed over the years. The more members in a house, the more possessions there will be. There comes a point where it would be too much. Instead of relying on the perpetual cycle of accumulating material goods to satisfy our desires, we should be taking a more nuanced approach and think about what is it that we truly want.
The goal of this project is to apply the concepts of minimalism, such as the elimination of surface decorations and the utilization of basic symmetrical compositions, into a domestic interior setting so as to achieve a brand new take on how a home could look like and function. The aim is to provide users with a space where they could discover who they really are, their deepest identity, and also what they truly desire.
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Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.2
Selected Works Page 41
“A dark aesthetic and a series of wall-like structures with curved corners transform an ordinary HDB apartment into a space filled with intrigue and fluidity, while the ever-changing play of light and shadow injects a sense of dynamism into an otherwise static environment.�
Pt.2
House or Home When we think of the words ‘house’ or ‘home’, what comes to mind first would be a safe heaven where we can escape into. It should be a place without judgement, where one can feel safe and protected. To be able to seek refuge from the outside world. It goes beyond its concrete description and function.
Rediscovering
Rituals
Nowadays people are more concrened about boundaries and material wealth. We treat our homes as merely a shelter, populating areas with our personal belongings with the hopes of marking our territory. Houses are always designed with functionality, practicality and cost in mind, which often times result in spaces that are dull and devoid of character.
Selected Works
The homes that we know of these days are barely a sanctuary for the families and the members that live in it. It does not provide users with a soothing and serene environment so that they may effectively calm themselves down and engage in quiet reflection. We spend at least half of our day at home. It is the first thing we see in the morning when we wake up, and the last thing we see before we fall asleep. The question to ask now is if it is time to reconsider what a home means and how it should look like? Especially in a time where we are so out of tune with our environment, our family and most importantly, ourselves. I will be analysing my home according to some key spatial elements which I feel would be important in acheiving my aim.
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Pt.2
Visual Coherence Due to the fact that there are 6 occupants in the unit, there would naturally be more personal objects and belongings in the space. With objects belonging to 6 different personalities, there is no surprise that the house would look like a mess. The materiality and colour of the houses and the various fixtures and furnitures are also contributing factors to the appearance of the house.
Rediscovering
Rituals
With so many mis-matched elements, there is no clear design and organizational language to be found. After spending so much time outside in the hustle and bustle of the city, users are still unable to enjoy a piece of mind at home. The pictures on the right feature a few photos taken in my home depicting, the visual and physical clutter that is experienced everyday.
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1
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8
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Sunset
5
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7 6 Sunrise
- Sun Path
1. Bedroom 1 2. Bedroom 2 3. Main Bedroom 4. WC 1 5. WC 2 6. Kitchen 7. Store/ Pantry 8. Living/ Dining
Natural Lighting As the unit is located on a high floor, there is no overhead obstructions when it comes to natural lighting. The path of the sun travels from the northeast to the southwest directly above the block, so instead of harsh lighting this unit receives even and diffused illumination throughout the day There is potential for the natural light to be used to great effect when designing the space.
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Pt.2
Furniture as Environment
Rituals
For the domestic interior, strategically placed storage structures hides clutter and minimizes visual distractions, allowing users to be engaged in a more meditative state. These functional walls also play a part in the manipulation of natural light, bringing about subtle changes to the lighting and shadows of the interior, thereby injecting dynamism into a static space.
Rediscovering
All these elements form an environment that is neutral but at the same time filled with so much energy, allowing users to project their own rituals and desires onto the space, so that they are able to discover what truly matters.
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Works
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Rediscovering
Rituals
A B
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Pt.2
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Sectional Elevation B-B
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Sectional Elevation A-A
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Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.2
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Rediscovering
B B
A A
Rituals
Pt.2
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Sectional A-A
Sectional B-B
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Pt.2
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Rituals
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Rediscovering
0
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1 - Kitchen 2 - Bomb Shelter 3 - Dining Area 4 - Living Area 5 - Storage System 6 - Bedroom 7 - Guest Room 8 - Toilet
Selected Works
Wood and fabric are used to punctuate the space, providing users with a sense of warmth and intimacy. The strategically placed lighting also helps to create cozy settings with the space by placing focus on soft furnishings such as the bench and various chairs.
Page 55
Pt.2 Rediscovering
Rituals
A muted color palette and matching furnitures help create a neutral ambience, so that the eyes focus on the depth of space and variation of light.
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Works
Page 57
Pt.2
Pleasant Surprises
Rediscovering
Rituals
Similarly on the other side the black doors and walls contain a hidden surprise behind. The light color scheme of the room contrasts with the dark outside, creating a sense of intrigue, tempting users to navigate through the space and discovering what it has to offer. On the other hand the rooms are designed in a light color palatte, with the focus put on the act of sleeping.
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Works
Page 59
Rediscovering
Rituals
Pt.2
Selected
Dynamism With these tall structures obscuring the view in some areas, it injects into the space a sense of discovery and intrigue. Not everything is shown all at once, users will get glimpses of the space depending on where they are standing. The light shining through the space and being casted on the floor provides a sense of dynamism and ensures that the space is not static, gently nudging the users to explore the space. What this means for the users is that navigating through the space everyday would feel like an adventure, a process of discovery. To discover the space and also the self.
Works Page 61
Pt.2
Continuity The guest room at the back of the house has been removed and replaced with a semi private room instead, because that is an under-utilized room. The murphy bed can be opened or closed to maintain the overall aesthetic of the house.
Rediscovering
Rituals
The rotating doors also has the same effect of manipulating light, therefore creating a feeling that is similar to the one in the living room, thereby extending the user experience throughout the length of the house.
Selected
Works
Page 63
FADED
Barber
Shop
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FADED Barbershop
Works
This project focuses on the design of a barbershop located right in the heart of Haji Lane, providing gents haircuts, cut-throat razor shaves, moustache trims and beard tidies. Haji Lane is a well-known hotspot for tourists as well as locals alike, with a neverending flow of people going up and down the narrow streets from day till night. But getting a haircut should be a peaceful and enjoyable process, and considering that it is located in such a busy area seems counter-productive. By introducing a series of strategically placed reflective panels, I have created a space that is able to hold its own against the hustle and bustle of the world outside and at the same time give users a space where they can relax and be immersed in a private and restful atmosphere.
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FADED
Barber
Shop
Selected Works Page 67
Entrance/ Point of Sale
Shop
Privacy and Porosity
Barber
As getting a haircut is a very intimate process, I have decided to place the cutting area at the back of the shop to ensure maximum privacy. For the spaces which do not need as much privacy such as the lounge area and point-of-sale are placed in the middle and front section of the store respectively. The long and narrow nature of the shophouse plays a vita role in achieving the varying levels of privacy in the space. But a private space does not mean that it would be filled with walls and enclosed spaces. For that I came up with the solution of panels suspended on metal pipes that strategically limit the view of passersby from the outside. This is done so that customers would not get caught in the awkward situation when people on the outside accidentally stares into the mirror.
FADED
Less Private
More Private
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A
B
Works
View from Point B
View from Point A
I got my inspiration for my concept from the woods. As illustrated in the diagrams on the next page, when one stands at point B the trees appears to be densely packed together and giving the impression that it is impenetrable. But when standing at point A, the woods looks as if it is surprisingly spacious. This effect is achieved in the barbershop through the deliberate shaping of the user's perception.
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Shop
CH = 3000 CH = 3200 CH = 3000
CH = 3000
0
5000
Barber
Reflected Ceiling Plan
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2 1
5 3
9
FADED
1st Storey Floorplan
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4 8
0
5000
01 - Point of Sale 02 - Waiting Area 03 - Cutting 04 - Washing 05 - WC 06 - Staff Room 07 - Washer/Dryer 08 - Storage 09 - Storage
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Sectional Elevation A-A
7
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Sectional Elevation B-B
Page 71
Shop
Service Area The area where customers would get their haircut is located right at the end of the shop so as to provide them with maximum privacy, away from the prying eyes of people walking past. This is done in contrast to the current trend of barbershops and salons all adopting an open concept with customers being exposed to passersby.
FADED
Barber
I placed all the barber stations at the back of the shop with all the mirrors facing inwards so that only views of the haircut area are visible to the customers. The panels holding the mirrors are also situated at a height that restricts the view of the customer when they are sitting down, but at the same time the barber would still be aware of what is happening outside.
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Barber Module Axonometric View
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FADED
Barber
Shop
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Barber Module Dimensions
Service Area
Page 75
Shop Barber
Dividers I have decided to implement warm and earthy colours on the panels of the dividers. Firstly for the lounge area the panels are clad with gold and bronze coloured frosted glass. The panels in the area where customers would get their haircut done are lined with standard mirrors as they are also used to look at the customer's reflection.
FADED
The usage of honest materials such as concrete and also coloured glass gives the space a feeling of warmth and tranquility. This is done deliberately in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, providing customers with a sanctuary to enjoy a haircut in a peaceful and neutral atmosphere.
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Works
Page 77
FADED
Barber
Shop
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Materiality Works
Polished cement screed is used for both the flooring and the left side wall. Whereas for the wall on the right the existing brick wall is retained but painted over in white. The ceiling has also been given the same treatment as the brick wall with a white paint finish.
Lounge Area
Page 79
FADED
Day View
Barber
Shop
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Works
Night View
Page 81
Peking
Opera:
UNMASKED
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Peking Opera: UNMASKED Exhibition
By merging traditional methods with technologically driven installations and activities, I was able to create a space that would appeal to both the young and the old and exposing them to the fine art of Peking opera and all the work that goes into the preparation behind the scenes.
Works
UNMASKED is an exhibition project which is based on one of the most famous Peking opera Farewell My Concubine, an ancient tale about the story of a Chinese emperor’s rise and fall and his doomed love for a beautiful woman.
It is a place to enjoy and understand the sheer complexities that come with performing in a Chinese opera.
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Peking
Opera:
UNMASKED
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Page 85
UNMASKED Peking
Opera:
Plan and Circulation The space planning for this exhibition is fairly simple and straightforward with large pathways, which consists of three different zones catering to the different components of Peking opera. This is done for the purpose of encouraging free exploration between the different zones because all of them are inextricably dependent on each other and contribute to the final show. The zones are firstly ‘Into the Mirror’, then ‘Motion and lastly ‘Theatre’.
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03 Works
1st Storey Floorplan
Page 87
01 - Into the Mirror 02 - Motion 03 - Theatre
UNMASKED Opera:
Bamboo Traditionally, makeshift opera stages were often constructed out of bamboo, and also scaffolding and bridges as it was a relatively cheap option. It is still being used nowadays due to its low cost and abundance, being one of the most fastest growing plants in the world.
Peking
A stage could be built in just a matter of days. I have utilised bamboo in the design of the ceiling because it is able to draw the user’s eyes upwards, making the overall space feel more dramatic with the help of the high ceiling.
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Page 89
Peking
Opera:
UNMASKED
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Entrance
Works
This is the view that greets visitors as they enter the exhibition. The wide paths provide plenty of space to wander, and the bamboo scaffolding structure which spans the whole ceiling creates a sense of scale and grandeur. Heavy white curtains lends a feeling of theatricality, and the red lanterns also adds a distinct chinese identity to this space.
Entrance
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UNMASKED Opera:
Into the Mirror Into the Mirror refers to going behind the scenes and uncovering what goes on before the start of every show. This zone places emphasis on the masks used in Peking operas and also the elaborate props and costumes used by the actors on stage. This zone is home to several masks that appears in the film Farewell My Concubine, accompanied by detailed explanations on the meanings of the intricate face painting and what they symbolise.
Peking
Into the Mirror
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UNMASKED
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Opera:
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Peking
1st Storey Floorplan
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Sectional Elevation A-A Works
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Sectional Elevation B-B
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01 - Into the Mirror 02 - Motion 03 - Theatre
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UNMASKED Opera:
Motion The second area is the one that would appeal to children the most. It is essentially a space filled with nothing except projectors which are capable of picking up the user’s movement and projecting costumes and masks onto them in real time.
Peking
Motion
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Works
Page 97
UNMASKED Opera:
Theatre/ Showcase After visiting all the different zones in the exhibition and understanding more about Peking opera, all visitors are encouraged to proceed to the theatre to wind down and relax. But this zone is not as it seems because it actually serves two purposes. It doubles as a showcase and a viewing theatre.
Peking
Firstly, this space actually serves as a showcase for the props which are found in almost every Peking opera stage. Because plays utilize very little props, aside from being just tables and chairs, they can also be treated as a wall, a mountain, and even a bed.
Selected Works
Theatre/ Stage The second function for this space would be for use as a movie screening theatre, where the film Farewell My Concubine would be played several times a day. What is interesting about this is that because the movie is being projected onto a glass panel, it would appear as if the characters are actually interacting the the physical props on the stage. This fusion of artefacts and technology would be they way to keep the interest of Peking opera alive in the generations to come.
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The
Shop
Window
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Eu Yan Sang The Shop Window
Works
This particular project is a small volume, physically uninhabitable, nevertheless it is a project situated within the domain of interior design. It will be developed and completed entirely by hand, meaning methods in drawing and relief model making take precedence, as does experimentation and process. We were tasked to create a window display for various brands, and the one which I was assigned is Eu Yan Sang. My research and experimentation process, from texts to physical models, would be documented in the next few pages.
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The
Shop
Window
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Page Page103
Window
History
Shop
134 years ago, Eu Kong left his hometown of Foshan in Guangdong, Southern China to seek his fortune in Malaya. He eventually settled down in the small mining town of Gopeng, Perak and started his tin mining business. Eu Kong then noticed that the tin mine coolies were consuming opium for immediate relief from pain and other problems as they were mostly illiterate and not aware of the dangerous side effects it had. In an attempt to help them nurse their health, Eu Kong brought in traditional herbal remedies and set up the very first Yan Sang shop in 1879. After his sudden death a year later, his eldest son Eu Tong Sen inherited the family business and subsequently became a notable figure in the tin mining and rubber plantation business by the 1920s. With every new tin mine he open, Eu Tong Sen would set up a medical shop as a way to take care of his workers.
The
As he expands the medical shops beyond Gopeng, he decided to brand the medical business more firmly with the inclusion of the family name, and his medical shops carried the name of Eu Yan Sang ever since.
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“Eu” - family name.
“Yan” - benevolent. Works
Eu Kong
“Sang” - birth, life, livelihood.
Caring For Mankind
Eu Tong Sen
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A Bowl of Soup According to an ancient Chinese proverb, a good doctor will treat with food first and then with medicine. Similarly, when a person boils soup for someone else it represents love and concern, much like a parent’s love and concern for their child. To the older generation, soup was a treasure and is good for health. It is a main dish at a meal, and also signifies way of bonding and showing concern for each other.
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The tagline for Eu Yan Sang’s herbal soup packs was “with Eu Yan Sang’s health soup in every household, your family’s health will be as good as gold!”
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American ginseng tonic soup.
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Circle In Chinese culture, it is considered auspicious for flowers to bloom, moons to be round and people to enjoy longevity. This fundamental and organic shape represents perfection, as there is almost no way to produce a perfect circle by unaided human hands. One of the most important symbolism of a circle is the process of something coming full circle. The imagery of a full moon is often used by a chinese poet named Su Tongpo. He would write about life having its challenges but with determination and hard work, things would turn around and the full moon would always reappear. The sight of the full moon gives us a sense of comfort, solace and support, and also signifies that there are better things ahead.
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A circle also represents balance of two opposing forces, as seen in the Yin Yang symbol. In traditional chinese medicine, it simply refers to the process of keeping the mind and body in balance and unison. Lastly, the circle is a symbol of harmony, unity and reunion.
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Red Thread of Fate For this process model I have decided to use red threads because according to Chinese folklore, the gods tie an invisible red cord around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain situation or help each other in a certain way.
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Here the pins represent individuals and the thread represents the mission of Eu Yan Sang, which is caring for mankind. This is to show that Eu Yan Sang is a homegrown business with global ambitions, with the aim of spreading TCM and the message of caring for mankind far and wide.
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Reunion It is the norm for us to not express our feeling openly, especially when it comes to our own family. The act of boiling soup for hours represents a parents unconditional love and concern for their child. By giving them the gift of Eu Yan Sang’s herbal soups, we can effectively express our unspoken love and gratitude for our parents.
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The circle signifies harmony and reunion. It is a virtuous cycle of appreciation and gratitude, a reminder for us to not neglect the health of our loved ones as well as the health of ourselves. Only by staying healthy can we then care for the people around us.
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