SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

Center for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT [PRJ60408/ARC60108]

Pre-Design Studies & Analysis

Assessments Type Learning Outcomes Due Presentation Weight

Project 1a Group 1 Week 3 Multimedia 10%

Images (1): Observation/Studies and Analysis thru diagrams &

sketches
Module Overview

This studio forms the culmination of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
programme. This capstone project is based on the theme ‘architecture with an impact’ and the
formulation of an architectural intervention that embodies sensitivity in the meditation between
architecture and socio-cultural needs, the designs of internal spaces, and the demands of the
external constraints. Progressing from the previous studio where it focused on urban streets, this
semester, aims to empower the urban fabric by focusing on the needs and aspirations of the
place and its people in relation to the current times. The project focuses on real-life and relevant
issues which allow students not to only understand but immerse themselves in the significance of
their design approaches. Hence, learn the impact of their work, on social, cultural, and
environmental aspects.

The students are expected to approach the project through multiple layers of exploration, on
programmatic, design, and technical levels within the parameters set by the given project.
Moreover, each studio is set to a more ‘structured exploration’ having a specific theme and

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direction. The thematic studio is established based on the tutor’s expertise and students’ interest.
Subsequently, students are to produce a well-resolved and explored final design supported by a
15-week development documented in a form of a final design report. The project is to show
evidence of appropriate design flair and technical competencies.

The student will be guided with a series of lecture and talks that aligns with the design process
and progress, from understanding the user and place to programmatic, design development, and
technology-related topics. The topics will also align with Sustainable Building Goals (SDG) and
other relevant development in architecture and society.

Overall, the students will work on one project which consists of (3) main phases. The three
phases are Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis, 1b: Design Strategies and Exploration,
and 1c: Final Design Presentation and Report.

Project Brief

Project 1a- Pre-Design Studies & Analysis

In this phase, students in groups are to investigate, study and analyze the site to understand
valuable components before designing. The study will enable students to gain familiarity with the
site. To be immersed by 'sensing the place' allowing each to look into the current conditions of
the site and relate it to the target user and objectives of the project. Hence, developing the most
appropriate strategy and programme for it.

In this phase, students in a group are expected to:

• To use references to understand and analyze the site and context in a more in-depth
manner. Apply learnings from relevant readers, such as ‘Life between buildings using
public space, legibility analysis extracted from Responsive Environments, Cities for People,
How to Study Public Life, New City Spaces, Soft City, etc.
• To conduct a comprehensive investigation and study of the site using photos
documentation, site investigation, research, surveys, and interviews.
• To look into precedents: relevant projects and buildings that provide a better
understanding of the project and program-relevant ideas.
• To define the programme(s) suitable to the project and analyze the impact of it.

Objectives of Project

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

1. Develop a short yet concise and comprehensive studies on site aligning it to the theme of
sustaining humanities-people, place, and time.

2. Conduct pre-design studies to inform the design project.

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Learning Outcomes

MLO 1 Formulate a comprehensive study and pre-design analysis on site, involving identification.
of relevant issues that can be addressed through architectural design interventions in a
form of design position and programmatic responses.

Proposed Project

Project Title : Designing Ipoh’s Third Place – an Urban Room / a City Hub
Emphasis : Sensing the City: Creating Impactful Spaces for People
Consideration : Social Architecture, Post-Pandemic and Sustainable Design
Location : Ipoh Town Centre, Perak

Background

The current Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the whole world, changing the habits and use of
places and cities. During the lockdown period, cities and public spaces became empty and new
urban landscapes substituted the previous ones, transforming the private into the public. Although
people discovered a substitute by going to balconies and having small plants in the house it will
not fully suffice to replace, a healthy outdoor experience. Healthy design of outdoor spaces and
public buildings is essential to address that ‘balance’ and ‘wellness needs. A call to have a good
design public space and building which can function what the people and place need in the given
time and condition. Hence, promoted safe and positive well-being for people and impact the
place. An urban room or a city room? Other than their home (first place), work/school (second
place) a vibrant ‘third place’ that functions as the social, recreation, cultural, and place for them to
breathe, enjoy, interact, view, unwind, learn, and connect other than shopping malls. As sociologist
Ray Oldenburg mentioned Third Place is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg refers to
places where people spend time between home ('first' place) and work ('second' place). They are
locations where we exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships. A good ‘third place
is vital as it allows ‘regulars’, transients, and visitors to have a place that allows you to use freely
without worrying about social status and classification. A place that is inclusive, safe, and well
designed for people. Ray Oldenburg (pps.org)

Images (2): Ipoh City Centre ‘Slowly Re-awakens’ Covid-19: Months after lockdown, Ipoh reawakens... slowly | Malay Mail

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Image (3): Urban Room Project all over the world.

Why urban room or city hub?

In this decade, half of the global population spends their everyday lives in cities and an urban
environment. Cities are not just a centre for business and economy but likewise become an
integral part of giving potential backdrop of celebrating the past, present, and future of its
inhabitant. This semester, we look into this and align with the established theme, architecture with
an impact and sensitivity to address and provide the socio-cultural needs of the people. The
project will be based on sensing the place and creating An Urban Room based on the needs.
Sensing means looking at how the city, public spaces, and buildings connect us to our individual
and collective identity. Likewise, create a platform to support social cohesion, facilitate human
interaction and create a safe and healthy environment even during this time of the pandemic.

The urban room may function as the city’s link, lung, life, park, canvas, stage, lobby, living
room, etc. The current project by Bjarke Ingels created an Urban Room from a giant loop in
Bordeaux, which serves as a city link and a cultural hub for arts, performances, and literature in a
very modern approach. Almost the same approach was taken by Eddy Kasijer embarking on a
smaller scale urban room where it was used to play live music from local musicians and a
playground for children. Foster and Partner’s enormous public plaza on the ground level which is
also an “urban room,” was intended to link with the pedestrian routes, which link to the historic
streets and alleyways in the area, knitting the new scheme with the urban grain of the city.
Foster’s Urban Room features lush landscape design and plays host to events and art installations.
Recently Dutch architecture firm MVRDV unveiled its competition-winning designs for the Shimao
ShenKong International Centre, a new “three-dimensional urban living room” for the heart of
Shenzhen’s Longgang district. Creating a pedestrian-centered indoor-outdoor public space
balancing the concrete jungle around. The project also focuses on sustainability and will integrate
passive design principles, native landscaping, recycled materials, and solar panels.

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Impact of the Urban Room/City Room

Environmental https://www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1260457/
Presently over half of the world’s population lives in cities and by 2050 it will reach 70%. The cities
are responsible for 70% and the global waste and 80% of energy consumption. Unfortunately, that
the urban population increase resulted in problems such as poor sanitation, extensive food waste,
depleting natural resources and greens space from urban sprawl development, and living in an
unhealthy environment. Few areas to look into: greening the city, healthy food, recycling or
upcycling, better public realm, and making cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable (SDG 11). Ipoh:
Ipoh Echo | Ipoh: The Next Arts Hub?

Cultural https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000245999
As a growing urban population, city inhabitants have the power to stimulate creativity, identity,
wealth, and social development bringing people together through arts and culture. Cultural streets
can create a more vibrant neighborhood, economic opportunities, social inclusion, encourage
young and struggling artisans and ignite community celebration. Preserving what the city has,
showcasing the distinct quality, engaging the younger generation to learn and keep the identity
alive and encouraging multi-generational collaboration thus arts and culture make cities inclusive,
safe, and sustainable (SDG 11). Ipoh: Ipoh Echo | Ipoh: The Next Arts Hub?

Social https://www.archdaily.com/941031/social-impact-architecture-building-space-for-empathy
Cities are home to buildings and spaces that shapes how we live and come together. As
Architects. Planners and designers, we can create a more equitable and just place that condemns
inequality, build space for empathy and understanding and sustainable place or buildings to live
in. The architecture should tie in with the city’s past, present, and future with more opportunities
for everyone, such as a playground for the kids including marginalized, social cohesion and a
platform open to people from all walks of life, religion, and social status. Social sensitivity makes
cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable for everyone (SDG11). Ipoh: Food Pantry by PWW Receives
Overwhelming Response | Ipoh Echo

Proposed Project Site(s)The proposed project is situated in strategic sites in the Ipoh Town City
Centre, Perak. Besides its rich historical background, having good connections or access to public
transportation, and being the main corridor to navigate key areas of the city, all sites are ‘in need ‘of a
well-designed & people centred Urban Room.

Image (4): Ipoh City Centre panoramic view https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/ipoh-city-malaysia.htm

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 1

Images (5): Showing the two (2) sites Google Maps

Images (6) Site 1 I Jalan Horley-Jalan Lim Bo Seng 512 Jalan Horley - Google Maps
Site 2 I Jalan Horley-Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar 67 Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar - Google Maps

Tasks - Methodology

A full understanding of the site in different layers and dimensions of the urban context is an
essential factor in establishing the connection of the proposed project to it. From here, the group
will formulate an architectural position or intention to address the needs of the site. The group’s
position with the tutor’s input and guidance will determine the programme and ‘function’ of the
urban room’ that will be later explored, individually by each member. Project 1a: pre-design
studies and analysis are to be presented in the most comprehensive, concise, and creatively
organized manner. The presentation is to follow a framework that consists of five major
components.

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Pre-Design Studies & Analysis components:

Sensing the City (understanding people, place, and the time)

• Urban Studies/Site Analysis (macro-site and micro-site)

• Impact Analysis (impact of sustainable community to the user group and site)
• Precedent Studies (Programme related or specific)
• Preliminary design studies (Architectural position, intent, and programme).

Urban studies and Site Analysis

Urban Studies/ Site Investigation and Urban/Site Analysis will investigate two levels of analysis,
namely, the macro site analysis (500 m radius) and microsite analysis (100m radius) contexts.

i. In Urban Study/Site Investigation, the study will investigate the normal checklist to understand
the people, place, and time. This study will include historical background; investigate legal
restrictions, transport links, sun path, wind patterns, typography access, trees and vegetation,
views, and neighbouring buildings (typology, scale, etc.). In micro site study, the students are to
make a comprehensive study on urban form, activity, and movement patterns. ‘Legibility Analysis’
and the other (6) qualities of a Responsive Environment (Bentley, et.al. 2013). It is about the role
of how the location fits into the city.

ii. Urban/ Site Analysis. The students are tasked to analyze the information learned from the
studies and investigation. Each will investigate possible opportunities to establish a connection
between the project and the site, putting logic to the architectural interventions. The analysis must
look into both the tangibles and intangible factors, and how they can generate ideas for the
design. Tangible such as how to connect to routes and attractions, how to develop identity
looking into the scale, character, and style of the neighbouring buildings, and other important
factors to consider. Intangible is something to experience such as how to connect to the culture,
tradition, or the spirit and sense of the place. The analysis is very vital, as it will give
rationalization, or logic to our design responses and strategies.

1 2

Images (7): Street View Images: showing the two sites in street view (Source: Google Street View)

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iii. Impact Analysis (proposed project and its programme to the site)

The student to present their analysis on the impact of the project on people, place, and time.

• How significant and beneficial it is to the site and the city?

• Who are the main beneficiaries of the project? Looking into specific organizations, groups
of people, & the public
• How can the project be beneficial to prospective users?
• What factors should be taken into design consideration to align with the current issues or
conditions of the site?
• How will the project impact the site and vice versa?

iv. Precedent Studies

Studies on relevant precedents, looking into the design programmes, approach, strategies to
further understand the project. Research is also used to aide in aligning it to the theme and
studio direction.

1. Understanding of relevant and related projects.

2. Understanding contextual and architectural responses. Why and how it impacts the site
3. Understanding spatial planning and design. Why and how it impacts the user wellbeing.

v. Preliminary Studies I Architectural position, intent, programme & function of the project.

The student in a group is required to consolidate their analysis and studies in the form of an
initial design response and main intent aligning with the theme and studio direction. In this
component, students are expected to decide on the main and specific programmes, how they will
best embody the objectives of the project and help create a sustainable community. The group
will establish approaches that will create a positive impact on the user, public, place, and the
objectives of the project. The function(s) will be based on in-depth studies of similar communities
and similar projects. The group may do a comparative analysis of all similar projects in the locality
and other parts of the region and extract qualities that are good and can be improved.

Deliverables and Expected Outcome

To submit the following:

▪ Slide Presentation/Video. A 15–20-minute presentation/video of a comprehensive study

and analysis of the four (4) components required for Project 1a.
▪ Presentation Boards. A summary of comprehensive analysis into (2) A1 or (1) A1 poster-
type presentation. (Suggested: use analytical diagrams, sketches, and images).

▪ Physical Model. Showing the micro context of the site. 1:200 scale

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Note:
1. Submit soft copy of work in PDF format (for moderation purposes)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N4Qn-dRWApZioQJbQc56IfnqV_OVZ_O7?usp=sharing
2. All information presented must have complete and proper referencing (APA style).
3. To submit the compile peer evaluation form, from all group members.

Timeline and Schedule

Week 1 Understanding Project

Session 1 I Brief 01: Module Overview and Project 1a guidelines
Session 2 I Site visitation & Data gathering
Week 2 Synthesis and Analysis
Session 1 I Lecture 01: Sensing the Place + Designing an Urban Room
Session 2 I Tutorial/Discussion: Analysis data and generating ideas
Week 3 Formulation of initial strategy/position
Session 1 I Tutorial/Discussion: Analysis and Synthesis of data and ideas.
Session 2 I Submission and presentation:
Project 1a: Pre-Design Studies & Analysis (10%)

Submission Date and Guidelines

Submission DUE I Thursday, 15 Sep 2022 (Week 3)

Suggested References

1. Bentley, I., Smith, G., Alcock, A., McGlynn, S. and Murrain, P., Responsive Environments-
Manual for Designers, 2013, Architectural Press
2. Lynch, K. 1979, Image of The City. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press
3. Gehl, J., (2010), Cities for People, Island Press
4. Gehl, J., (1987) Life Between Buildings Using Public Space, Translated by Jo Koch, Van
Nostrand Reinhold, New York
5. Gehl, J., (2013), How to Study Public Space, Island Press
6. Lagro Jr.J.A.,2001 Site Analysis: linking program and concept in land planning and design,
New York: Wiley
7. White, E.T., (2014) Site Analysis, ArchiBasics Press; Reformatted First Edition
8. Carmona, M. (2003). Public places, urban spaces: The dimensions of urban design. Oxford:
Architectural Press.
9. Gehl, J., (2008), New City Spaces, Danish Architectural Press; Third edition

Additional References:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dzHfRE3d8szSE_JlezQ7HoVs9wlmcjjy?usp=sharing

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Assessment Criteria

Marking components FAIL POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT

The project will be assessed based on the ff: 0-39 40-49 50-64 65-74 75-100
Site Investigation & Urban Studies (15%)
Ability to present a comprehensive study that
shows evidence of a full understanding of
people, place, and time. A full documentation
and research of site’s tangible and non-
tangible qualities.
Urban / Site Analysis (15%) Ability to come
up and present a comprehensive analysis of
the site based on the studies & investigation.
Looking into the qualities of the context.
Impact Analysis (10%) Ability to extract and
analyse the impact of the proposed project to
the site. How significant/beneficial it is to the
site & the city. (SWOT, surveys, & interviews).
Review of Precedent Studies (10%) Ability to
analyze and extract the learnings from related
programme and approach. Precedents should
show similarity and relevance on the intent,
programme & site to effectively inform and
substantiate design responses/ position.
Architectural Position, Intent & Programme
(20%) Ability to formulate responses that align
to the theme that may be considered moving
into the next phase of design.
Overall Presentation (15%) Ability to present
a clear, and creative the organization of
studies and analysis.
Verbal communication (5%)
-Ability to respond to queries.
-Clarity of presentation
PEER ASSESSMENT (10%)
Assessment Weight: 10% Total (Over-all) ___ /100%

Note: Refer to the Project 1a Assessment Sheet for the Marking Rubrics

Prepared by: Approved by:

Ar. Prince Favis Isip Mr. Mohd Adib Ramli

……………………………. …………………………….
Date: 23/08/2022 Date: 26/08/2022
Module Coordinator/Stream Coordinator Programme Director
(Design & Design Studies) Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Architecture

Remarks:

1. The Project Brief is to be distributed to the students in the first week of the semester.
2. Any changes to the Project Brief shall be communicated (in writing) to the Programme
Director and the approved revised version must be communicated to the students.

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