E-Portfolio by Teoh Jin Wen
Project 2: Site Analysis and Design Response
(Group) In preparation of the next project whereby we were to design a wellness centre for the community of Taman Ehsan and the Kepong Botanical Park visitors, we had to do a site analysis of the site and propose a masterplan that would improve the overall site.
Together as a full tutorial group of 12 people, we conducted a site analysis of the microsite within the Kepong Botanical Gardens, building on data collected by seniors from the previous semester. After understanding the character of the park and its surrounding communities, we established several design strategies to solve existing problems such as with circulation and access.
My tutorial group consisted of:
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Teoh Jin Wen (myself)
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Alexandra Anne Loo Menq Xuan
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Chan Sin Yie
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Gan Ping Ern
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Gerald Kho Ming Xiang
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Jasmin Binti Aziz Zudin
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Jasmin Tan Yi Wen
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Nur Soffia Nabiha Binti Sa'adon
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Nurin Qistina Binti Maszeallan
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Ng Royine
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Ooi Zi En
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Hadi Ahmad Alhaj Yahya
Site Analysis and Design Response
We visited the site physically to understand the site condition and verify the validity of the data collected from the seniors during the previous semester. Over the next two weeks, we discussed the various site characteristics and analyses to highlight, then came up with several design strategies to be implemented in our master plan.
Among the strategies we discussed and implemented were:
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Moving the ticket counter up north, closer to the trail so that wellness centre visitors need not pay for a ticket.
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Adding a pedestrian entrance towards the west
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Establishing a promenade area that also acts as a natural barrier that replaces the existing wall.
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Establishing a general farming zone that engages the community.
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Defining a possible built area
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Implementing themes of play and farming within the masterplan and later the wellness centre to encourage playfulness and interconnection between different users of the park.
I contributed some diagrams to the SWOT analysis and design response along with the overall discussion.
Reflection and Learning Outcome
MLO 1
MLO 1 - Analyze the environmental qualities and contextual needs of a site and apply ideas of environmental sustainability.
We appreciated the existing natural environment, identifying views and sensorial experiences derived from it to be implemented throughout design. For the sustainability of the site, we considered how to reduce the amount of hard built environment.
TGC 2.2. Locate, extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively.
TGC 2.3. Be intellectually engaged.
This exercise encouraged objective evaluation as well as empathetic reasoning of decisions taken in conservation and tourism planning, looking to multiple perspectives and sources to form opinions.
TGC 3.0-
THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
TGC 3.1. Think critically and creatively
TGC 3.2. Define and analyze problems to arrive at effective solutions.
We were able to come upon rather rational solutions in a short amount of time, however more specificity and creativity was left to be desired. The design responses we arrived at were also satisfactory and reflected well on our design intentions.
MLO 2
MLO 1 - Design and create architectural spaces with consideration of environmental poetics in relation to the basic natural context and existing built context (harness environmental qualities of the site to inform design) which impact on users’ experiences
The approaches to the site were made to be inviting through the use of softscape and directed to views. This would later be expanded upon during the following project.