design that works
DESCRIPTION
A compilation of academic projectsTRANSCRIPT
CONTENTS
01 Curriculum Vitae
02 The Living Relic
03 Construction Details
04 Experimentation with Color and Light
05 2D Works
SOHO THE LIVING RELIC
OWNER DETAILS
MICHELLE AND YISHIAN, OWNERS
OF A LETTERPRESS COMPANY
CALLED THE GENTLEMEN'S PRESS
LOCATION
GEYLANG BAHRU INDUSTRIAL
ESTATE. BLOCK 81, UNIT 11
Letterpress printing
first started in the 1450s and
despite the advancement of
technology it remains alive to
this date. Its resistance to time
will be represented by the
strong walls of a “fortress”. The
look of a traditional letterpress
shop will be preserved within
the walls while the rest of the
space is contemporary.
CONCEPT
STRONGHOLD.
As seen from the top right image, the
workspace is well framed by the solid brass
walls. The double volume space above the
workspace places further emphasis on it, so that
it is the center of attention. The retail area
displays poster pieces designed by the owners.
The skylight would enable the workspace to be
adequately lit during the day.
Furthermore, the circulation of the space is very
straightforward and almost symmetrical, similar
to that of an art gallery. This is so that it would
be easy for customers to explore the place
freely. This also aids easy access to heavy
equipment and machinery. (Letterpress
machines are very heavy)
DESCRIPTION
The second storey is meant for the private use
of the owners. It consists of two bedrooms and a
living room. A glass bridge connects the living
room to the bedrooms, and the workspace below.
It also allows the owners to have a good view of
what’s happening on the first floor. This way
owners can still enjoy privacy while being open
for business.
DESCRIPTION
Because letterpress printing requires
the use of strong smelling agents
such as thinner, the place has to be
properly ventilated. Multiple large
windows and a wide entrance are
installed to facilitate air flow. Also,
trees will be planted at the entrance
area to divert wind into the building.
A high ceiling at the workspace area
would also help warmer air escape
through the ceiling vents, allowing
the cooler air to enter.
VENTILATION
Functionality was the main focus of
my design, for optimum convenience
of the owners and efficiency of
business operation. Although the
space may look simple, it still conveys
the message of letterpress being a
well-preserved art that deserves to be
appreciated.
THE MODEL
DESCRIPTION
ZEN HOUSE A STUDY ON COLOUR & LIGHT
BUILDING FUNCTION
A RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT
BUILT ADJACENT TO OTHER
LOW RISE BUILDINGS.
CONCEPT
INSPIRED BY ZEN-STYLE
ARCHITECTURE, THIS IS AN
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
BASED ON A STUDY OF SUN
DIRECTION
SIMULATED DAYLIGHT The building is placed in the north-south
direction so that it would not receive direct sunlight, preventing
overheating. The house receives and emits sunlight in various ways
at different times of the day. The asymmetrical U-shaped plan of the
building limits the amount of morning and afternoon sun permeating
the building. A tree is planted right in the middle so as to provide
more shade, and windows on the upper floor are frosted to create a
soft, cozy atmosphere from within.
A STUDY ON COLOUR & LIGHT
BUILDING FUNCTION
AN UNDERGROUND TRAIN STATION
THAT IS VOID OF NATURAL LIGHTING
CONCEPT
INSPIRED BY THE MOVIE TRON, BOLD,
FUTURISTIC LINES ARE USED IN THIS
DESIGN. MIRRORS ARE USED TO MAKE
THE ENCLOSED SPACE FEEL BRIGHTER
AND MORE SPACIOUS
THE SUBWAY
Since the space had to depend totally
on artificial lighting, I played around
with a variety of colours to produce a
different ambience. I was impressed by
the huge difference lighting played in
creating mood.
A STUDY ON COLOUR & LIGHT
BUILDING FUNCTION
CABIN PARTIALLY SHELTERED
BY FOILAGE
CONCEPT
A PLAY OF LIGHT MIMICKING
THE BUILDING’S FORESTY
ENVIRONMENT
CABIN Vertical wooden pillars mimicking
tree trunks were used in this design
to create natural looking shadows in
the house. An overhanging roof,
featuring wood panels for a brise
solei, is added for extra shade in the
afternoon. Louvre windows, as seen
in the last image, are used to
facilitate ventilation. Each slat is
tinted to minimize sunlight
penetration and can be adjusted
individually to user preference.
VISUAL PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
DESIGN BRIEF
AN INFORMATIVE POSTER ABOUT
WHAT INSPIRES ME
CONCEPT
SLEEK AND CHIC LOOKING, FASHION
MAGAZINE-STYLE.
The use of differently sized
rectangles and bold lines create
pattern and rhythm. It would guide
the reader through the write-up
while showcasing the visuals
clearly.
A POSTER
VISUAL PRESENTATION
TECHNIQUES
DESIGN BRIEF
A SET OF FRAMED IMAGES WITH A
CHOSEN THEME
CONCEPT
TILT;
This collection of images were
selected from magazine cut-outs. With the
help of a viewfinder, they were cropped at
45 degree angles. I chose close up images
with contours that complemented the bold
black frame. I wanted to imbue a certain
sense of obliqueness with the hodgepodge
of images. However to give it a little
uniformity I adhered to a monochromatic
color scheme.
FRAMES
BOOKMARKS
The allure of the vintage has
returned to become part of hipster
culture once again. The timelessness
of vintage design is what I wanted to
express in my bookmarks and
packaging. With different styles of
antique design from various eras, this
classic collection would definitely
charm vintage collectors. It comes
together with a stamped-parcel-like
box.
VISUAL PRESENTATION
TECHNIQUES
DESIGN BRIEF
A SET OF BOOKMARKS
WITH A CHOSEN THEME
CONCEPT
TIMELESSNESS
VISUAL PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
DESIGN BRIEF
A HAND MADE COLLAGE ALBUM
WITH A CHOSEN THEME
CONCEPT
TRANQUILITY;
BASED ON A POEM I WROTE
I did this collage based on a
poem titled “In Utero”. It is basically about an
idealized dream-state where absolute
tranquility is possible. The images are alluded
to the stage where we in our unborn state are
still unexposed to the suffering that life
brings. Amniotic fluid is represented by a vast
ocean. The ocean also symbolizes eternity-a
permanent state of peace. Muted colours and
nude art are used to bring out a sense of
calm.
A COLLAGE