Introduction

 

In this project, we were required to construct a 2000 word research paper based on a selected building that has both vernacular elements and has a strong contextual relation, that focuses on the reason of selection of the building, with research objectives defined through an in-depth literature review, leading to a well-established case study paper structure and writing.

 

 

 

 

Project Objectives

 

Through this project, I have become able to:

• Integrate architectural design and research through a specific case study that supports my design through extensive research within the framework of sustainability of design in Asia.

• Collect, index and evaluate information; analyse information; compile and organise studies; write studies; assemble illustrations and text; design layouts; bind and present my findings.

 

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Through this project, I have gained the ability to:

• Analyse and discuss in depth on the selected research area based on the selected building, within the framework of Contextual Architecture.

• Identify significant elements of Contextual Architecture through investigation on the selected building.

• Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of Contextual Architecture of the selected building.

• Produce a case study paper of at least 2000 words long

• Produce a Power Point presentation which contains an outline of the paper covering key issues and themes explored, as well as bibliography.

 

 

 

 

 

Submission Requirements

 

This project consists of 2 major parts.

 

PART A - Contextual Architecture Study

• Consisting of the identification of a building that has both vernacular architecture references and strong contextual elements.

• After this identification, extensive literature reviews are conducted to identify both the vernacular architecture references and contextual elements.

• The findings are to be shown on an A2 presentation board.

 

PART B - Case Study Paper

• Using the same building, an issue or topic is identified to define the scope of study, and the title of the research determined based on the issue.

• A concept mapping is generated that highlights the issue of the case study that includes the proposed research title and research questions, to give an overview of the proposed case study paper in A4 printed sheets

• A Power Point presentation was prepared to briefly summarize the content of the research paper.

• The abstract of the paper was constructed in A4 printed sheets.

• The final submission of the complete research paper of at least 2000 words in A4 printed sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

Submissions

 

PART A - Contextual Architecture Study

 

The building that I chose was the Niki Club in Nasu, Japan due to its traditional Japanese roots and strong contextual relations, especially to the surrounding forest and landscape. My findings are summarised below in the form of an A2 presentation board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART B - Case Study Paper

 

Using the same building as before, that is, The Niki Club, I had proposed a case study focusing on the material choice and how it affected the sustainability of the building design. Below is my proposal and concept mapping in A4 sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next part of the case study process involved producing a power point presentation that summarized our research content for the final paper. The power point presentation is attached below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After further refinement of the topic of research and narrowing of the research scope to allow for a more detailed case study paper, An abstract was produced and submitted in the form of A4 printed sheets. My initial attempt at a research abstract is embedded below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the approval and further discussion with my tutor, I have managed to improve and rectify mistakes and overlooked portions of the abstract and research questions, resulting in the production of the final research paper, submitted in the form of and A4 case study paper of 2000-3000 words in total. My submission is shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection

 

Through this project, I have come to realize that most buildings come from their vernacular roots. These traditional elements enhance the design, giving them identity. Each design is also unique, they are specific, tied deeply and meaningfully to their surrounding context, whether they are designed based on various site elements such as sun path, wind direction or the topography of the site, or whether their materials used are sustainable and complement their surroundings.

Armed with this knowledge, I have learned how to apply these elements that make a design truly specific to its context, but still remaining loyal to its vernacular origins. I hope to be able to apply this in my future designs.

 

I have also learned the format of a case study or research paper, how to identify and gather information from credible and reliable sources for the production of this paper.