DESIGN STUDIO 5
PROJECT 1 - Preliminary Study Site Analysis
The Preliminary Studies is a preparatory assignment that focuses on investigating basic notions of
the city, and learning from examples of Art Centre around the world. This assignment aims to firstly
introduce students to the basics in urban design and its relation to architecture, and secondly,
studying and determining the programmatic function, societal role and spatial layout of an Art
Centre and architectural responses for urban blocks.
The Preliminary Studies comprises of three components: Site Documentation, Site Analysis, and
Precedent Studies of Urban Blocks and Art Centre. The Site Documentation and Site Analysis will
equip students with a firm understanding of the site they will be working with this semester, while
the Precedent Studies will provide an insight into architectural responses for designing an urban
block Art Centre.
The outcome of the Preliminary Studies will include the production of site documentation materials
(drawings and models in both digital and physical copy for further use), a comprehensive analysis
of the site, and a detailed case study
FINAL PROJECT - Art Centre
The project is about improving the spatial and social qualities of an urban node within the Old
Town of Kajang. There are two sites at the convergences of historic streets of urban blocks. The
blocks are fragmented and built in different period of times due to evolution, hegemony of private
sectors and fire accidents. Some parts of the blocks are also attempted for conservation by the
location authorities.
We are challenged to interpret various possibilities of the KAC (Kajang Art Centre) in order offer urban intervention that identifies the distinctiveness of place, without disrupting the locale character. To what extent the KAC could offer to such an urban intervention? The local Chinese and Indian cultural groups are needing a ‘place’ for transforming the urban young towards a revival of indigenous performing arts, mainly dance and music. The KAC is mainly for the primary & secondary school students and if needed for the young adults.
