DESIGN STUDIO 5
The Preliminary Studies is a preparatory assignment that focuses on investigating basic notions of
the city, and learning from examples of urban infill market-places 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 a
market-place and architectural responses for urban infills.
The Preliminary Studies comprises of three components: Site Documentation, Site Analysis, and
Precedent Studies of Urban Infills and Market-Places. 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 infill
contemporary market-place.
Site Analysis
The purpose of the Site Analysis is to observe and record the site’s current condition, and to collect
additional information to be used in the initial design conceptualization and strategy phase.
Key concepts and themes to be discussed in relation to the analysis include: Way-finding (5 Lynchian
Principles), Typology and Morphology, Figure/Ground Mapping, Patterns of Movement and Use, Human
Behaviour, Street Culture
Project 1: Preliminary Studies
Micro Site Analysis
Macro Site Analysis
Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
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To take into consideration key aspects of urban design and context in relation to architecture
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To develop an awareness and basic compliance to Design Codes and Statutory Requirements
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To emphasize the importance of elevational context and composition in developing architectural design
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To implement and explore the conceptual, schematic and design development phases in an architectural design project
Final Part of the Project
Apart from developing an appropriate formal and elevational strategy in response to the character of the street, the design should take into consideration a holistic application of structural, spatial, functional and environmental requirements to address the user needs for an urban market-place. The design development of this project will include an introduction to the legislative restrictions that impact an architectural scheme, the integration of lighting and acoustic design, as well as the design exploration and detailing of the façade and building envelopes that is coherent with the architectural language of the overall design project.
Learning Outcomes of this Project
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Produce a design outcome for an urban contemporary market-place is site-specific through its formal, cultural, legislative, structural and environmental design responses
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Apply basic knowledge of urban architectural typologies, infill design strategies and market-place programming
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Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and awareness of design codes and regulations
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Design within the constraints of feasibility and in response to basic design codes and statutory requirements
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Utilise study models, diagramming, mapping, orthographic plan-section and elevational studies to explore and resolve relevant spatial, structural, functional and environmental issues in the design development phase
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Produce drawings (both 2D and 3D), models and presentations to verbally and visually communicate architectural ideas and scheme.
