An Experiential Journey
 
Abdul Rahim Mohd Zin
 

The end of Year 1 Architectural Design Studio marked the transition from the foundation to the next level of Architectural Training. It is not just about architectural facts but more important, the able mind to analyse, translate and transform the non-tangible factors to a physical being of good architecture to serve all users. This stage emphasizes on developing capabilities to perceive and analyse the elements, translate their qualities and develop an architectural formula which will become the physical form befitting the need of the users. The whole process is complex and contains many inter-twined considerations. The ability to feel the emotion and translating them into a physical being is indeed a challenging task to the young minds of year one students. It is developed through series of experiential learning approaches used in the design projects where the mind goes through a vigorous development process including discussions, debates, knowledge application and trials through an experiential journey.


The studio started with an ergonomic precedent study which brought students into an open field of experiencing ergonomic challenges in a typical day to day life on campus. It is an eye opener to all that a simple ergonomic fault can cause so many hassles on a constant basis. “Ergo-Eco seat” is the first design project and the students were
required to design and build a full-scale chair or seat using at least 80% recycled or reused materials. The project promotes design process via experiential learning by applying the five senses. This project also lays the foundation of an eco-friendly architectural design.

“Damai Nature Transit Station” is the final project, which incorporates all previous lessons and marks the final stage of year one studies. The secluded site at the Damai Beach, Sarawak, sets the stage where students were challenged to translate the serene quality of the nature into an architectural piece while respecting the site and yet retaining its aesthetic and functional qualities. This journey developed explorative and critical minds well prepared to move on to the next stage of the early architectural training.