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Construction Site

Building Construction & Materials

In this second-semester module "Building Construction & Materials," we finally dive in to explore the fundamental principles of building construction and the properties of various construction materials. This module covers topics such as structural systems, construction methods, and the selection and application of materials in building design. We actually engage in both theoretical learning and practical exercises, gaining an understanding of how materials contribute to the strength, durability, and aesthetics of a building. Through hands-on projects and case studies, we also learn to analyze and apply construction techniques and materials effectively in architectural practice.

Assignment 1: Material Experience in Architecture: Structural & Architectural Building Material Applications (Grouping)

In this group project, my team of seven and I undertook a comprehensive case study of a captivating building located in Kuala Lumpur, which is the Muzium Negara. Our objective was to thoroughly analyze the use of materials in the building by identifying five architectural building materials and two structural building materials. We paid special attention to one particular material, exploring its experiential impact on the end users through its application and providing a detailed illustration of the installation process for that material. The project required us to present our findings on a single A1 size board, which we meticulously organized to include the building's historical background, detailed images, and information about each material, a focused analysis on the chosen material, and relevant visuals of the building such as floor layouts and elevations. Additionally, we concluded our study with an overall assessment of the building's material applications. We ensured that our research was unique by carefully selecting a building that had not been chosen by other groups and compiling all our work into a well-composed digital A1 board in PDF format, which included our names and tutor's information. The final presentation was both thorough and visually cohesive, demonstrating our in-depth understanding of building construction and materials.

Assignment 2: Construction Details – Integration with ADII

In this assignment integrated with Architectural Design II, we are to demonstrate our understanding of construction principles through manual drawing, which was a crucial part of our final ADII project. Our task involved developing a detailed construction section that spanned from the roof to the foundation, along with creating a physical "cake slice" model that accurately represented the unique design of our AD2 project. Additionally, we were also responsible for crafting a special construction detail as part of the assignment. All drawings and the model had to be at the specified scale, and the final product was included in our ADII final presentation board as an additional board along with three of our AD2 boards. The requirements to be fulfilled included a roof-to-foundation construction section at 1:25 scale, a physical model with annotations at 1:25 scale, and a special construction detail at 1:10 scale.

Tutorial Activities

These tutorial activities were given weekly regarding to different lectures at each week. For the first few weeks we are to create a digital scrapbook about different materials such as concrete & masonry, glass & plastics, metal & timber. Following by week 9, we are to create a digital infographic about the comparisons of load bearing and post & beam construction. Week 10 and 11 were both AD2 integrated tasks with floor and wall respectively. Then we are to do an on-site-sketch and measurement about staircase at week 12. Last but not least, our last tutorial activity is another AD2 integrated task with doors & windows at week 13. These assessments were actually beneficial as they  guarantee our memories regarding all important notes in lectures got refreshed by completing them. In short, these tutorial activities were like a short revision every week so that we could master those knowledge efficiently and apply them to our main assignments. 

Self-Reflection

Reflecting on my journey through these projects, I've gained a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects of building construction. In the first project, I learned to distinguish between architectural and structural materials, exploring the different types of materials used in buildings and demonstrating their installation processes. This helped me appreciate the diversity and functionality of materials in architecture. The second project further expanded my knowledge by fostering a comprehension of structural components in construction and their practical application in the industry. I developed a keen awareness of how buildings are constructed in response to real-world needs, and I was able to showcase this understanding through manual drawings and a physical model. These projects collectively allowed me to demonstrate my growing expertise in construction, materials, and technology, which are essential skills for my future in architecture. TGC developed through these assignments are TGC 1. Discipline Specific Knowledge, TGC 2. Lifelong Learning, TGC 3. Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills and TGC 4.Communication Skills in a group project.

My Learning Platform and Experience 

This semester, the value of face-to-face education has been incredibly impactful, as it allows for real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and personalized support, all of which have enriched my learning experience. Unlike the previous semester, I have attended all my lectures and tutorials physically, which has significantly deepened my understanding of the material and strengthened my engagement with the course. The MyTIMeS application and Microsoft Teams have been essential in accessing educational resources and submitting assignments, with both platforms being user-friendly and efficient after almost a year of use. For communication, Microsoft Teams has been the go-to for important announcements from tutors and module coordinators, while Whatsapp has proven indispensable for coordinating group projects and facilitating smooth collaboration with my peers. Overall, this combination of in-person learning and digital tools has created a comprehensive and supportive academic environment.

I'm truly grateful to have such an incredible tutor this semester. He is an architect with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his strict approach ensures that we strive for excellence in our work. Despite his firm guidance, it's clear how much he cares about our progress and success, always pushing us to do our best and offering valuable insights that deepen our understanding of the subject. Equally, our module coordinator has been a tremendous support, consistently providing clear and detailed briefs for our assignments, which has made it easier for us to stay on track and meet the high expectations set for us. Together, they have created an environment that is both challenging and supportive, helping us grow as students and future professionals.

My Tutor and Module Coordinator

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