Archi Update #3

Studio 2, Project 1.

Finally completed on 2nd September 2008.

Objective:

To abstract original ideas/concepts of the National Mosque. Basically, we just had to do some 'research' and guess what were the main ideas/concepts/purpose of the architect in designing the National Mosque the way it is.

Submission:

Diagrams in the form of 15 - 20 postcards. 

(Diagrams as in the precedents in architecture. Something like that, lah.) XP

Along with a conceptual model of the National Mosque.

Our concept/conclusion:

"When one sees the National Mosque, the very first feature one will notice would be the 'umbrella roof'."

From this statement of ours, we concluded that the concept of the mosque would be its unique roof, and the repetition of all the modules that were also indirectly in forms of 'umbrellas'.

Therefore, we built a conceptual model that highlighted all the repetitive modules on the underside of the roof, as well as the big 'umbrella' roof.

We used a perspex base to enable people to see the details on the underside of the roof, and also to understand how each module is being repeated to form the entire structure.

As for our presentation board, motives were carved on the sides to symbolize the geometry shapes in the mosque, as well as the motives used on the mosque walls to filter out lights and sound. We also used mosaic tiles that have similar colours with the 'umbrella' roof to sort of represent our whole building.

The process:

First of all, we finished our diagrams..kinda last minute, I should say. We had lots of little tiny details to change here and there. First, the roof wasn't right. Then, we had problems with the columns. (Plans, sections, elevations don't correspond to each other and all.)  -.-"

Then, we had problems with the line weights! Gahh...!!

After we FINALLY, finalized everything, we needed to print it out A.S.A.P, on hard, textured paper. (So that we had something to work on that night) 

It was 6:30pm already, and shops usually close around 8pm or so. Imagine all the chaos we went through!

The 'arrangements' of the postcards

In the end, we managed to buy the paper we needed from Popular Bookstore in Sunway Pyramid. All the way from SS15 to Sunway Pyramid. At 6:30pm, imagine the traffic jam that we had to endure! Plus, it was the 2nd last day of Mega Sales! We had to park all the way up on the rooftop, and we had to walk pass all the big 50% and 70% signs without paying any attention to them! =S

But we managed anyway.

Back in the studio, Hau Yee and I started 'carving' the motives on our postcards. It's basically part of our concept. And it was TOUGH!!

lines carved out~

end product~

It was okay to carve out maybe one or two, but NO.....we had to carve out SIX postcards each!! It was a painful experience, but worth it in the end. =D =D =D

The next obstacle we had to go through was the printing of our A3-sized drawings. After spending RM24 on printing on sticky film, we realized that the line weights were all gone!

Then, we had to go back and re-print...and that cost us another..er...RM20?? (I can't remember!)  But again, it was worth it. =)

Mounting our drawing on perspex~

"Officiating" our perspex. XD

Our mock presentation board~

Building our conceptual model wasn't an easy job as well. But thanks to Daphne, our 'professional' model maker and 'detailer', EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! =P

Origami concept to create the little pyramids. Genius!

Our little underside of the roof~

The little 'char siew baos'~

Daphne~

The roofs~

The modules~

Semi completed model~

We managed to complete the model on the morning of submission itself!

Actually, we thought our model was completed already on 31st August. On the 1st of September, we had a group meeting at my place to discuss on the presentation. When Daphne arrived, she told us that all the holes that were drilled on our perspex was not accurate! (@!#*!!@#)

Therefore, all our modules can't be put in properly. 

Gosh!!~

We had to take off all our little pyramids and 'baos' and 're-size' the roof. -.-"

And thanks to Daphne again, our model was completed at about 6am on the 2nd of September! =)

Don't get me wrong..we didn't bully Daphne. We're just not so good at detailing compared to her. =P

Presentation board~

Conceptual model~

Our presenter, and 'girlfriend' - Aaron~

The details~

(and also the picture that made me proud of my compact digicam. Who needs a DSLR? XP)

The team~

Daphne, me and Hau Yee~

Photo source: Aaron's camera, Hau Yee's G9, and my camera, of course!

=)