Sojourn in my grey matter.

[architecture trip in some part of malaysia, supposedly near jb.]

Went off alone, to the back of a “shopping centre” (4-6 storeys), Asian urban, loading-bay, concrete, signboards. Entered, saw a security guard. an open-legged flight of stairs.

Pages from my Sketchbook 1

My trusty Moleskine, companion to the alter ego of my mind. To sketch, to observe, to be; every line,  turn and curve etching the fabric of existence, of various moods and dispositions. Attempting to capture the quintessence of European towns, every page a chapter, and on hindsight an enormous window back into those carefree days of exploratory pleasures.

Granada, Spain – sitting on the narrow curb of a door along the slope waiting for the landlord to appear, sketching as shadow lines move across the pebbled floor. Aboard the TGV, France - A very adorable young boy scribbles and explores my SLR, as he travels with Mum and Sis to Toulouse for their summer vacation. Firenze, Italy – atop Giotto’s Campanile beside the Duomo, as I glance afar and outline the many windows of the Uffizi Gallery.

Para-Para

( Gantenbein Winery in Fläsch)

P1 and P2 for Digital Fabrication studio had been fun - investigation of the Gantenbein Winery had revealed how integrative digital processes can be applied to architecture. “First-order” basic components, “second-order” geometric operations, mass customisation, digital fabrication machines, are just some of the burgeoning techniques being experimented and used today.

Now to harness all of that in the exploration of a new typological 12+1 Tower. With (a very versatile) Grasshopper, a model following up from the theme of directional translucency was created. Seems like it might be headed towards a facade-based design or mere multiplication to banality. Based on Shinya’s suggestions, I guess it’s a process of iterative thinking from both Component>System and System>Component, where a meaningful architecture is created.

( Changing Openings)

jams legend!

Atop the Old

qmark’s top 3 haunts, perhaps as ideal VDay hangout spots:

PS. Cafe PALAIS

Heard of a beautiful sun-infused interior amid a lofty neo-colonial tropical setting (imagine floating B&W bungalow). Heard of famed Swiss Gruyere cheese with smoked ham for lunch. No reservations on weekends.

THE WHITE RABBIT

Seen a rabbit running on the website. Seen photos of ceremonious furniture, rustic materials and spatial sensitivity. Seen Takenouchi Webb’s office at Wessex and frowned at the red sofas of their latest project OverEasy at Fullerton. Renoir’s Luncheon at Boating Party comes to mind.

 ONE ON THE BUND 

Knew of the old Clifford Pier, pickup point to Kusu Island.  Knew of $12 bottled water, and a fantastic Marina Bay panorama. Aqua Restaurant Group’s latest development amid other cutting-edge F&B establishments in HK and Tokyo. Another case of adaptive reuse.

needs more cash.

A Workshop and A Website and A Studio

Workshop – Explorations of some fab digifab machines. I think it can be concluded that the laser printer had been misunderstood, the CNC had been stuck with engineering way too long, and the 3D printer is simply an archaeological magic show.

The laser printer discovers intricacy and mouldability. The CNC discovers structure and material distribution. The 3D printer discovers directional translucency and sightlines. To understand the implications of this newness is the key; to revel in it however becomes self-absorbing, myopic.

Website – Images from our pioneering digital studio weblog. Yeah many parallels to some AA Diplo Unit weblog, but maybe we are getting there. Do leave some comments too. The investigation with digital fabrication techniques will continue on to include components and systems.

Studio – Shinya先生 worked at H&dM and Renzo Piano Building Workshop, has quite an impressive CV and here’s an entry from the IaaC Housing Competition.

Fields for Thought

(see trevor.patt’s flickr set )

For this half a year, I will be exploring a facet of architecture which Patrick Schumacher (Zaha Hadid Architects) called the “great new style after Modernism”: parametricism.

Dear Student

 

 

The semester issue was on

‘co-habit’

or how a built structure with a fixed program can adapt to different – temporary and social – circumstances and needs

 

the world events (the past few weeks since the layout of the exercise) as they pass before our eyes may still bring sooner than later some of the issues we raised into the daily european and worldwide agenda.

 

architects in their handling of their craft have always had aims of

‘contemplation’ either of the singular or of the social soul

 

the condition of this post post modern age : void of goals and 

objectives ‘wrapping’ is not a condition by itself

 

in which way a precious object – versus the indiscreet object – can be of worth and adaptability

 

durability is often a parallel and synonym of changeability

 

you should in your presentation of the work – and as a complement to it – make some well considered statement on the worthiness of your ‘parti’ and gesture vis a vis the (initial) goal(s) of the exercise

 

in any case make it clear short and convincingly yours

 

josé paulo

something

to come

topos

The topography of colours. Like the contemplative wing of the Abstract Expressionists, they become powerful emotive imagery for the soul.

SuperGarden SuperSpore

SUPERGARDEN

11th International Architecture Exhibition, Venezia

Poof! qmark disappeared for 1.5 months.