• Overview of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

• Introduction to the project brief and integrated design process

• Introduction to FILA + tried out some cases

• Groupings and setting rules and targets

• Learn about SLE buildings

Reflection:
The first week laid the groundwork for the module, highlighting the value of sustainability in architectural design. The project brief gave a real context for the project, allowing me to better comprehend its physical and environmental limits. I thought the introduction to GM 2021 to be enlightening because it highlighted the essential standards we must follow to achieve sustainable design. Exploring the existing massing model allowed me to imagine new design opportunities.

• FILA and SWOT analysis Group presentations

• Site observations + taking visuals

• Development of the site analysis map

Reflection:
This week, me and my group conducted a SWOT analysis which helped to learn more about the site's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This experiment helped discover design restrictions and potential mitigation measures. As for site analysis, our group visited the site (TP) to gather visuals for our site analysis presentation.

• SWOT Analysis Presentation and Feedback

• Assigned individual tasks for group work

• Case study and research for site resilience

• Discussion

Reflection:
Our group presented our SWOT analysis and gathered feedback and instructions. Then the group divided the workload between the group members and carried out individual research. I appreciated the opportunity to conduct case studies and research this week, which provided inspiration and practical insights for our project. (Week 3 lesson 2 was a make-up class during flex week)

Reflection:

This flex week was a valuable pause, allowing me to gather together my understanding of the concepts introduced so far. I spent this time to improve my site study and research sustainable design precedents. The self-directed method helped my abilities to manage time effectively and focus on areas that needed more attention.

• Examples of design brief discovery journal

• Consulting on the site analysis

• Submission of Site Analysis Report

Reflection:
Our group completed and submitted the site analysis report. The consultation sessions were very useful for aligning our focus on the expected standard of the report. We also went through some examples of design discovery journals to give us an idea of what is expected for the upcoming individual part of the project.

• Exploring GM 2021 standards for resilience, maintainability, and health and well-being

• Briefing for individual design discovery

• Assigning individual building of the site

• Carried out Peer Evaluation and reviewed feedback from groupmates

• Concept design development

• Consultation on the design brief

Reflection:
Integrating GM 2021 standards into the concept design was an eye-opener, relating resilience, maintainability, and health and well-being. This week’s discussions helped me see the broader impact of architectural design on occupants' quality of life. The consultation sessions helped identify what type of modifications for the design brief and aligning it with sustainable and user-centered goals.

• Reviewing GM 2021 design implications

• Project slide consultation

• Delayed submission of the design brief (80%)

Reflection:
This week focused on reviewing and refining individual slides, our tutor was there to consult us individually. Clarifying doubts and receiving advice on necessary changes to the slides helped me understand how to structure my content more effectively. However, I failed to submit the report in time and decided to take the late submission penalty instead as my report is still incomplete. I will continue working on my report as well as take some additional pictures of the site and try to submit by Wednesday 4th Dec, 2024.

• Concept Design Brief + Rubric

• Observed examples of concept design

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Reflection:

Our tutor explained the expected standard for each of the components in the project according to the rubric. (Space planning, Site planning, Building massing) Additionally, we learned about how to approach those standards when developing our concept design. By reviewing those concept design work examples, we got a brief visual of how our content should look like.

• Schematic Design Brief

• Concept Design Submission

• Project consultations

Reflection:
This week our tutor briefed us about the schematic design as well as showing us samples to give us the idea of what need to be submitted. Then I worked on my concept design. I am not satisfied with my product for concept design as I procrastinated and rushed through the end. Overall, I need to step up my performance and consult with my tutor more.

• Schematic Design Development

• Life Cycle Analysis

• Schematic BIM Drawings

Reflection:
After submitting the concept design, I worked on some additional design features to my building as I though it wouldn't be enough for schematic design. I started preparing the template for my schematic design. I continued working on my SketchUp model and ran necessary simulations. The life cycle analysis was particularly insightful, helping me make more informed decisions about materials and construction methods to reduce the overall environmental impact.

• Detailed Design Brief

• ESD Analysis Detailed Design

• Submission of Schematic Design

Reflection:
My SketchUp model got too many layers to smoothly run the simulations. I ended up doing the entire model from scratch which took a lot of my time. In result, I failed to produce proper renders for my schematic design as well as the universal design. The ESD analysis in the detailed design stage was a crucial step in evaluating how the final design would perform in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact. My schematic design submission was quite incomplete but I had to submit either way. I need to finish up necessary features and simulations for upcoming detailed design.

Made some progress for detailed design.

• Detailed Design Brief

• Detailed Design Presentation Drawings

• Submission of Reflective Learning Journal

Reflection:
Our tutor briefed in detailed for Detailed Design submission as well as showed some sample submissions. I finished up the simulations and researches for the materials by the weekend to start working on A1 sheet on week 18. We learned how to analyze lighting power budget, carbon calculation excel sheets and some other resources necessary for detailed design.