PROJECT 2: ANALYZING AND THEORIZING ARCHITECTURE

8/10/2019 PROJECT 2: ANALYZING AND THEORIZING ARCHITECTURE

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM [ARC61303]

[ARC2224]

Project: Theorizing Architecture

Name: WONG JIA XIN

ID: 1101G13277


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1.0 Introduction

This project attempts to convey an understanding of architect's architectural

theory through a direct observation and analysis of the architect's building. The

purpose of this assignment is to theorize architecture by explaining the contributing

factors of the building design.

The studied architect, Ar. Emmanuel Canlas has been in the building design

industry for decades and is very experienced. He has done many projects of different

scales and has his own company Emmanuel Canlas Design and currently, he is a lecturer

in Taylor's University.

Ar. Canlas mentioned that there is no certain rule that he sticks to but the way he

designs is to bring nature into architecture. He always make an effort to use natural

light and natural ventilation in his designs. In my opinion, it is obvious that the nature

elements are implemented into his architecture design as it can be seen through his

works.

This general scope of study is focused on the analysis of 3 external factors that

have influenced Ar. Canlas' architecture approach that is evident in one example of his

projects.

Figure 1: Yeo Boon Leong Residence Front Elevation.


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As shown in Figure 1, the studied building is Yeo Boon Leong Residence which is

a semi-detached house located inBandar Kinrara, Puchong.

2.0 Analysis

To understand more about this building, the 3 contributing factors that will be

analysed are: climate, architecture theory and user.

2.1 Climate

Our tropical climate plays a big role in a building's design. The design of the

building is largely influenced by the location of the site.

Figure 2: A diagram of the sun path relationship with the site.

As the building is facing the South, the side elevation of the building will mostly

be exposed to the evening sun as shown in Figure 2. The side elevation (west elevation)

is designed with a good facade that can reduce the amount of direct sunlight.
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The facade is design with some protruding feature wall that is both functional

and aesthetical as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The protruding feature wall is able to

shade off some sun on the west elevation by its casted shadows. In Figure 5, a balcony is

designed above the dining room to shade off some evening sun. In addition to that, thebuilding is painted in light colours to prevent the absorption of heat from the sun.

To prevent heat from entering into the interior, the windows are glazed with a

double paned glass low e-coating. This allows sunlight to penetrate through the

insulating glass but reflects the radiant heat back, cooling the interior of the building.

Figure 6: Water features is both functional and aesthetical.

Many water features can be seen in this building as evaporation of perspiration

is the most effective physiological cooling process. In our hot and humid climate,

passive cooling works well and is the least expensive means of cooling a home. Passive

cooling effect requires air movement to work. Fortunately for this building design,


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nature is helping by bringing in natural ventilation in the direction of the water features.

Figure 7: Wind rose diagram for Selangor.

For Selangor, the main wind direction is SSE. The water features are designed in

front of the house which allows the wind to bring in the cooled air. Besides, the living

room to the kitchen is unobstructed with walls, allowing wind movement to flow

through the building.

2.2 Architecture Theory

The architecture theory that is applied to Yeo Boon Leong Residence is 'Forms

follow function'. This theory is a famous phrase by the American architect, Louis

Sullivan with the quote 'form ever follow function', where the shape of the building

should be designed based on its purpose for function. The form follows function

principle is associated with modernist architecture. The idea behind this philosophy is

'efficiency'. In the studied building, the arrangement of its spaces are very well laid out.

There is a distinct difference between public and private space. Also, the arrangement of

the floor plan is according to the hierarchy of the functionality. The use of windows

allows the natural light and view into the space, making the space feel more spacious. In

addition, the simplicity in form and design was clearly expressed in the theory of form

follows function by making the layout of the building functional and simple.


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Figure 9: The design of the roof is fixed due to conventional needs.

In order to sit in context, the Prairie style of low-pitched roof cannot be achieved.

However, the overhanging eaves are used in a simplistic manner to match the

neighbours and developer's conventional needs.

Prairie style originated from the United States in the late 19th century. Due to

the nature of their weather, the use of chimney is frequent. It was the Prairie style to

have a central chimney. However, a chimney is not needed in our country, therefore, a

different centre piece is used ie. the swimming pool.

Figure 10: The main spaces are in a open plan.


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The floor plan of the building is mostly an open floor plan as shown in Figure 10.

The main spaces such as the living hall 1, living hall 2, the dining room and the kitchen is

presented in the manner of an open floor plan. There are no obstructive walls that are

separating the spaces, allowing a continuous flow throughout the spaces. There is arestrained ornamentation in the building facade and only having bands under the eaves.

2.3 User

The Semi-detached house is also influenced by the demands of the user. As the

user is a Chinese, the Feng Shui principles largely contributes to the building's design.

The principles and practices ofFeng Shui continue to play an increasingly

important role in our design work. Even a basic review of Feng Shui suggest a complex

and sometimes contradictory language of design. Although some principles of Feng Shui

may appear to be sceptical, other principles are appreciated for their direct and

understandable value to physical design. Ar. Canlas said that Feng Shui is actually

science but has been practiced as Feng Shui for years.

Figure 11: The main door has a important role in the Feng Shui principles.

The quality of the entry door determines the quality of the energy entering the

home (BUILD LLC 2013). Ideally, doors should be solid and should open in. The front

door can become a feature of the home with the use of a bright colour and red is the

preferable colour. In this building, a red undertone brown is used as the main door.
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Figure 12: The rest and work areas are separated by walls.

Areas of rest should be kept separate from areas of work (BUILD LLC 2013).

However, this is easily distinguished as all the bedrooms are located on the top floor.

While the work place such as the wet kitchen and the utility rooms, they are mostly

enclosed by doors and windows as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 13: The indication of operable windows and non-operable windows.

Work Area

Rest Area

Non-operable

Operable
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Figure 14: The indication of operable windows and non-operable windows.

The promotion of natural ventilation and the use of natural daylight is said to begood. This is an easy task for Ar. Canlas as his principles is to always bring in the nature

element. To achieve this, large floor to ceiling windows maintain a maximum amount of

natural daylight while operable windows in the right locations allow for excellent

natural ventilation.

Figure 15: A void is present in the building.

The centre of a house should be empty to let the energy circulate properly

(BUILD LLC 2013). This works well with the circulation of a house and it allows

common areas to share common square footage. Ar. Canlas did make an effort to

achieve this as best as possible by locating the dining hall and family hall in the middle

of the building. Also, there is a void in the building, allowing energy to circulate from the

lower floor to the upper floor.

Non-

operable

Operable
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3.0 Discussion and conclusion

What is one doing when one is doing architecture? (Simon Unwin, 2014)

From what that can be analyzed from Ar. Canlas works, he is wants to merge his

architecture idea with the client's demand as well as possible. From a child that used in

play in a natural environment, to an architect that has done many different scales of

works. His adaptation ability to the client's demands is optimistic and it is valued in our

building industry today.

In conclusion, Ar. Canlas architecture is influenced by three things: climate,

function and user. From my understanding, the climate and function of the building is

influenced up to the massing part of the building design. Meanwhile, the facade and

spatial layout is the consequence of the demands of the user's preference. Ar. Canlas is

able to meet the Feng Shui requirements and stick to his principles of bringing in nature

as the principles of both overlaps each other.

Ar. Canlas has been living in a tropical country his whole life. This means that he

has the understanding of the natural environment of our country. However, the design

strategy responding to climate is usually not being applied in-depth because of other

external factors, mainly the client. Ar. Canlas designed according to the users' needs and

comfort. The arrangement of structural elements, the approach of entrances, and the

water features is shown in the critical thinking and problem solving to achieve a well-

designed residence for the user.

In my opinion, Ar. Canlas is able to achieve good design by the simple principle

by Frank Lloyd Wright 'Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union'.


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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Analysis

2.1 Climate

2.2 Architecture Theory

2.3 User

3.0 Discussion and Conclusion

4.0 Self Diagram

5.0 References

Documents

PROJECT 2: ANALYZING AND THEORIZING ARCHITECTURE