Cherating: Interior Architecture Workshop 2013

Aloha, readers! We're back from our 'workshop' in Cherating, Pahang and thought we'd shared something with you guys.

The sun, beach and fun!

We were in this beach for three days two nights, getting randomly tanned and bruised and cut but we wished to prolong the moment there, no assignments, just fun.

L-E-O

The many selca of our dear photographer, everywhere and everyday of the trip, there'd be at least one with different groups of people.

She saw Emma's 'future husband' fleeing 

Picture of the post: Leo's shocked expression. Also, note that Emma wished (really hard) to meet The ONE as soon as possible and get married, so be nice and introduce her to someone!

P.S. Our Raya celebration has been postponed to a later date, so updates will be limited to introductions only, sorry.

CHAPTER 2.1: Design Analysis

Olé! We're back with the design analysis of the building. This generally means we're going to talk about the building in terms of how the space can be categorize and how is it arrange to meet the requirements of the function of this kedai runcit.

Form of the building

Based on the plan of the kedai runcit, it has a rather strong linearity by the linear growth through the repetition of forms in the building.

Space relationship

As this kedai runcit is mainly for grocery shopping, which is publicly exposed, the private space can be more specifically defined with the use of walls in terms of adjacent spacing.

Dominant space

Since the main function of the kedai runcit is to sell stuff, there is a spatial hierarchy of the display and payment area as compared to the private areas.

Element differentiating spaces

And due to the arrangement of the shelves in a repetitive order, there is a physical barrier that partially encloses the private area visually.

Paths inside the kedai runcit

Also influenced by the shelf arrangement, intersecting paths are created within the area at a regular interval that configures a grid path.

Type of spacing

Along with the grid path configuration, the spaces established are of pass-by spaces where people can easily go around to view the items on display.

Type of circulation space

Considering that the configuration of the circulation is directly influenced by the shelving, the enclosed circulation space would be of consequence to the height of the shelving as well.

Scale and proportion

In the diagram above, structural proportion is where the proportion of the building is set by the structural elements like the roof truss, in this case.

Building approach

Being placed off the road slightly off a T-junction, the approach to the building is of the oblique type where the entrance of the kedai runcit is not wholly and directly visible.

Type of entrance

With the overhang of the roof, a projected entrance is naturally erected which also serves to provide an overhead shelter for rain and shine.

Horizontal element

Due to the building's location, the horizontal base plane can be clearly defined by the change of material in which the asphalt road transits into the kedai runcit's cement rendered floor.

Vertical element

In light of the access and egress of the building which is the whole front of the kedai runcit, the vertical planes that defines the space entirely is of a u-shaped, allowing visual and spatial continuity into the building.

Type of opening

As for the opening, a simple two panel louver windows are place within the vertical elements as part of the building requirement where there is a need for a minimum size of opening. 

Longitudinal section of the kedai runcit

Oh, finally. The section above shows the spaces with human interaction and a sense of the activities going on in the kedai runcit.

Phew, sorry for the long post but we think it's easier to grasp the idea if it was done individually rather that grouping all the information in one, so enjoy scrolling and we'll see you next post. Good day!

CHAPTER 2.0: A Kedai Runcit

'Ello, everyone! We're back with a fresh new chapter which will focus more on architectural stuff, so read through to see what we see.

Plan of the kedai runcit

Our chosen public building is a grocery store, also commonly referred to as the kedai runcit locally. Coming into the building, the first thing you see would be the payment area, display area and then to a more private area consisting of a small TV area, a bedroom and a storeroom.

Elevation of the kedai runcit

The kedai runcit is a detached single-storey building, located off the road at a T-junction (at where we were dropped off, if you remember, if not, refer to Chapter 1.0), beside the local masjid or mosque, which is frequented by locals for typical everyday staples like bread loaves, canned tuna, personal hygienic products etc.

This will be a short post to introduce you to our building, the next one will be on our analysis of the design of the building so keep checking back with us. Thanks!

CHAPTER 1.0: Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat

Hello, hello! As promise, a new update (well, actually not so much of new, just improved). Enjoy!

The boundaries of Hulu Langat and location of Dusun Tua

Dusun Tua was the place we've visited to 'experience' kampung (village, for those who don't understand Malay) life for a day, well, half a day, maybe.

Dusun Tua in its glory and our route to finding a house to understand kampung lifestyles

The illustration above is a very much simplified map of Dusun Tua, with our route on finding a traditional Malay house in number sequences. To explain:

1. Point of arrival: We were dropped off here after around 30-45 minutes of bus ride, dreadful, I tell you.

2. Gathering venue: This is where we met En. Ghazali to inquire him about the kampung he's responsible for.

3. Location of our chosen traditional house: Not that we had much choice (not really true, but we were a bunch of lazy kids, not wanting to go further than necessary... tsk tsk, we know), the first 2 houses we went to were rather disappointing and the auntie of this house was kind enough to let us barge in on her activities and let us use her house for our assignment. So thank you, if she ever reads the blog.

This part is just a brief one to kick start our first chapter so keep checking in with us, more juicy details (forget assignments and wait till you see our behind the scene extras, heh) will soon to come your way and hopefully, share with you what we've learnt about kampung traditions and lifestyles. See you soon!

Ta-tah!