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PROJECT 2
WELLNESS CENTRE PLUS
brief
To generate design through conscious consideration of spatial typologies, section-plan relationship, contextual conditions and considerations of human scale, natural light, materiality and textures. To resolve basic building construction, materials and environmental considerations. To produce and justify a design of a small-scale community building within an open/suburban context, following analysis and exploration of the site, the user requirements, environmental sustainability, buildability and spatial poetics.
outcome
maximum of 4 A0 sized boards or 8 A1 sized boards
study models
final model (scale 1:150)
presentation material in PDF format
We were tasked to produce a design of Wellness Center PLUS within the Kepong Botanical Gardens which borders the suburban neighbourhood of Taman Ehsan. Requirements are to provide full design proposals incorporating findings from precedent studies and site analysis. We were to generate narratives that respond to the environment, community and chosen user group (elderly and young children) within the given context. We were to also explore environmental poetics of building enclosure’s design solutions that reduce environmental impact utilizing various complex typologies of spatial organisations and a variety of passive strategies for sustainable design. The design should contribute to and merge harmoniously with environment and site and provide the best of spatial experiences in fostering a sense of community.
Narrative
Wellness Center PLUS functions as a health and recreational facility for the surrounding community. For the target user, I chose to focus to on the elderly demographic, due to them being the main users of the Kepong Botanical Gardens. The other target user I chose are young children as from the site analysis conducted during the most of the day they are left in their homes with their grandparents. This creates an opportunity for the center to provide activities for them to participate in. This leads to the PLUS programmes being carried out in the center which helps to establish a greater connection and bond for the elderly and their young grandchildren. The programmes include communal gardening and art activities which help contribute not only to that familial relationship but also to the rest of the community. In relating to the theme of connection, the building also contributes a link between the users and the surrounding natural landscape as the structure is located in a development known for its significance for preservation of local flora. The PLUS programmes generate both a tangible and intangible between the users and nature.
Users can enter the building through the main entrance on the western side which serves pick up/drop off acess, a pedestrian entryway on the southern side which acts as a direct connection between the site and the residential area and an acess point from the parking area on the northern side. The eastern side provides acess to the Kepong Botanical Gardens for visitors. The information center and gardening area is located nearby the entrances for accesibility and interest for newcomers. The cafe produces an exterior view of the surrounding park and an interior view of the courtyard. The restrooms and storage are located nearby. The 1st floor is reserved for art-related spaces including a workshop and exhibition area, and yields a greater view of the park. Circulation between the two floors are provided with an elevator, staircase and accessible ramp. The structure is surrounded with green spaces and playplaces for the younger users. The exterior spaces and roof are in the shape of a tangram to reflect the connection between the elderly and their grandchildren through a timeless puzzle.
study models
final model
a1 boards
click to view pdf
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