theorizing architecture.pdf

8/10/2019 Theorizing Architecture.pdf

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THEORIZING ARCHITECUTRE

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Climate

The Wooi residence is well responded to the climatic conditions i.e. sun, rain and wind which are

fully cherished by the architect with wide range of sustainable elements in the design. This

characteristics enhances in spearing to the natural hill top context with extensive roof overhangs,low wide open windows, transitional opening to the exterior etc. One of the sustainable factors that

was used in Wooi residence is the Cross Ventilation system to an extend which most of the

spaces in the house does not require mechanical ventilation (Air-conditioner), whereas utmost

number of houses in hot and humid climatic country like Malaysia uses artificial cooling systems.

This was accomplished through by placing excessive openings in every part of the house. The

cross ventilation system makes the wind to be flowed through the interior spaces by exhibiting

cooling and exiting warm air to the exterior environment. This would lead to a question of privacy to

the users? The answer would be, Ar Wooi has designed the building in such a way by placing

open able windows in private spaces and wide openings in public spaces such as hall the andguest room. While describing the openness, these spaces are not completely open. The open

areas used vertical wooden blinds that allow the flow of air. The reason for using this system was

Ar. Woois idea of bounding nature to architecture by connecting the exterior natural environment to

the interior spaces of the house.

Diagram 1 cross ventilation in wooi house

The Wooi residence also responds to the orientation of the sun and wind rose. The openings and

windows are placed facing the direction of wind rose. The building happens to be very conscious

towards sun light, which the windows could be opened during evening to experience the warm

sunlight and also could be closed during high temperatures. The windows are tinted, so that the

glare could be avoided when the windows are close (discussed more under material section). At

next the residence was designed with nature around it. The green surrounding helps in cooling the

building in night as well as providing shade to the spaces. The tall trees and beautiful garden would

let the incoming hot air to be cooler and nature exclusive house. This feature of using green around

the building gives the user to feel connected to the nature with a perfect thermal comfort level.


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Diagram 2 Sun path diagram of shah alam and diagram of showing green landscape in space`

Another climatic feature that the house adapts is the large overhangs from the roof. The largeoverhangs helps by providing shade around the house for a cooler environment. The entire

hypothesis will be made conceivable due to the way that, the shade made by the overhangs

produces a cooler ground relying upon the suns position.This in turn contributes a lot in protecting

opening from heavy rain during monsoon seasons. An alternate extraordinary element of vast

top overhangs incorporate the capacity to keep the building wrap away from immediate

sun beams in this manner the heat absorbed or transmitted by the materials forming the

encompass will be minimized. Thus the roof happens to be a unique structure and an important

component as a climatic contributor. These climatic characteristics were translated from the

traditional kampung house design to the residence by which it also adapts the traditionalarchitecture of Malaysia.

Figure 2 showing overhang of the roof


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Architectural theory

In exploring the architectural theory, the building expresses Post modernism theory of Architecture.

Postmodern theory is a broad and somewhat ambiguous belief system tied to the philosophical

and cultural reaction to the convictions of Modernism. Post modernism happens to be acontradiction theory of Modernism which is more in following fixed planning, flat roof and modern

ideas, whereas post modernism more towards designing architecture with tradition and cultural

connection to the users. Post-modernist theory came to growth during the modernist time of

movement but has proved to be different from it in terms of ideas. One of the features being,

contrast of styles, which includes the combination of traditional contemporary and newly inverted

forums with overstated traditional detailing. The same applies to the wooi residence, Ar. Wooi

already had much learning about the Kampung types of houses making it simple to use the

theory behind the making and the mechanical working of the house to his advantage when

planning his own house.

In addition to this the post modernism has a nous of anything goes thus forms filled with humor

sarcasm ambiguity and inconsistency. So in relating to this concept of post modernism, Ar. Wooi

inherits different forms to achieve the largeness, rhythm and boundless passage between the

inside and the outside. As said before Wooi residence is supposed to be a unique design between

other houses in that housing area. In explaining the basis of post modernism roof always plays a

major functional purpose in climate as well as hypothesis of architecture. In case of wooi residence,

it happens to be synced with the basis of postmodernism theory in every aspect. The roof is

anchored with angled position to a pillar at the entrance. This acts to be symbol and to be an iconic

feature of the house in the neighbourhood context. It also happens to be peculiar in creating asimple design but having iconic and complicated details, which makes the building to be unique

from the other designs. This factor concedes perfectly with the theory of post modernism.

Figure 3. Showing pole connection for iconic roofing


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The house exhibits strong character of poetics by its curvy shapes and blends into the context

which makes the user to feel the tropic shelter in a city.The experience approaching the house

creates a rhythm within the home setting, a journey sensed to unravel in distinctive stratums to the

users. This poetics are also achieved from the light and shadow contrast through open and private

space with materials and structural elements. This perceptions completely counterparts the post

modernism theory to introduce some life to the spaces rather than a dwelling to the users.

Diagram 3 expressing light and shadow contrast

Materials

Architect Wooi is very particular in choosing the materials materials of the house. If you refer to his

other designs, the materials are very unique in terms of sustainability and expression to the house. In

Wooi residence he tries to achieve low technology building solution technique by using ample

amount natural material into the exterior as well as in some part of the interior spaces. Since this

research is relating to the Traditional and Vernacular architecture of Malaysia into current

contemporary context, the materials are also in relation to these architectural styles.He chooses

these materials due there unfailing nature of bring up a more regular legitimate look and feel to

spaces. Throughout the house, Ar. Wooi levels the rigidity of wood and concrete with soft fabrics

and textiles. While, his further investigation with wood terrains him breath-taking staircases drawn

with an appreciating wheezes for it to have a floating impact. A curved flight of frighteningly light

timber stairs precariously supported seemingly by only 2"x1" timber strips. Each step will beassembled from a single plank of meranti wood, with united closes held consistently to the wall.

Brick piers and diagonal timber struts lead one in a rhythmic fashion around the curve of the building

to arrive at the entrance into the ground floor where the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a guest

room are located. The ceiling exposes all the members of the making, proceeding with to mark the

cadenced enthusiasm got from the floor plans. This style encourages to overstate the space

(show up greater) and help flow of air. The decision of materials, stresses on post-modernist way of

material utilization.


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Figure 4 Stairs and Interior spaces

The dining will be encased very nearly totally by glass and unapproachable from the outside due

to it tallness on the slant of the slope outside. A shrewd procedure to lift the floor levels while stillappreciating the view without agonizing over outsiders breaking into the home as the level will be

high and the lower floor completely secure as the dogs have freedom over the entire floor and

garden. There will be just one access into the living room level assembled of robust wood held by

a lock from the inside. The Architect pays a closer attention to the details of his creation with the use

of local wood like Meranti and Chengal to bring out the authenticity of the design. The wood is

converted to Blinds to avoid the need of large use of glass, which is turn the whole space

functions has one but with partitions for privacy. The solid exterior walls of the house happen to be

exposed brick. The ideas of using bricks are because of showing the feeling traditional and cultural

aspect of Malaysia. Eco tinted glass are placed in faades of the building with the exposure


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towards sunlight. In addition to this the roof material is Zinc titanium, which glows at night like a

lantern, almost like a beacon beckoning the world to a new direction in tropical Malaysian

architecture. This becomes an advantage in sustainability of the building by using low energy

materials which leads the building to very energy efficient.

Figure 5 Metallic roof and brick materials

Conclusion

Architect Wooi is very conscious in designing his residence in responding to the context as well as

influencing traditional Architecture to introduce the sense of culture. He uses his personal and

natural element in the design to adopt a naturalistic home to his family. He wants his family to

experience the feeling of a modern kampung house that he felt in his childhood. The use of light

materials such as wood and brick with extensive design ideas (roof and kidney shape plan) gives

an expression in Post modernism theory of architecture. As said earlier, this project is a successful

in terms design as well as in terms of sense of feeling which articulates the Post modernism theory

of Architecture.


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Self-Diagram

Postmodernism theoryis a broad and somewhat ambiguous

belief system tied to the

philosophical and cultural reaction to

the convictions of Modernism.

Architects Self

Theory In Architecture

Name : Mr . Ar. Lok WooiBornPlace of Birth : Alor SetarNationality : Malaysian

External

Contributing

Factors

Childhood

He grew up living in a sundryshop that his family owned in apredominantly Malay village,and therefore no stranger to theconstruction of kamponghouses and its tropical design

principles. had an interest in art from a

very young age His uncle who was residing in

Singapore at the timepersuaded him to pursue acareer in architecture ratherthan art

CLIMATE

Architect wooi ideas of

accepting themalaysian climate is by

using open spaces,

cross ventilation and

roof overhangs.

MATERIALS

Ar.Wooi has a taste of

sustainable and low

cost materials such as

brick and wood

material to exhibit

traditional Malaysian

architecture.


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Reference

Ar. Wah, L. C, 2004. Wooi Residence. ArchitectureASIA, [Online]. 4, N.A. Available at:http://wooiarchitect.com/article3.php [Accessed 23June 2014].

Zainal, S, 2004. Wooden Hut. Interview with Malaysian Timber Board, [Online]. N.A, N.A. Available at:http://wooiarchitect.com/article3.php [Accessed 24 June 2014].

YOON, C. M, 2006. Airy, Not Fairy. The Star Online, [Online]. N.A, N.A. Available at:http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?file=%2f2006%2f2%2f5%2flifeliving%2f13247997&sec=lifeliving [Accessed 26 June 2014].

Yoon, Chin. M, 2006. Airy, Not Fairy. StarMag -- Spaces, [Online]. N.A, N.A. Available at:http://wooiarchitect.com/article1.php [Accessed 22June 2014].
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