STUDENT FEATURE 6

Featured Student: Tang Li Qun
Course: Diploma in Architectural Technology
Semester: 3
Featured Project: Studio 1- Space within a tree




Masanori House


Placed upon a scenic site that provides possibly the best view on Bukit Melawati, it would make sense to build a platform upon which the sweeping city/ land/ seascape can be enjoyed at its finest. Personally the initial concept of just two two concrete slabs impaled into the earth to provide a hallowed out cave-like space would do beautifully, but it was rejected. In place, the concept was that it should be a very site-responsive retreat, providing maximum view while maitaining the essence of Kitaro.


A square is chosen for the basic geometry of the three forms because it is the simplest of all geometrical shapes, one that represents the purity of a space as it is. A square has no connotation, it is neutral. In keeping with the simplified geometrical outlook, subsequent alteration of the squares were kept to minimum. This exaltation of the quadrangle can be seen as a form of poetry, a poetry of space. The usage of stairs permits an altar-like experience to every space Kitaro enters, enhancing ritual and glorifying the living experience. This design concept is very much in tune with Kitaro's characteristics, a highly ritualistic person.


While the exterior of the buildings may look monolithic, the intimate spaces within are meant to enthuse the patron with warmth and homeliness. The interior of the building is designed to make use of all of the spaces, and also to open up to the best views from the mountain upon which it is perched. The balcony is aligned fading both the city and the forest, while from the dining and kitchen spaces a view of the sunrise and sunset is framed respectively. The bathroom has unimpeded 180 degrees view of the surrounding, while being elevated enough to grant a sense of privacy to the user. From the balcony, the view of the horizon reaches far out toward the sea, an endless journey, a flat plane that bring the eyes skyward, accentuated by the diagonal line of the diamond-like middle form(where the kitchen and dining is placed).

backview from the house

Do you think that architecture tends to be trendy today?
Yes, the end. (haha)

I'll take it that by 'trendy' you are trying to imply short-lived, meaning buildings that will look outdated by the next spring collection. There are certain points to ponder when relating architecture to fashion, one of which i will bring to fore: the fashion trends are mainly determined by celebrities and or fashion designers' whims and fancies. It is true, we have starchitects like Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid that more or less dictate what buildings are in, and what buildings are heinously out of fashion. Because clients, in general, want what Dick, Tom, and Harry next door has, only bigger and jazzier. And, they pay good money.
The result is that many buildings, especially commercial and corporate buildings start to catch a whiff of Zaha Hadid (interestingly, not so much for Rem Koolhaas). However, this might not be a bad thing. If you are trying to enter history as a tick on postmodernist contemporary. Timeless architecture is the Pyramids-or perhaps not, as Pharaohs' all sport pointy graves.

-Li Qun