architecture enlightens life

here’s another archidex08 post focusing on architectural models; there are other archidex08 articles; material showcase, professional presentation boards and student presentation boards respectively. to be honest, matthew and I are partially disappointed with the exhibition, only few models are shown and most of them is material showcase and of course the good-but-I-missed-it DATUM kl forum.

most models here attracts the non-architecture public because of their large sheer size, up to over one meter in height. I know there are differences between the industry and educational environments but seriously to us, the architectural students- apart of their size, we see them lack in creativity values like those we were taught.

some argued that highrise forms like these are the most efficient in terms of cost over area- and these modernist boxes would not change in the long term. but I despise this fact, if it was that easy to change, then it would not be a challenge, won’t it? some labelled me as ‘vibrant’ and still ‘young’ to understand the current  condition- but I prefer to think of architecture as a progressive process.

this model I appreciated the trees, not in as real trees, but the modelling trees. other models mostly used trees made from sponge- but these are made of dyed cotton- which seems to blend easily within the grass landscape.

another residential model, this I can comment as a luxury apartments as each units have their own swimming pools. they prompted a bit of late post-modern forms like those vertical grey walls. less modernist, more height variations for differentation. ok, no more comments on architectural forms now-

I liked the concept of the lush courtyard, and particularly the green-lined suspended roof. heck, the courtyard is so lushed in greenery, not like those “lush” branded terraces with some longer grass backyard. still, I hope this do look like the actual courtyard- as most green areas advertised in developments does not come that good in reality.

this proposed malaysia airports corporate office looks very similar to the petronas university of technology building by norman foster- and before I could label it as a ‘copycat’, matthew reminded me that copying in architecture is nothing new. well, I suppose he’s quite true. from what I’ve heard- the famous SOM firm is also an infamous copier, and I dare not to verify the rumour.

the petronas university of technology by foster

a close zoom on model coconut/palm trees. I suppose they’re of individual curved paper with sides zigzag-ly trimmed. the stem? maybe of carved balsa wood I guess.

proposed waterfront putrajaya residential project, one of the most interesting architectural forms of all the other models shown. matt and I discussed that most models here are done by modelling companies, instead of the architecture firms alone. as you can witness the models are perfected to scale and measurement with delicately done details, as they’re emminently cut with laser beams. to be honest here, I still prefer the models to be done by the architects themselves.

the most outstanding model here is the setia city masterplan proposal, not to be confused with the setia ecocity in johor. most here will be impressed with the city scale of the model.

the green terrace of several buildings is intriguing, a good step taken by archi centre towards green architecture. I felt the buildings are still mainly boxy modernists though, although maybe the same materials used by the modelling company gave me that impression.

the assymetric skyscrapers of the masterplan proved to be the gem of all the models shown here. I felt rather uncalm towards the sunshades, in a bad way- which is quite similar to the malaysian parliament building. or maybe it is again, the modeling impression. they’re done with perspex or acryllics, with laser cutting of course. geez, any architectural students would be dead to cut those perspex manually like that. mind you, laser cutting is expensive.

what interests both of us is the smaller base being able to support a larger partition on top- making us wonder how the structural or materials work below there.

archi centre certainly had a great time with setia contracts, putting itself ahead of other firms in terms of project numbers and sizes. well, in my view of course.

while interestingly snapping this photo, one elder man seemingly a developer/architect of some sort pointed to us of how ‘normal’ this buildings look like. I had to agree with him, if you go to most developer offices, their lobby will have one or more of these dubiously look-alike condo models - proving to an extent how commercialized architecture in malaysia is.

and again, the forest infested greenery that surrounds!

matt and I joked that while car models cost us 6 ringgits each- we both wonder where and how expensive that monorail model would be.

I hate to say this but still, all models here - none are done by the architects themselves. model-making is a crucial process of design and the rewards of model-making my friend, is huge satisfaction. -yang