Hi Ian,
Regarding today's class discussion, you mentioned about how we should gather our conceptual idea using different ways as opposed to just focus on the form itself in the beginning. As you may have known, we have initially been taught to develope our ideas starting with form, then only carry on with internal spaces, openings, materials, and so forth. And because we have been taught that way, I would like to know what other ways or methods are there for us to get the ball rolling?
I remember speaking to Ms. Kwok once about how she will teach her students in the beginning of the semester to grasp the fundamental knowledge on how to develope our conceptual ideas. Therefore can you give us some ideas regarding this issue?
Also, I have always wonder what is the difference between a flat, an apartment, and a condominium from the architectural point of view? We have seen so many around us nowadays, and I'm still puzzled over the fact that for me, the difference between these 3 blocks of buildings are the facilities each one offers, the materials used internally and externally, and the aesthetic values of each buildings.
Therefore when one asks us what is the difference between these 3, what are the key features or characteristics that we can accurately explain to give people a better understanding?
That's all I have to ask. Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Simon Tan
Dedicated to learning how to appreciate architecture and design buildings. Ian is an architect and tutor at various universities.
1 comment:
Form is only one of the ways to start with, but it isn't always the best place if you haven't the skill to break out of the confines of the chosen form. And in any case we all mean differenct things by "form". If we mean "commonly known objects" such as pyramid, egg, cube, etc. then we must have good reasons to choose one to start with, and wonder if we will end up with pyramid, egg, cube, etc.
The wider understanding of "form" which I find more helpful is "the 3-dimensional appearance of an object in space". That's personal. And with that I wouldn't be able to start with form as it will be the final outcome of the design process which will take me through understanding the building user, context, programme, available technology, and all the other stuff we've been talking about. I reckon if we crack those important questions the form will take care of itself.
Hope that helps.
The common factor in "flat, apt and condo" is "a living unit in a group of many". Flat, I believe, is more commonly used in the UK; the others probably the US, before they came here. Our local authorities have guidelines to define them---all based on unit size and extent of shared facilities. The order mentioned is also an indication of the comprehensiveness of the facilities. Finishes are not part of the conditions for definition, more for ranking in the eyes of real estate buyers.
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