Monday 29 January 2007

How to....What is....

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

Tuesday 23 January 2007

Journo Adrenaline!

Oh, Wow! This is sooooooooo good! You guys really went to town!

Love the energy! Well done, All!

See you tomorrow.

Ian

Welcome to Your 2nd Home, Gockel!

Welcome to Your 2nd Home, Gockel!
YESTREDAY, I had the privilige to interview Mr. Alfred Alexander Gockel, renowned for his contemporary arts that made a huge success in the painting career. He was a freelance artist and designer and also a lecturer in his former academy which he graduated from. In the year 1981, he has retire from all his works and became a full-time artist which was a very long and sucessfull career.
In the year 1983, He and his wife Ingrid, founded an art publishing company; Avant Art, today a top ranked player in the abstract segment of the market, with customers in more than 50 countries worldwide.In 1987, the procelain, carpet and sportswear industries have made use of Gockel's design. To meet the demands of this expansion, Gockel purchased a mill in 1988 and converted it to use as a center for graphic printing. In 1990, this has led to international recognition and the establishment of two other studios, one in Londoon andthe other in Connecticut.
Surprisingly after all his success, at the age of 70, he suddenly decided to migrate to Malaysia and spend the rest of his life here. As soon as he arrived at the airport, I took the opportunity to invite him for dinner and interview him and these are what I received from the Q&A session:
Q: Good evening Mr. Gockel and welcome to Malaysia, I'm representing the STAR II to write an exclusive article concerning your migration to Malaysia. Frankly speaking, I'm very surprise that you would settle down in Malaysia. What made you decide this?
A: I find that Malaysia is a very special place. Especially it's cultures. The Malays aren't only the first culture that left an impression on me, but also the only culture in the world which is very impressive and unique.
Q: So what do you think best represent Malaysian's culture?
A: I was told that Malaysia is a multi-racial country, and there are alot of other sub cultures beside the 3 major cultures that formed this country. I think the words 'Love' and 'Harmony' are the best describtion for it.
Q: So why this multi-racial issue fascinates you so much?
A: I personally beleives in love and peace, although we are born with different colours, heights, accents, and gifts, we are still human. We still shares the same attributes of what a normal human has. A pair of eyes, hands, legs, etc. So we should really be welcoming everyone with care and loving. I detest the idea of racism as it brings no harmony in life. Because the people in malaysia managed to live in peace despite their racial differences, I finally made the dicision to choose Malaysia as my 2nd home.
Q: I see, you are a peace lover indeed. You are a very famous artist, a sucessful one, why do you suddently plan to settle here? Is it you wanted to establish another studio in Malaysia?
A: Haha, no, no... I don't plan to take part in any business activities anymore. After all these years of hard work. I have had enough, what I really want in life now is to indulge myself in my favourite paintings. I want to experieance a whole new level of life as well as my painting techniques. That's why I've chosen Malaysia out of the rest of the asian counties. To relax, to meditate, and to paint.
Q: What do you think would give you more ideas on your future paintings?
A: As I'm really sensitive to rhytms, like dances and musics, the ethnic musics and dances might give me some kind of an idea for my next rhytmic painting. The way they sounded was very special and I have never heard it before. They sounded very natural, raw, and beautiful.
Q: What are your expectations towards your paintings after reciding in Malaysia?
A: My aim is to paint harmony. The kind of harmony that you can only feel in Malaysia. The kind of harmoniuos life between various races in a country that flourish and prosper the busy life in Malaysia.
Q: Wonderful, now that you're so looking forward to settle down, have you decided where to built your personal living space?
A: I have chosen a few places, I prefer it to be in between the town and the outskirt of the country. As it wouldn't be too far from civilization and peace and quiet.
As the waitress has approach our table, serving us dinner. I decided it is time to end the conversation and allow Mr. Gockel to enjoy his dinner.
Q: Mr. Gockel, I'm very thankful for you to accept my interviews. I hope you will enjoy Malaysia and find it suitable for you. Peace be with you and good night.
A: Thank you. Peace be with you too.




Rosalind Sharon Goh
0507P54764

Brief for Antonio Puri’s house


Name: Antonio Puri
Gender: Male
Age: 41 years old (1966)
Place of Birth: Chandigarh, India
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA
Hobbies: Traveling, Music, Gym, Movie
Marital Status: Single
Height: 180cm
Weight: 80kg
Language: English
Religion: Christian
Family Background: Father, Mother
Personality: Cheerful, Fun, Happy, Positive, and Independent
Style: Colorful, Contemporary, Circle, Modernism, Batik
Inspiration: Spanish Masters, French Impressionists, Abstract Expressionists, and the Dadaists.
Perception of as ideal house: Easy access, wide space, a space to exhibit his art work, each space has its own special feeling.

Achievements: Held several exhibitions of his art work.

Qualification:
1986 - Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA
1989 - Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA (BA in Fine Arts and English)
1994 - Marshall – Wythe School of Law, Madrid, Spain
1995 - University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, IA (JD)
2004 - Chas Hama artist-in-residence subsidized space grant, New York, NY
2005 - Artists' Fellowship Inc. Grant, New York, NY

Quote:

“My art is my means of identifying with the universe. Therefore, I use contrasting forms to express my need for universality. My inspiration comes from the unity between the microscopic and the macrocosmic.”

“My painting process is also designed to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. By using strings and sometimes wax as a resist (modified batik technique), I am able to reveal several layers of paint which would ordinarily get covered up. Introducing a hybrid of techniques, symbols and various mediums, I am hoping to create Oneness.” – Antonio Puri



Design Considerations / Preferences :

- shape: exploded circle
- material: modern & simple like glass, concrete & plaster, slight amount of timber & steel
- openings: horizontals n verticals, high floor to ceiling height
- color: (exterior) – plain white
(interior) – more lively colors depending on the function and theme of a
Room
- space orientation: hall, kitchen with dining table, drawing room, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom – prefer to have more open space as in able to view the different parts of the house especially from the bedroom
- single storey with different levels ( eg. Raised floor of 12-15 inches ) to indicate different section of the house

Done by,

Simon Tan Hong Thien

0601P46253

House for Chris Ofili

House for Chris Ofili

He is a contemporary painter. He is a man who born in Manchester, England in 1968.He did study Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art before completing his Masters degree in painting at the Royal College of Art. He is an artist lives and works in London. He is a Briton who carrying Nigerian blood in his body. His skin colour is dark. His painting habitually dominated on the issues of black culture, imagery and sexual stereotyping into humour manner. No doubt, the uniqueness of his works caused his won the Turner Prize in 1998. He has spent years developing his painting that wills not disappointing. Unquestionably to ask, he is Chris Ofili.
Chris Ofili comes to town, a cosmopolitan country - Malaysia. A 70 years old man wants to immigrate and put himself in this tropical climate country which is warm to hot and moist year-round for the rest of his life. He does have a passion to experience the different climate in his own British. The richness of the culture in Malaysia may encourage him to evoke new idea in his paintings later. As he said “'the way I work comes out of experimentation, but it also comes out of a love of painting, a love affair with painting”. Never fail to say that the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively cheaper compared in London. Physically healthy and flexible in mobility allowed him to have the idea to move around.
Ofili still would like to enjoy living and be alive in relaxing peaceful lifestyle. At the moment, he is searching a dream accommodate. The location that he required to place his accommodate tend to headed for a nature environment for his next life. Not in the hectic city and capital of massive sky scrapers with busy highways around. In the same while, he believes nothing beat the victory of standing in the fore line of trends. He is demanding for the designing and quality of spaces in the house. The key concept of his ideal house is likely to be “Paradox and Contradiction” which is designing in contradiction style. In sense of the house may have to split into two designing perspectives which in term to create a contradiction kind of mood. For example, one is rather seal up in order to protect privacy. Where else another side would rather explore to the surroundings with the purpose of appreciate the environments.
The basic requirements and qualities of the house should be well provided. Ofili is tending to live in a two storey house which is appropriate in size. Spaces required are spacious living room, efficient kitchen, two bathroom (upper and down floor), dining room, a small drinking bar and a roof top space for the purpose of relaxing. He would likely to stay the social life in active. The interior consists of open-plan design where is easy to access from one space to another. In additional less partitions between the spaces is required in the way easy to handle and control the whole house. Each part of the house may encourage in multi-functional usage. “I prefer to do something experiments outside the traditional”, he said. Therefore, sometime he may want to paint in somewhere instead to box up himself in the studio.
As his age growth, the careful design in detailing must take into consideration such as ramp for elderly, planning for the staircase and bathroom requirements for aging, no unevenly or slip pavement surface which may cause accident and so on. The way of seek for functional perfection combined with the harmony are the ideal house for him. Great ventilating and provide adequate direct and indirect lighting also needed. He hopes that the house may using wide arrange of materials like concrete, glass and timber. Unique in the finishing of floor system and special openings in the sense of placed them in different kind of manner where the modern random mixing around with tradition style.
Definitely, we are looking forward Chris Ofilis enjoy he next life in Malaysia.

Malaysia Welcome Artist to Town!

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which is an immigration scheme open to nearly all foreign citizens wishing to retire or live in Malaysia on a long-term basis, has been a huge success since its inception in 2002. A country blessed in so many ways in terms of its cultures, natural resources, beautiful sceneries, etc., it is no wonder why Malaysia is chosen as a gateway to peaceful and comfortable living for many foreign retirees. Recently, we welcome yet another extraordinary man as part of our multi-cultural family. He is no other than the infamous Indian abstract artist, Antonio Puri.

Growing up at the foot of the Himalayan mountain range, a place notorious for its impenetrable wilderness and impeccable beauty, Antonio’s first instinct in appreciating art was through its magical surroundings. His passion towards art became apparent at a tender age of five. At an age when most children just barely learn to read and write, Antonio had already begun drawing and painting with such diligence that he became the talk of his town.

Coming from a poor family, his ambition to become a well-known artist and making art as a source of income was never tolerable and encouraged by his parents. In fact, he would always get scolded by his parents for spending too much time on drawing rather than laying his eyes on books. It is his parents’ dream for him to become a successful lawyer someday. Though being discouraged and let down many times, Antonio was very persistent in believing in himself and what his future would hold for him. “On many occasions in the middle of the night, I would sneak out of the house and go to nearby trees to draw on the trunks. Then in the morning, people will be wondering why are there drawings of all sorts on trees. At some point, they even thought that perhaps it was a message by God”, chuckles Antonio when he thought back.

Due to the pressure from home, Antonio left India to pursue his dream as an artist. Antonio studied Art across the globe - from Spain to Iowa, India to San Francisco. He drew inspiration from the Spanish Masters, French Impressionists, Abstract Expressionists, and the Dadaists. But none of these would match the simple admiration he saw in the world itself. Significantly, his passion towards art was reaching its peak when he was leading a double life – studying law at the University of Iowa and became part of Illinois State Bar as a corporate attorney; only to give it up to pursue art full time.
“And the rest is history”, exclaimed Antonio.

In terms of his paintings, from the simplest circle with a black background, to the never-ending fire which burns within its core, everything Antonio paints is propelled by the most basic human drives - separate from the superimposed edifice of any single society. In this way Antonio captures both the singular distinctive flavor of the individual heart, as well as the beating drum of humanity in whole. When asked further about his paintings, Antonio was rather hesitant in speaking of his work. It is perhaps his experience as a lawyer, where words are twisted and thrown like weapons, which made his so. Ask him the meaning of a particular piece and his face fills with a vague pain. "I'm not a writer. If I were I would talk about it. But it's not that I don't want to. I can't. I can only say it in the colors. That's where the meaning is. Colors are universal."

Perhaps it is this. Or perhaps it is that the emotional power of Antonio's paintings cannot be captured in words. In dramatic support of this contention are Antonio's recent circles. The ambiguous eternal beauty of the spherical form seems to reveal the uncertain nature of love and hate, good and bad, beauty and ugliness, a powerful illustration of the immovable unity between the spinning opposites that cannot be experienced in the divisions of language. Explained, maybe, but not experienced. But beyond the meanings and themes, the ultimate point of his work seems to be the sweeping happiness of his color. Just like a child, wandering in the park, playing with time and space.

When discussed about the reason he chooses Malaysia as his second home, he replied, “ Actually there are not many differences between Malaysia and where I come from, India, in terms of the weather, food, and people. After all we are all Asians. However, the one element which blew me away was how friendly the people are here. I have been to many places around the world, but I have never felt so at ease and comfortable in a foreign land, until I came to Malaysia. I guess it is meant to be for me to be here”

He added, “Furthermore, the government here has been very helpful in working out the procedures for me, making my planning here so much easier. At the moment, I have not decided the exact place where I’m going to live, but it will most likely be around the coastal area such as Langkawi, Kuantan, or Penang. I am still in the process of working things out with some of my architect friends here and hopefully we will get everything into place during my trip here this time.

Lastly, when asked about his plans when he settles down in Malaysia, he said, “Well there are so many things to do here. I have not given much thought about it yet, but one thing is for sure, I know I will never get bored here! Sa-ya Cin-ta Ma-lay-sia!




Done by,
Tan Hong Thien ( Simon )
0601P46253

Article On Ronald Davis

Racer to painter

In the world of artist, there are too many people who are driven with their own styles and passion to paints and use them as a platform to express themselves. However, not everyone is lucky enough to discover that they have the ability to paint at their early stages of life. Ronald Davis was one of them. He discovers that he was born to be a painter at the age of 22. Since young, he was a person who is outranges, adventurous and outgoing but he had decided to give up on racing to become a painter. In his younger days, he enjoyed racing but unfortunately, he had blown out on of his rear sports car engine which almost got him killed. He definitely is terrified by the incident and begins to think twice on the idea of racing for the rest of his life. He begins to realize that racing is a very expensive sports and not everyone is lucky enough to have a second chance in life. So he begins to look into other options to support himself. He had tried his hand on writing and composing but in the end, he found out that painting is much more suitable for him.
Recently, this unique man had decided to move to our country to spend the rest of his life permanently here as he has reached the age of 70 years old. With so many achievements, our country is very much honored to have him to set his roots permanently here. Because our entire nation are very curious to know what makes this famous artist to set his foot here, I was given the privilege to interview this man to get in depth about his future plans. It was definitely a pleasure to meet such a wonderful man who is very humble and is still very passionate about his work even though he has reach his golden age. Through the interview, I found out that he was born in Santa Monica, California on June 29, 1937. He was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and spends all his childhood life there. Upon completing his studies, he works as a metal mechanic where he was exposed to the world of artwork. Soon, he enrolled himself into San Francisco Art Institute and began to paint abstract painting. From here onwards, he had decided to become an abstract expressionist even though it was a costly profession.
Moving on with his work, he explains a little bit about his artworks. He basically paints using acrylic paints and paints them on huge canvas so that he able to convey his arts clearer. He paints in large scales and most of his subjects revolve around geometric in three dimension forms. His paintings mainly focused on the illusion snap lines, as he believes these snap lines makes his paintings more realistic. Furthermore, he believes that tripartite exits within the relationship between the viewers, the objects and the spaces created within them. In addition he believes that transparent forms will reveals the feeling of the painter and enhance his tripartite principal. To give his paintings a more realistic effect after the hand drawn procedure, he will investigated the pictorial possibilities of digital images of his paintings. He is well known for his abilities to sketch his early three dimension drawings using computer aided art softwares. By 1987, he is able to use Macintosh computers to create paintings through three dimensional modeling and rendering programs.
After such a detail interview on his art works, the reasons for his decision to stay in our country was far from expected. Since he was born in Santa Monica where their daily activities surround the sea, he will definitely prefer a tropical climates and beautiful seas to place his house. Besides that he chooses to stay in our country mainly because he wants to fulfill his dreams, where he wish to stay by the beachside; fishing to earn him living while spend all his spare time painting. In conclusion, we welcome his to become a part of our nation.


Name: Wong Hui Ching
ID: 0507P54677

Brief for Chris Ofili


Brief for Chris Ofili
· An artist-client whose is 70 years old now.
· Physically healthy, flexible in mobility.
· He had chosen Malaysia as a place for his next life.
· The cost of living and tropical climate that is warm to hot and moist year-round in Malaysia are the main reason attracted him to immigrate here.
· Ofili still would like to enjoy living and be alive in relaxing peaceful lifestyle. The location that he wanted to place his accommodate tend to headed for a nature environment. Not in the busy city.
· The key concept of his ideal house is likely to be “Paradox and Contradiction” which is designing in contradiction style. For example, in sense of the house having two sides – close and open to the world.
· The quality of his ideal retreat house:
- 2 storey house and appropriate in size
- Spaces required are living room, kitchen, two bathroom (upper and down floor), dining room, a small drinking bar and a roof top space
- Open-plan design which is easy to access from one space to another, in an additional less partitions between the spaces are required
- Each part of the house may encourage in multi-functional usage
- Provide adequate direct and indirect lighting
- Great ventilation system
- Offer some detailing for elderly such as ramp, the consideration of staircase, bathroom requirements for aging and so on
- No unevenly or slip pavement surface which may cause accident
- Wide range of building material such as concrete, timber, glass and etc
- Unique flooring finishing
- Special openings which place in different manner : modern random mixing tradition
· Design consideration in space:
- The living room is to make to stay socially active

Christeas finds new haven in Malaysia..

Christeas finds new haven in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR. Born in Athens, Greece, one of the world’s most famous and influencial abstract artists Gregory Christeas would soon be looking into Malaysia as his second home. Now married and living in Santa Monica, California in his late ‘60’s, Christeas was taught how to paint by his mother and learnt the art of creation through the energies of nature. At the age of four, he began his life as an artist sketching family portraits on his place setting with a pencil. An immediate positive reaction arose towards what he had drawn and the lesson was learned about the joy spontaneously created from the expression of life captured in art. When asked about what his greatest art lesson was, Christeas replied “All I needed to know about art I learnt from my mother, she said “make it unpretentious and as natural as possible”. The journey of a lifetime had just begun.

By his early 20’s, Artist Christeas became well known throughout Europe for his abstract art. It seemed pretty imminent that he was headed for international success. On the morning of April 21st 1967, Christeas’ dreams of being able to pursue his life as an artist were crushed as Junta tanks rolled into Athens at two in the morning. “My apartment shook so badly, my paintings literally jumped off the walls looking for a place to hide.”, Christeas described. He then organized the dynamic underground group of Greek freedom fighters L.A.O.S (People’s Liberation Organized Army) and helped to overthrow the Greek dictatorship of 1967 and restore democracy of Greece in 1974; they were 4 attempts against his life afterwards. He lived in the US until his return in 2004 to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and his Art Show was sponsored by the Ministry of Progress and the Department of Tourism. Christeas' art work can be found at the Hydra Museum Historical Archives in Hydra, at the Modern Art Gallery in Hydra, and at his studios in New York, Beverly Hills, Athens and Hydra. His art work is basically all over the world.

As it was time to settle down, Christeas went searching around for a place to retire and he was captivated by the natural beauty of Malaysia. Without hesitation, Malaysia was chosen by the renowned artist as the location for his second haven. When asked about the reason behind his choice, Christeas expressed that our country’s vibrant tropical climate and lush green environment played a significant role in his contemplations and decision. The artist has also appointed prominent architecture firm in the country, Cicakman & Co. to design his new home. The site for the said new building is predicted to be by the cliff surrounded by a pristine and unspoilt forested area, closely connected to Mother Nature.

Just as the dreamer Christeas’ is, the concept of the house is a cocktail of the energy of nature and human emotion. The said building which will be known for its charming Greek architecture resemblance is designed to have an average size; large, wide openings which generously allow natural sunlight to penetrate the interior in abundance; as well as a flat roof which can further convey hints of the Greek Mediterranean style.

“The house will function as a peaceful escape to rest, rejuvenate and relax.” the artist replied cheerfully when asked. The building will encompass a master bedroom with ample space, a guest room, a kitchen, two toilets, a living room, spiral stairs and a balcony. Timber and glass have been chosen as the core materials used. As for the openings, Christeas specifically pointed out that the kitchen openings will be round in shape, unlike the other openings around the house.




Wong Chern Xi 0601P52730

Brief for Cicakman & Co.

Brief for Cicakman & Co.

Gregory Christeas

Born in Athens, Greece.
Married and currently living in Santa Monica, California.
Taught how to paint by his mother and learnt the art of creation through the energies of nature.
Began his life as an artist, sketching family portraits on his place of settling with a pencil.
Chosen Malaysia as his destination to retire because of its natural beauty, nice weather and green surroundings.
He will be looking for a site for his home by the cliff at a forested area connected to nature.
The concept of the house would be a house related to the energy of nature with the human emotion in it.
The house shouldn’t be too big, that is suitable for him when he is old.
It should be senior-friendly.
The design should reflect some connection to Greek architecture.
Wants big openings in the house to allow natural light to get into the house.
Wants a flat roof for the house.
The house is to be a house for him to relax & rest his mind.
Wants a big master bedroom, a guest room, kitchen, two toilets, a living room, spiral stairs and a balcony in his house.
Main materials used to build the house would be timber & glass.
Openings would be of normal ones except for the kitchen which the openings should be round in shape.

Wong Chern Xi 0601P52730

Artist comes for Culture

AMONG the cultures in Malaysia, Malay is not only the first impression but also the only culture to the world. However, who did notice and realize that various cultures make Malaysia becomes Malaysia? The well-known artist, Alfred Alexander Gockel, is the one. When a child has been told that Malaysia is a multi-racial country, he believes with no doubt; then therefore why a teenager would doubt that Chinese, Indian and other cultures are one of the representatives?

The famous artist, Alfred Alexander Gockel had found that none of any other country in the world has the advantage that what Malaysia does have; thus, the multi-racial culture in Malaysia is the main reason that why Malaysia is chosen as the country for his retirement.

The talented artist, who was fascinated by the magic of colors on paper at the age of 8, had found his principles of design, ‘Music & Dance’, are completely linked to cultural aspect in Malaysia. According to Gockel, an incredible drives of his characteristic figures and compositions in vibrations and eventually reflects a motion in his artwork (“rhythmical painting”).

The different cultures in Malaysia give a ideal factor to the artist for producing his painting in such a cultural place. In Malaysia, many cultures other than Malay are not been noticed and Gockel plans to develop these culture in painting, which is totally differently spoke out with words in a history way.

The expectation of Gockel toward his painting, "My aim is to paint harmony”, becomes the essential of his art works and also the second reason that led the immigration of Gockel to Malaysia from Germany. Harmonious life between various races in Malaysia had fulfilled the requirements of Gockel. The flourishing and busy life in Malaysia gives a very deep impression to the optimist artist no matter is to get ideas for his painting or get used to be with the new environment of accommodation. The creative artist had a very deep influence from his parent since his childhood life just because of his daddy is a designer while mummy is a craft maker. This not only caused Gockel become a successful artist but also as a consequence, Gockel loves producing harmonious paintings in vivid style yet full of emotion.

The German artist had entrusted the duty of analyzing and choosing the best site in Malaysia for his new house is Malaysia for his retirement life. The preferable site is located between the town area and outskirt of the country for the purpose of having an enjoyable and preferable life style (flourishing life) and meanwhile he could have a trip at the outskirt area when his families and friends come visiting him sometimes. According to Gockel, he loves playing tennis, walking in the German forest with his two dogs, jumps on two Harley Davidson with his wife, and driving to their favorite spot at the island Sylt, when he was young. Gockel has deeply believed that although his life turns into the olden stage; his passion of life will never fade out.

The famous artist, Alfred Alexander Gockel, had a very successful starting of his artist life since he was 8 year-old with the fascination of his work, the magic of colors on paper; thus, would he enjoy ending up his life by viewing his most memorable work of life at his new house?

Howard Ng Koon How
0701P60686
Detail:
Alfred Alexander Gockel male

Ludinghausen, North-Rine Westphalia, Germany in 1952


Talent:
-fascinated by the magic of colors on paper.
-resulted in the release of this first art work by a German publishe at the age of 8.

Influenced:
-Father as a designer
-Mother as a craft maker

Achievements:
-he and his wife Ingrid founded an art publishing company; Avant Art in 1983 (today a top ranked player in the abstract segment of the market, with customers in more than 50 countries worldwide.)
-This has led to international recognition and the 1990 establishment of two other studios, one in Londoon andthe other in Connecticut in 1990
Design Principle:
Music & Dance


Design works
-aim to paint harmony,"
-Base on curvy line and no perfect straight line
-bright colors and the graceful motion of his characters – composition
-multicolored and full of emotion.
-vivid style
-reflection of his appearance and inner-self
-unplanned creativity as well as artistic energy and is also immediately recognized

Media
-oil on canvas, and in some periods he also creates aquarelles


personalities:
-hyperactivity

-competitive

-talented

-enthusiasm
-optimist

hobby ( when he is free):
-he plays tennis,

-walks in the German forests with his two dogs,

-jumps on two Harley Davidsons with his wife,

-drives to their favorite spot at the island Sylt.

Reason why chosen Malaysia as retirement place
-Culture / History

-Multiracial/multicultural aspect (Music & Dance )
-Space for religious worship


Design requirement/ architectural
Site
-Located between the town area and outskirt of the country
-have an enjoyable and preferable life style (flourishing life)
-have a trip at the outskirt area when his families and friends come visiting him sometimes

-A cultural site, where gives a very impressive idea to him for his art work that related to Malaysia multi-racial culture.


Architectural/ design/ elemental detailing

-Single storey house with floor leveling
-leveling can be ramp.

-Bright lighting due to the optimist characteristic of artist

-A car porch coz artist likes traveling

-Cooling system, accommodate with the hot climate in Malaysia

-Curving wall system which is remained from the original design of house (external and internal wall)

- flat roof requested due to the balancing between the curving wall and flat roof make thing looks better

-The design has to be unique just like how his painting acts like.

-Colorful lighting or wall paintin.

-Preferable concept of design is movement or musical rhythms.

-Design of house should perform the sense of harmonious life.

-A special space for himself to display his memorable painting
- which is the magic of colors on paper (his first art work that get publication when he was 8.



Considerations of an aging place:

-Adjustable control on light switches

-The door without leveling

-A big window that allows the natural lighting that gives a positive and optimist thinking

-Bathroom
- Bathroom fixtures
-Handles
-Grab rails
-Linido grab bars

-Room condition and temperature
- Warm and bright
- install insulation, storm window

Howard Ng Koon How
0701P60686

Article on Georgia O’Keeffe (by Siti Nor Alisha)

Guess who is in town?

Georgia O’Keeffe, a well known icon in the artistic world is coming to our country to live permanently. Since I was given the privilege to write an article about the world leading female painter, I was thrill and nervous in the same time as the person that I am going to write about is an American’s artist icon. To make things easier, I have personally meet her up to have a short interview with her. In the end, I found out that she was not as complicated as I thought she will be. She is a very simple lady. During the interview, she dresses in a plain knee-length skirt, matched with a plain blouse and wore a brooch to add in a little attention on her blouse. Then, she speaks out whatever in her mind but in a carefully selected sentence as she does not wish to offend anyone. Her voice is soft but clear enough to hear her and she responds every question with a smile. Furthermore, she does not hold back on whatever question that I had poured on her and she tries her very best to fill up all my inquiries.
Through the interview, I had learned that she was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and her entire childhood revolves around the farm that her family owns. Her mother is a very educated person therefore; she ensures that all her children receive the best education without prejudice than boys should study more than the girls. At a very young age, her mother has encouraged all her children to paint. So, at a very young age, she has started to draw portraits of her families, friends and teachers. In one of her art classes, she was inspired to draw still lives objects when her teacher thought her students to paint a leaf that she had brought into the class.
From there on, her confidence to become an artist grew and she manages to further her studies in the Arts Students League in New York City. There, she won a scholarship to study in the League’s summer school which is located in the Lake Georgia after her painting of Dead Rabbit and Copper Pot was selected as the winner. Once graduated, she works as an illustrator for advertising company and felt bored about it and began to teach. To further up her teaching profession, she took up a course in the Columbia Teachers College. Since her schedule was free, she begins to paint and shares her painting with one of her friend, Anita Pollitzer. Anita was fascinated with her painting and brought it to a famous photographer, Alfred Stieglitz who owns a gallery. Without knowing, her works had been open to the public in Stieglitz gallery and her paintings became the main attraction.
From there onwards, she starts producing more paintings that are more abstract and self-expressed. Most of her paintings were displayed and handled by Stieglitz as he was very fond of her paintings. Throughout her life, she had produces numerous paintings periodically based on subjects she found the normal people have overlooked and the surrounding area that she had lived. She tries her very best to convey her message and thoughts she has on the subject through her painting. That is why she paints her painting big together with details that are necessary brings out the life ness of her objects.
In conclusion, she is not just an artist but a leading woman with strong determination to bring her paintings and messages across the entire world. This is seen clearly from the medals and recognition she has receives throughout her entire career. To illustrate, she was elected as a member of American Academy of Arts and Letters and became the first woman to have retrospective show of her arts at the Museum of Modern Art. Moreover, she was even awarded with the Gold Medal of Painting by the National Institute of Arts and Letters and the Medal of Freedom which is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Her highest achievement is she was presented with the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan. Therefore, there is no exaggeration to say she is the leading female American artist and we, as the citizen are much honored to have her to spend the rest of her live here.


Done by:
Siti Nor Alisha (0507P54329)
Brief For Pei Yee & ASSOCIATES

Name : Dawn Neal Meson
Birth Place : San Franciso
Age : 70
Marital status : Single
Personality : Optimistic and sociable
Reason come to Malaysia : Ageing in Malaysia


Dream House form : Curvature architecture language

Site -out of city but easily accessible to town
- sea view and surrounded by green landscape

Design Perspective
v Able to reflects the true characteristic of Dawn Meson
v Introduce modern physics to the house with tropical design consideration
v Simple layout ( minimize confusing )
- probably one level access or with minimize number of staircases
- bedroom placed near studio
v A great number of openings – can infuse natural sunlight to the building and keep the house warm
v Big room for studio
v Reading room
v Considerable big space for car porch
v At least two restroom, bedroom must have private toilet
v Combine dinning room with kitchen
v Space for gathering or family activities

Special Design Consideration
v Curtain wall
v Every space in the house is interrelated and having its own architecture language
v Balcony and small garden
v Able to accommodate 2 to 3 guest
v Big contrast of color combination for house finishes
v Well lit leveling in the house

Building Detailing for Ageing people
v bathroom : - hand rails, grab rails, linido grab bars
v shower seals or transfer benches
v plastic level tap adaptor
v non slip paving

Safety precautions
v Smoke alarm detector
v Carbon dioxide

Brief of Ronald Davis’ House

Site Chosen:
- Near Beach (his young dream was to live in the beach)

House Features:
- Good Acoustic (He likes music as musician is his 2nd choices of his job before as an artist)
- Perhaps have a music room or combined with the most used space
- Huge Studio (Sometimes he will do some sculpture beside small painting)
- Perhaps a car garage (He like car as racer was his first ambition)
- Reading area
- A simple kitchen that easy to maintain and use
- Computer Room (He used computer software to do art works also)
- Sleeping area that face to the sea
- Prefer single storey

By, Wong Hui Ching 0507P54677
DAWN MESON
by Yong Pei Yee 0601P49451

Dawn Neal Meson, possible the only well recognized San Francisco female artist of conceptual physics incredibility, she has arrived in Malaysia and decided to ageing in our multi-cultured civilization. Dawn Meson had been working with Stanford Linear Accelerator scientists to try to capture the phenomenon occurs in accelerator looks like and created astonishing images. Art is lifeblood- powerfully felt from her works. Many people are enthusiastic about the mix of science and art in Meson's work. Her works are appreciated by multiple levels, for its esthetics and as well as the science.

“ I would like my work to interest them in science. For scientists, I hope my work somehow will be inspirational. ”

What are you attempting in painting?
My attempt is to illuminate invisible and to mimic quantum models. The interactions in physics are theoretically understood by us but it is unseen and useable. Therefore, I desire to discover the insignificant Quantum phenomena and paint it, this is why art can contribute beyond photography. Nevertheless, It is through visualization and imagination in scientific progress of quantum observations and its theory.

“ Spin has nothing to do with visual reality.” Dawn Meson

How you express those interactions in your painting?
I used color, translucency, texture and shape as symbols. And I strike the richest complexity and mystery of subatomic realm. I should say that, the body of my work is the believed structures as it is about science and it is based on my understanding of the concepts and theories of modern physics.

Can you explain it in details? I am so excited to know how you do that as painting unseen is a great challenge.
Okay, for example, when I want to express complex theoretical concepts, I will create few systems of symbols and shorthand. When painting actions of particles, such as colliding, I will choose billiard ball to represent the particle and show stages of the interaction lay over. I will also use different color coded or tones of color to represent the saturation correspond to the probabilities of the particles.

Why do you choose Malaysia as your ageing in place?
Because Malaysia have steady weather which is suitable for me and it has gorgeous scene nary.

Do you have specific site for your retreat?
I am still looking for it, but most probably will be Rendang Island in Terrenganu.

What is so attractive about Rendang Island that made you in love to live there?

The main reason is because Rendang Island is located outside the city. I want to enjoy and relax my life in peace which then facilitates me in painting my work.


Will you choose Malaysia Architect as your designer?

Sure, Malaysia architects are knowledgeable with Malaysia extraordinary climate and tropical design. I have keen interest for my house in tropical design with timber as the main building material.

Can you talk about your dream house?
I want a house that can reflect the true me. I prefer curvature house that shows movement and it must be able to speak the architecture language of interaction of physics with the spaces inside are interrelated. Every space in the house must have its distinct architectural language. I fancy for a big studio. When an artist draws, they need full dedication and focus, that’s why I always paint in my house. This is already a habit for me-living and working in a studio. Also, I want my bedroom to position besides the studio. With this design, it eases me to view my works when I am in my bedroom or do not need to walk so much when I need to take a nap. A simple house layout of one level access or with minimize number of staircase will do. I want a house with a lot of opening that can infuse natural sunlight to the house. Worth mentioning, house with less openings give me the sentiment of being trapped, and this can kill me. Other than that, a balcony and small garden that is unproblematic for me to upkeep in addition to it is where I can inhale fresh air and carry my exercise. Lastly, it must have additional room for my guest when they visiting me.

How much is your budget for your dream home in Malaysia?
I ought to say appropriate budget providing it is worth the price.


Last but not least, I am grateful for your meeting with us and hope you will enjoy your days in Malaysia.

BRIEF FOR SIMON & ASSOCIATE FIRM

BRIEF FOR SIMON & ASSOCIATE FIRM

Name: Norman Bluhm
Sex: Male
Age: 70
Height: 183cm
Weight: 93kg
Marital Status: Single
Health Status: Slight diabetic
Interest: Working out, Reading, Gardening
Most Memorable Moment: Being honored as the leading Abstract Expressionism artist of all time
Achievements: Paving the way in changing the mindset of general public about abstract art, and transforming it into a whole new dimension for generations to come

House Design Considerations / Preferences:-
Shape / Structure: Single storey, not much curvy shape or arch. Prefer modernist style
Material: Steel / Metal cladding, timber, glass.
Space Requirements: Hall, Dining Room / Kitchen, Gym Room, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Toilet, Library / Office, Painting Room / Gallery.
Color: White or Light Blue in general; other rooms can be of lively colors (such as yellow, orange or light green) depending on its function and theme.
High level space ventilations to walls / ceiling – huge windows
Tropical landscape design

Special request:-
· Safety equipments are to be installed within the house
· Special room for cleaning equipment storage
· Separator wall between Painting Room and Master Bedroom must have an opening with or without glass
· Each Bedroom must have a Bathroom
· Location of toilet must be accessible from most part of the house



Yap Zhai Chung 0601P42733

Norman Bluhm is in Malaysia

Norman Bluhm is in Malaysia

Norman Bluhm is considered as the maestro and one of the leading figures in the second generation of American Abstract Expressionism, or Action Painting, another term used for the non-figurative developments in American painting after the Second World War. In a time when artists and critics predicted the death of painting, Norman continued to produce exceptional monumental paintings of intense emotion and beauty. He has not only kept the Abstract Expressionist approach to painting alive for nearly fifty years, but he has also carried it to new level by expanding its spiritual meaning and cultural potential.

Bluhm’s work was informed by his own exceptional biography and his rich knowledge of, and respect for, the history of art. Born in Chicago, Illinois, a city where tough immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe and intrepid blacks from the South dominated its Northern European population and fueled its economy with sweat and ingenuity. People at that time were bold, confident, ambitious, and hurried about their business with an unmistakably jaunty air. The explosive energy of Chicago’s populace and its tough immigrant work ethic left its mark on Bluhm’s personality and work habits.

An equally important influence in Norman Bluhm’s work and his life as a whole was his education. At the age of 16, having completed high school with distinction, he became Mies van der Rohe’s youngest student at the Armour Institute of Technology. Mies van der Rohe was regarded as the leading architect of the modernist style during his time. In his free time, Bluhm learned to fly an airplane and played semi-pro basketball, both of which require speed, timing, and endurance. The exacting discipline of his studies together with his knowledge of flying and the intense physical regimen of basketball would hold him in good stead as an artist. His traits also allowed him to join the war effort immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a pilot and flew 44 missions over North Africa and Europe before he was wounded and sent home. “Don’t make a hero out of me”, he exclaimed, “the only heroes are those that didn’t come back.” In my estimation and that of many of his peers, Norman Bluhm was to become a hero as an artist.

Often people view abstract art differently from one another, each have their own views about it. Personally, I believe that besides understanding the meaning of an abstract art from the artist’s point of view, it involves a lot of emotions and feelings within ourselves. It is truly amazing as it stimulates our sense of imagination and creativity based on our true emotions and experiences through life. This is generally from what I understand through my own observations and understanding on this genre of art. Therefore it was truly an honor to be given a chance to personally speak to one of the most well-known and respected abstract painter of all time. When asked about how he define Abstract Expressionism, this is what Norman Bluhm explained: “First of all, Abstract Expressionism is not an authoritarian style like cubism. Its appeal to artists lay in the fact that it is virtually pathless. Each artist commits himself to an aesthetic, moral, and spiritual position of his own choosing. Each artist goes beyond appearances in his art in order to give form to such critical emotions as despair, fear, fury, release, exultation, and ecstasy. These are flash points on the path of self-realization and lead to mystical experiences beyond the understanding of the self. In other words, it is what links the artist’s inner feelings to the transcendent idea expressed in a finished work of art.”

When asked about why he chooses Malaysia as his home for retirement, he replied, “Well, I have been to Malaysia a couple of times, and one thing which struck me the most in how friendly the people here are. It still amazes me how the people here live harmoniously, caring for one another, and above all loving one another despite the fact that you have such a diverse culture and language. I also fell in love with the food here such as satay, nasi lemak, char kuey teow, and so much more. Not forgetting the glorious weather you have all year round. Sunny day makes my day because, you see I am a very outgoing person; I love going out, exploring places, talking to people, and Malaysia offers me all that. It is like an offer I can’t seem to resist!”



Yap Zhai Chung 0601P42733
BRIEF FOR ABC ARCHITECT COMPANY

Personal information:

NAME: Georges Braque

GENDER: Male

AGE: 70

PLACE OF BIRTH: Argenteuil-surseine, France

OCCUPATION: Abstract painter and sculptor

STYLE: Fauvist style (using brilliant colors and loose structures to capture the most intense emotional response)

ACHIEVEMENT: Invented cubism style

Desired housing designs:
-Single level (floor gaps/stairs of less than 5 steps are acceptable)
-Basic spaces required: living hall, kitchen, 1 master bedroom, studio, & 2 washrooms (1 to be -situated beside the master bedroom and another to be located beside the kitchen)
-Large numbers of openings to allow large amount of natural light (as he has vision problem and -requires 3 times more light than normal person due to his old age)
-Texture/design added to openings to easily locate them
-Typically small scale spaces but a larger area for studio
-Dining area to be avoided as he will dine in the kitchen
-A garden beside the house for gardening and relaxing purposes
-Short distance from kitchen to living hall
-Bedroom to be situated beside studio
-Hand rail along the walk ways
-Tile floor is suggested to be widely used at wet area to prevent slippery
-More carpeting in the interior to reduce ambience noise
-Door wide of at least 36”

Desired Environment:
Low crime rate
Mild climate (as chosen in Malaysia)
Low housing cost

Site of choice:
· Tawau seaside (to appreciate the sea view and fresh air)

written by:

Tham Yin Lih

(0601p51492)

Article on Michael Gagne Come to Malaysia

Article on Michael Gagne
By: Rozalee Ismail

Michael Gagne is one of renowned contemporary artists that are successful in painting career. In 1985, he began a highly successful career drawing characters, special effects and conceptual designs for companies such as Don Bluth Animation, Warner Bros., Disney, Pixar, Cartoon Network and many more. Gagne's work has appeared in films such as "The Iron Giant", "Osmosis Jones", the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated short films, "The Land Before Time", "All Dogs Go to Heaven", "An American Tail", and numerous others. His 3 ½ minute independent short film, "Prelude to Eden", is a favorite among animation students and teachers, and has played in festivals throughout the world.

Surprisingly after all his success, he suddenly decided to migrate to Malaysia and spend the rest of his life here. As soon as he arrived at the airport, I took the opportunity to interview him and these are what I got from the Q&A session;

Q: Of all the countries, what made you come and choose Malaysia as the place for you to settle down?
A: I have heard a lot about Malaysia while I was back in Canada, the government and tourism industries did a lot of advertising. But I’d never thought of actually having the chance to come here, especially making Malaysia as my 2nd home. I was really busy back then.

Q: There are also other Asian countries that share almost the same attributes as Malaysia, why not them? What makes Malaysia your home for home?
A: Now that I’ve refined from my job, I feel like traveling, and visiting new places, especially Asian countries. I wanted to experience move before I leave this wonderful world and close my eye forever.

Q: Have you been to Malaysia before?
A: I did went to other Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesian, and the Philippines, but this is the 1st time I actually step my foot in Malaysian soil.

Q: So far, since you are just arrived here, how do you feel about Malaysia?
A: I see Malaysia is a fairly civilized and multi-cultural country. People of different religion and culture get to live peacefully. No war or anything. The history of Malaysia makes it more interesting. The fusion between the East and the West even affect the food and the building. Malaysians really manage to blend well.

Q: Does it seem to be what you have been expecting?
A: After being here for the first time, I can’t really say it’s what I have been expecting because it is far too interesting to be described in any sort of media.



Q: Will you get use to the humid tropical weather?
A: The weather is good. Although it doesn’t snow, it rains, which makes it even better, because I’m so sick and tired with the blistering cold. I really love the sun shine on my skin.

Q: Which part of Malaysia do you feel most likely to build your house?
A: I prefer to locate my house in between the city and country because it’s not too hassle and not too quiet as well. And it’s easily access to both urban and sub urban area as the transportation system here are fairly effective.

Q: Last but not least, do you have anything to say to rep-up our session?
A: Certainly! I’m really looking forward to be one of the communities of this delightful and peaceful country since everything that I found out interest me a lot.


Brief on house

Must be simple (not too contemporary in design) and single storey. Overall of house not too big or less partition (less confusing). Interior must have enough natural lightning (but not too glary because the client is half blind).

General
· Adapt lower floor of home for possible one level living
· Increased incandescent general and specific task lighting
· Easy garage or parking access
· At least one entry is without steps
· Doorways 36" wide with off-set hinges on doors
· Levered door handles instead of knobs
· Electrical outlets at 18 inches instead of 12
· Easy to open or lock patio doors and screens
· Light switches at 42" instead of 48
· Adjustable controls on light switches
· Luminous switches in bedrooms, baths and hallways
· Strobe light or vibrator-assisted smoke and burglar alarms
· Lower window sills especially for windows on the street
· Programmable thermostats for heating and cooling
· Contrast colors between floor and walls
· Color borders around floor and counter-top edges
· Non skid flooring
· Matte finish paint, flooring and counter-tops
· Non-glare glass on art work
· Peep hole at a low height
· Incorporation of emergency response system installed or wearable
· Veneer floor
Bathroom
· Lever faucets and faucet mixers with anti-scald valves
· Temperature controlled shower and tub fixtures
· Stall shower with a low threshold and shower seat
· Grab bars at back and sides of shower, tub and toilet or wall reinforcement for later installation
· Bathrooms with turn around and transfer space for walker or wheelchair (36" by 36")
· Higher bathroom counters
· Telephone jack
· Installation of medical response device
· Railings mounted in walls and floors
Kitchen
· Kitchen cabinets with pull-out shelves and lazy susans
· Easy to grasp cabinet knobs or pulls
· Task lighting under counters
· Cook top with front controls
· Side by side refrigerator
· Adjustable upper shelves and pull out lower shelves
· Variety in kitchen counter height - some as low as table height (30 inches)
· Gas sensor near gas cooking, water heater and gas furnace
· Color or pattern borders at counter edges
Living Room
· Seating at least 18 inches off the floor
· Chairs with sturdy arms

article

Georges Braque is having his second home in Malaysia!

Georges Braque, an internationally known French abstract artist has arrived in Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday night. Braque had his painting education at Ecole des Beaux-Arrts from 1949 to 1951. After his graduation at the beginning of 1952, he worked closely with Pablo Picasso and developed the cubism style. His early works were impressionistic and soon changed to Fauvist style which uses brilliant colors and loose structures to capture the most intense emotional response. Until today, he is now 70 years old and still continuing his carrier as a painter as well as a sculptor. Straight after his arrival, he proceeded to the well-known architect firm, ABC architect firm to accomplish his dream of having the second home in Malaysia.
This will be his forth visit to Malaysia when the first time was sixty three years ago, he was still a seven years old young little boy. Since the first visit, he felt in deep love with Malaysia and determined to place his second house here. According to Braque, the hot and humid climate of Malaysia interests him as his hometown, Argenteuil-surseine, France has extreme weather throughout the year. As an elderly person, he would like to live in a mild climate and have a stable living for the rest of his life. Besides, he was amazed with the rich cultural value of Malaysia as Malaysia is made wonderful by the 3 main races, Malays, Chinese, and Indians. With a wide range of food choice here and the heavenly nice and peaceful environment, Braque will be enjoying his stay. Thus, after years of struggle for living, he finally able to make his dream come true by building a second house at the seaside of Tawau, Sabah. In his speech, he greatly praised Tawau as a low crime rate city, and low housing cost while the scenery is excellent.
Generally, he would like to have a square shaped house with little curvaceous in certain places which suits or represents his Fauvist style. In order to bring out his personality as an artist, he asked for some texture to be applied to the house, practically at the openings. As he a senior residence, he is now having some common health problems due to aging. Hence, Braque has stressed on several aspects of the house design to ease him in many ways. Firstly, he asked for a single storey for his home as his movement is restricted in account to his weak body health. Nevertheless, stairs or gaps of less than 5 steps are acceptable. In consideration with the maintenance issue, the house should be in small scale. All spaces in it will be appropriate in size for one person living. Except for the studio, he emphasized that it must be large enough to place his art works. Besides, it should be well designed as there is where he will be spending most of his time, doing his work of interest-painting. As a common requirement home for elderly, Braque house will be equipped with hand rail along the walkways to support his movement. Openings of the house are another important issue. Situated at the highland of the seaside, Braque prefers more openings so that he could appreciate the sea view and allow for natural breeze to get in. Natural sunlight on the other hand will also make their pathway into the house through the openings and brightens the interior spaces which will help in his poor vision.
With the clear expectations given by Braque, it will be sure that Draften will perform their best to build the desired home for the famous artist.

written by:
Tham Yin Lih
(0601P51492)

Brief

-he like Malaysia because of the tropical climate, peaceful from disaster and different from his previous environment which is seasonal, low living cost, experiencing different culture
-his physical health overall healthy but just have some problems on movement but still can -walk
vision
-activity
doing exercise
painting
gardening
-what site he wants
out of city and busy lifestyle
closely connected to the nature
-He needs fresh air from the site and hope he can enjoy living in Malaysia without much disturbing
-His ideal house based on the concept of primitive
-He prefer to use the origin characteristic of building material such as timber
Because he like the texture
The color of the wood
The nature of the material
-contemporary design not tradition design
-he hopes his studio have good sound insulation
a reading space
-balcony and garden
-color of the building must suitable, harmony
-he emphasize on color by make use of the color
-less door and partition
-wish to has 2 storey
-he wish can enjoy at the bahtroom
-He hope he can enjoy sunlight from his house
-He wish he can hear the sounds of raining and looking at the flowing of water

Paul Klee Coming to Malaysia

SUBANG JAYA: The famous Swiss land Artist Paul Klee has arrive to Malaysia and the purpose of this coming is to find a site and built a house to have his rest of his life here.
The main purpose of Paul Klee visit to Malaysia this time is to enjoy his aging life here. He spent his aging life at Malaysia because Malaysia is the peaceful country which is out of natural disaster. On the other hand, he enjoy the Malaysia tropical climate which is hot and warm weather and he want to try another environment, experiencing the different culture, the living cost is low which attract him more to spend his rest of his life here.
Paul Klee said that nowadays he faced some physical problems. His vision is the main problem which is same as the other senior. Other than that, his movement is not really as good as before. Anyway, overall of his physical body is healthy
Although he has some physical problems, but he still can keep his body healthy. The mystery which is hiding behind this is he quit smoking and the times that he spent are more on doing exercise compare the others activities except painting. Painting for him of course is important. Thus, he found no reason to stop just because of the limitation of become older.
The ideal site of the house that he wished to build is closely connected to the nature. Other than that, he wishes his house will be at some place where out from city and busy lifestyle to allow him to enjoy his life there without any disturbing. The another reason of choosing this site is because of the environment will give him fresh air which is good for his health
The ideal house that he wishes to live in is made by the origin characteristic of building material – timber, because he loves the aesthetic of the nature, the texture of the wood and the color as well. It is because he wants to get closer to the nature which he did not discover and experience before at his previous country. He hope he can enjoy the sunlight, the sounds of raining and looking at the flowing of the water when he stay in the house which will allow him to feel more peaceful.
Basically the design of the house he wants is contemporary style house which is follow his concept of painting primitive and the space of it is just nice to fit him. He wants his studio has a good sound insulation. It is because he does not want to get disturbing when he is drawing. Beside that, he still prefers to have second floor which is allow him to have a higher view over the surrounding. He hopes he has a reading space then he can enjoy reading there and do not need much doors or partition appear in his house. The balcony or garden is necessary to allow him has his own activity such as gardening. Other than that, the colors of his house have to be blended and harmony. As he said “Color and me is one”, so that he hopes his house is filled with colors.
He says he will find an architect as soon as possible to design him his ideal house then he can enjoy his life at Malaysia.

By Wong Chien Bang

Brief on Alfred Alexander Gockel for HOWARD CHOU & ASSOCIATES.

Brief on Alfred Alexander Gockel for HOWARD CHOU & ASSOCIATES.
Produced & Edited By Rosalind Sharon Goh
Year 2022 January 23rd

*Important:
The following brief contains 2 sections. 'PART 1' is concerning our client's personal data, while 'PART 2' concerns about the design considerations of our client's future domain.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART 1

General

Name - Alfred Alexander Gockel
Gender - Male
D.O.B - 1952 (currently 70 yrs old)
P.O.B - Ludinghausen, North-Rine Westphalia, Germany.

Past Acheivements

Fascinated early on by the magic of color on paper, Gockel's talent and enthusiasm lead to the publication of his first artwork when he was eight years old

Academic:
- High school graduates
- Polytechnic Academy in Munster graduates 1977.
- Majored in Typography, Graphic Design & Advertising.

Career:
- Freelance Artist,
- Designer
- Lecturer of Typography and Graphic Design at the Polytechnic Academy, Munster.

1981
- Stop with all additional activities
- Became a full-time artist (beginning of a long and successful career).

1983
- He and his wife Ingrid, founded an art publishing company; Avant Art, (today a top ranked player in the abstract segment of the market, with customers in more than 50 countries worldwide).

1987
- The procelain, carpet and sportswear industries have made use of Gockel's design work. (To meet the demands of this expansion, Gockel purchased a mill in 1988 and converted it to use as a center for graphic printing).

1990
- This has led to international recognition and the 1990 establishment of two other studios, one in Londoon andthe other in Connecticut.




Design Principle:
- Music & Dance



Design works:
- "My aim is to paint harmony,"
- Alfred Gockel works feel attachment to an art form.
-vivid style is a sign of unplanned creativity as well as artistic energy and is also immediately recognized.
-Bright and clear colors which reflect passion of life always come to be viewer’s first impression
-His paintings also show an incredible drive of his characteristic figures and compositions in vibrations and eventually reflect a motion in his artwork, “rhythmical painting”.
-The compositions of brighten vivid colors, graceful motion of his characters and are trimmed with black figures and accents
-as a reflection of his appearance and inner-self, his hyperactive, his striving for perfection, and his competitive nature

-The professional stokes of his hands are of greatest importance for Alfred Gockel.

-prefers the spontaneous works, so these are the more successful pieces.
-completion of his art only when he has the sensation that impression and intention are in complete harmony.

- dramatic and pleasing effect yet harmony


Media:
-oil on canvas, and in some periods he also creates aquarelles




Personalities:
- Hyperactivity
- Competitive
- Talented
- Enthusiasm
- Optimist



Hobbies:
- He plays tennis,
- Walks in the German forests with his two dogs,
- Jumps on two Harley Davidsons with his wife,
- Drives to their favorite spot at the island Sylt.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART 2

Main reason for choosing Malaysia as retirement place
Multi-cultural society that consists of various race in a harmonious way


Design Requirements

Site:
- Located near by the house. Penang/ Malacca.
- enjoy the historical culture
- site, where comes out with some ideas for painting of the cultural aspects of site.

Architectural aspects:
- Single storey house
- expose to sunlight most of the time
- Temperature controlling for the interior space
- Wall system creates and shows movement
- Colorful lighting
- Sharp color for wall painting…



Design Considerations on againg:


Bathroom
-Higher the seat height, easier to lower down n rise up body.

Door
-Sliding door
-Increased size of entry space.

Living room:
-An open space for the socialization and feel togetherness
-Flexible space for various activities without having any obstacle

*More information will be added after the 2nd meeting with our client.




Rosalind Sharon Goh
0507P54764

Brief of Georgia O’Keeffe (by Siti Nor Alisha)

Brief of Georgia O’Keeffe

Personal Information
Name: Georgia O’Keeffe
Gender: Female
Age: 70 years old
Place of Birth: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Illness: Degeneration of eyesight due to macular degeneration
Family Background: Ancestors were from Ireland and Hungary; her family was farmers. She grew up in both Sun Prairie and Williamsburg, Virginia.

Qualification:
Graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Madison, Madison High School in Williamsburg, Art Institute of Chicago, and Art Students League in New York City.

Achievements:
In 1908, she won the League's William Merritt Chase still-life prize for her oil painting mona shehab (Dead Rabbit with Copper Pot). She receives a scholarship to study the League’s outdoor summer school in Lake George.

She was also awarded honorary degrees by numerous universities; the first by the College of William and Mary in 1938, and in the mid-1940s, the Whitney Museum of American Art sponsored a project to establish the first catalogue of her work.

She was elected as the member of American Academy of Arts and Letters and became the first woman to have retrospective show of her arts at the Museum of Modern Art.

She was awarded the Gold Medal of Painting by the National Institute of Arts and Letters and the Medal of Freedom which is the nation’s highest civilian honor.

She was presented with the National Medal of Arts in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan.

QUOTE
I get out my work and have a show for myself before I have it publicly. I make up my own mind about it–how good or bad or indifferent it is. After that the critics can write what they please. I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain and I am quite free.
-Georgia O'Keeffe

Personal Preference
Characteristic:
• An independent woman and feels uncomfortable to live in cities as she loves open space and solitary.
• Before this she loves to travel to get more inspiration for her paintings.
• She loves Texas the most. She can spent years in the dessert and collecting objects to be painted.
• She is a very detail person. She makes detail observation on the objects she about to paint. Therefore, most of her paintings are full with her self-expression.
• Somehow, since she is an abstractionist, she only paints what is necessary to detail up the subject and leaving the rest out from her painting.
• She paints according to her periodical subjects suggesting she is always open to new subjects and always trying new stuff.
• She always prefers to magnify objects that she about to paint for she believes in doing so she will her message she wants to convey clearly. For example, she manages to magnify her detail drawings of her flower’s period.
• Lastly, she is very dedicated to her works and may spent days and nights in finishing her arts.

Some proposals
Shape: Geometry, maybe triangle or square
Materials: Concrete, Glass, maybe a little bit of Timber
Color: Bright Colors, but not too colourful
Opening: A lot for ventilation, Square
Spaces: Hall, Kitchen with dining table, Drawing room, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, maybe a gallery or a space for her to admire/display all her art work, a comfortable working space as she's very dedicated to her works as she may spent days and nights in finishing her arts, a relaxing area/a balcony for her to get inspiration or release stress, etc.


Done by:
Siti Nor Alisha (0507P54329)

Info: about the artist and the design

Information of the artist
Mark Tobey was born on December 11, 1890 in Center ville, Wisconsin.
He studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago.
He works as a fashion illustrator for McCall’s magazine.
His first one man-show was held at M.Knoedler & Co., New York
About the design of the house
Prefer a single storey house.
Want a lot of opening.
Dry and wet kitchen combine.
Dining hall inside the kitchen.
Enough of working spaces.
Less furniture.
Type of building materials; timber, glass, brick and cement column. Depends on the surrounding environment.
Located at sub-urban area.

BRIEF FOR VINCE PATRICK YAP & ASSOCIATES

Customer’s profile

Name: Myint Swe
Place of Birth: Rakhine Division, Myanmar
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Artist, Painter and Leader of Vision Arts Group
Religion: Buddhist
Personality: Cheerful, observant, dramatic, lively and positive psychology mindset



House design (Budget – 2 to 4 millions)

Form of the house – basic square or rectangular

Site feature
- close to sea or at least have a sea view which suits the similar with where he is originally from
- convenient and accessible from the city
- peaceful, clam and quite environment especially nighttime
- having green land such as trees, grass, some bushes with flower will be nice
- prefer semi-high ground where the site should be more windy at most of the time

House features
- wide openings which enable the view to the exterior of the house
- open space for the interior with the use of fake wall separators and certain elements to separate the space
- natural ventilation is a must with additional mechanical ventilation equipment in every room in the house
- living room will be the biggest room for the house for relaxing purpose with smooth finishing with some aesthetic elements
- simple cooking kitchen area with modern and advance equipments and safety equipment are also needed to be installed
- master bedroom must have a large opening that have a nice sea view and the exterior with some elegant building detailing
- additional bedroom with openings for view and natural ventilation purpose
- two bathrooms for himself and visitor are to the place the in master bedroom and guess room
- one toilet is to be located near the living room but away from the bedrooms
- just of bright color around the house for liveliness of the building
- use of marble floor for interior and granite finishing for outdoor
- work space must be provide where large painting can be done in the house and accessible from the living room and bedroom
- prefer use of glass door or without door in between the workspace and bedroom
- transaction between must be there where the ground level of part of the house could be raised to define the space
- advance safety equipments are to be installed for home and personal safety purpose
- housekeeper will be here to clean the house, a small room has to be there to keep all the cleaning equipments in place
- a garage which able to fit in two cars are to be built at the side of the house without interfering the view from living room


By, Wong Kit Nam 0507P55028

Home sweet home (Mark Tobey)

Mark Tobey was born on December 11, 1890, in Centerville, Wisconsin. He studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to New York, where he works as a fashion illustrator for McCall’s magazine. His first one man-show was held at M.Knoedler & Co., New York and finally moved to Seattle to teach at the Cornish College of Allied Arts. The most memorable experience in his life was when he worked as a fashion illustrator for McCall’s magazine and the worse experience was bullied by seniors during art classes. Surprisingly, this artist Mark Tobey planning to spend whole of his older days in the Asia, guess what? Finally he decided to build his house in Malaysia. The main reason he has chosen Malaysia is because the climate or the season over here, which is warm. Apart from that, he wanted to try something new in the country that only has two seasons in a year. The feeling of liking Malaysia happened since the first time he visited Malaysia five years ago. The multicultural and the food attracted him. The people in Malaysia are multilingual due to multi races, they are very close with each others that adds the reason for him to come to Malaysia which is full with friendly people.
In Malaysia, he wants his house to be designed as simple as a single storey house with the image of the traditional Malay house. Malay houses are designed for form and function, but are also governed by current culture, the climate, technology and the availability of new materials for construction. The materials used were substituted from the durable leaves to zinc and clay while brick and cement columns replaced timber stilts and the appearance of glass instead of open windows. The house that was built in order to interact with the local climate, which is warm and wet all year round, to counter the heat air warmed by the hot sun is ventilated thru airways “ventilation holes” in the roof, walls, grilles, windows and the climate also promotes the popularity of balconies and verandahs, these are the spaces for relaxation and for receiving guests.
A typical Malay house has three main areas. The balconies or verandahs then the main living portion and the kitchen, the kitchen is a separate unit from the house but is connected via sheltered walkway. The dry and wet kitchens were combined as usual. The house was spacious, less furniture; the three main areas exist at different levels, with the kitchen at the lowest level. This is practiced for the purposes of spatial transition and distinguishing room functions. A defining characteristic of the Malay house is the presence of accoutrements or ornately crafted articulations. It showcases Malay art at openings like doorframes, window rails, ventilation panels and roof eaves. The centre space of the house showcases various paintings relating to his passion for arts.
It is really a pride for Malaysia that artists like Mark Tobey is attracted to Malaysian culture and appreciate it. He built his house with the image of the traditional Malay house which keep this culture.

Article of Myint Swe the artist of Myanmar

Myint Swe, he is an artist from Asean country of Myanmar. This is the first time he came across to Malaysia although he is an Asean people. He came here for the reason of getting know the culture in Malaysia which he maybe can add in to his arts works. He was born from a Rakhine family in Myanmar which these family have a very high dignity. His family background was of four children and a highly educated Rakhine country girl. He is an Buddhist, so in his drawing he has few Buddha arts. He is a cheerful, observant, lively and positive psychology mindset person. At first, he was studied Fine arts education at Yangon and degree from Rangoon University at 1981 before he become an abstract artist that become his successful career. For his achievement in his life he becomes the leader of Vision Arts Group in Myanmar.
In the very beginning of his life, he wanted to become a film actor and he was supported by his family. Soon he was turned down due to his friends and the chapter was end. He was later became a civil servant for several of years. Then he quitted his job and became a freelancer with various approaches. He was at that time became an artist without certain style or should we say that he is the one that become one of the first artists with “polymedianism”. It is akin to variety which makes his works changes from time to time.
From his art, varies style from realistic to semi-abstract then to total abstract, expressing real life which mostly based of the daily life in Myanmar, play with his creativity and maturity in modern arts, favors movements that is surrounding him, the joyfulness that he felt and his instinct, art works with no boundaries and never based on locality, based on Western and European country. The artist that he admires was Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, Boudin, Pissaro and Sisley. Because he was attracted by bold and timid strokes, he might raise towards the grand old impressionists that produced by those artist. His arts were influences by the artist mentioned above, and the life in Myanmar, surroundings and the beauty of mixture of styles.
He is good at captures emotion and expression mostly on human as well as life then transforms them into his picture with tender and sensitive touch, daring in creating new arts and playing with different style yet define his work as modern arts which akin to varieties. His point of view towards art was every arts is almost equal to lover and gigantic names are given to all his masterpieces, shows the mindset of the artist and the movements around oneself as that is what always happens around all of us.
Myint Swe is a person who never says die. He paints with a loving kindness to transform pictures into rubies. It may happen in the near future that he will set the Thames on fire in order to get adequate light for beams to shine on his lovely paintings. After the interview, I found he quite interest in this place as Malaysia is his first time that came across. Hope he can find what he wants inside this country that might help him. Through his good observation, I think he can easily get to know more about the culture in this country.

Wong Kit Nam 0507P55028

brief

BRIEF: House for Gregory Christeas

Brief for Roger Tan

Personal information

Name: Gregory Christeas
Age: Going to be 70
Jobs: Artist
Marital status: Married
Place of birth: Greece, Athens
Achievements: Became well-known in early 20’s

Reasons to stay in Malaysia:
- Sunny and rainy throughout the year
- Meet 3 different cultures in a country
- Try new things and food
- Enjoy his ageing life
- Find new inspiration for his art

Concept of the artist:
- capture the experience of life into his art
- energy of nature

Requirements: A house for him to stay in Malaysia for the rest of his life
Location for the house: Somewhere in Sarawak
Site: far from busy city, near to the forest or countryside

Gregory Christeas is finding an architect to design him a house with the requirements stated below:

--design is to be simple as he is staying alone
--façade of his house needs to be longer, wider
--grab rails are to be added around the house especially along the steps
--the house is to be designed in one-storey
--the ethic in the house is to be removed
--all the windows are to be made by wood in a smaller size
--the main material for the house is timber
--elevation in the house is to be reduced, lesser steps provided
--need a space for his gallery
--combination of three spaces into one for easy movement
--solid steps for the entrance
--colours of the house stick to the original colour of the timber




By: Pang Tung Yeng 0507P55026

Article

Article for newspaper

PETALING JAYA: Gregory Christeas, a well-known artist from Greece, had arrived in Malaysia yesterday afternoon in KLIA. The reason he is coming to our country is to find a suitable site for him to build his own house in Malaysia and stay here for the rest of his life.

Artist Christeas was born in Greece, Athens. He is an abstract artist. He was taught by his mother the art of painting and learned the art of creation through the energies of nature. At the age of 4, he began his life as an artist by starting on sketches of family portraits with a pencil. There was an immediate positive reaction towards his drawings and he was a fast learner.

By his early 20’s, Christeas became well-known throughout Europe for his abstract arts and this lead him for international success. However, his dream was crushed on 21st April 1967 by the tanks rolling into Athens. At that time, he turned to be the organizer as well as the leader of Fighter L.A.O.S (People’s Liberation Organized Army) to restore the democracy of Greece in 1974. After that, he was married and lived in Santa Monica, California in the late 60’s.

This time, the main purpose for him to come over to Malaysia and decided to stay in Malaysia is to enjoy his aging life here. He said that he wants to experience the living in Malaysia and enjoy different things, culture and environment in Malaysia. On the other hand, he also wants to try a new life living in Malaysia where there are only sunny and rainy days throughout the whole year. Therefore, he wants to have a local architect to design him a house in Malaysia which the design will be more or less the same as his previous house with only some changes which can suit his needs and requirements for his ageing.

Firstly, as his concept of art is based on the energy of nature and the experience of life are to be captured in his art. He likes to hear the sound of the forest and also the sound of the rain. Therefore he requires a site where it is to be near to the forest and far from the busy city or somewhere around the countryside. Besides that, he also said that he likes to see his guests or people to walk a longer distance before they can enter his house. In this situation, he would like to have a longer façade in front of his house.

For the interior design of his house, he requires the adding of the hand rails around his house especially along the steps. The house has to be one-storey because he is no longer having too much strength to climb up and down through the stairs. The windows are to be made of wood and in a smaller size so that they are easier and lighter to be functioned. He wants timber to be the main material for his house. Elevations are to be reduced and provide lesser steps around the house. On the other hand, he requires the designer to have a space for his gallery and combines all three separated spaces into one. Lastly, he wants his entrance steps to be solid but not in timber because there will be gaps in between every steps if timber is used and this may cause some problems.

In conclusion, he wants his house to be simple, functional, and comfortable so that he can enjoy his ageing life without any problem.

By Pang Tung Yeng 0507P55026

Article - Retiring In His Second Home

Article for newspaper – Paul Jackson Pollock

Retiring At His Second Home

His most famous paintings were during the ‘drip period’. “Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?” In his 70’s, slowing down his devotion in art and living in Malaysia is what we have heard as artist Jackson Pollock has planned to live in Malaysia as his second home. Targeting a more secluded area for his house site which provides him with more privacy and peaceful environment. It was learned that he enjoy the view of the nature and the sounds of the woods. Introducing the artist Paul Jackson Pollock, the influential painter and a major force in the abstract expressionist movement.

Having a look through artist Jackson Pollock’s biography, he was born on January 28, 1912 in Cody, Wyoming. He is the youngest of five sons who then grew up in Arizona and California. Later he underwent for study at Los Angeles’ Manual Art High School in 1928. A few years later, he left for New York where he studied under Thomas Hart Benton at the Art Students League. In these years, his art was mainly influenced by Jose Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera who are Mexican muralists.

Talking about when he was a young artist, his first solo show was held at Peggy Guggenheim’s Art of This Century gallery, New York, which earned him a Guggenheim contract that lasted him 4 years until 1947. Pollock married his soul mate Lee Krasner in October 1945 and in November they moved to Springs on Long Island, New York. It was a typical of the area, a wood-frame house with a nearby barn that was a studio Pollock made for himself. It was there at that barn where he perfected the technique of working instinctively with liquid. At the peak of his fame, Pollock unexpectedly abandoned the drip style. After 1951, his work was in darker in color, often only black. Soon they had moved to a more commercial gallery where his new paintings were in great demand from collectors.

Now that he is in Malaysia, he seeks for retirement in a new climate, a new house and a new environment. A tropical weather and a tropical house, in the woods he prefer the site as the surroundings. Creating his own tropical interior style with a more functionable purpose to assist in him in moving around the house. A more unique style will be excellent as the artist himself like unique. For the other space, it is preferably to shrink the studio size as now he only does smaller scale paintings. As for the studio and the bedroom, more privacy would be very much helpful for him to concentrate in drawings and enjoy his sleeping time. Bedroom size is to expand as preferences.

In anyway, he was generally recognized as the most important figure in the most important movement in American paintings. Thou he no longer paints for collectors, now he paints for himself and to held as his own collections. It is a pleasure to welcome your retirement in Malaysia.