looking for darractions

archiCULTURE

2009-10-02T02:46:00.011+08:00

"Archiculture opens the doors to design in order to examine the impact and future of our built environment. The documentary follows five design students throughout the entirety of their senior thesis projects as a means to explore issues pertaining to architecture and design. The students' projects parallel real life controversies concerning sustainability, technology and environmental psychology...

The film is designed to become a forum for larger conversations surrounding architectural design such as technology, sustainability, and environmental psychology. Archiculture aims to examine two predominant themes: the impact the profession of architecture has upon our daily lives, and the act of sacrificing certain aspects of one's life to strive for a goal fueled by dedication and the desire to succeed...

By following the next generation of designers, the film offers an entertaining platform to discuss this serious topic. The student-characters are engrossed in the rigorous process of design education, where they often spend days at a time locked inside the studio with only a toothbrush and design supplies. These diverse characters help animate and materialize some of the stereotypes associated with the profession and education of architecture..."

I can't wait to watch archiCULTURE. It'll premier in June next year; two months after we're done with thesis. How's about making our own documentary and playing it during our graduation exhibition? Jon resembles Giancarlo minus the love for soccer and poetry. I'm sure you'll be able to find traces of our friends in the docu-drama's characters. The lineup of key speakers doesn't seem quite as exciting though - CEO of EDAW, Vice President of Autodesk, just to name a few.

Backlog

2009-09-26T15:59:00.011+08:00

Strangely, dissertation didn't end with a bang. It's not that I didn't manage to finish; I finalised my content a week before submission and took my time to layout and format. Then came an abrupt interruption in the form of a sustainability workshop which extended the deadline - like having a referee blow the whistle just as you're about to land the death blow. I feel somewhat robbed of the euphoria that's supposed to follow a three month long trek beyond the gates of architecture and through wide open landscapes of the unknown.

House hunting with Jan while holed up at The Harley.

Instead, I find myself drifting on to thesis and back at square one - searching for focus, albeit armed with fresh interest in ecology and infrastructure; God knows where this will take me a year from now. If last year is any indication, then this journey will prove to be an exciting one.

I Tried

2009-09-22T23:56:00.014+08:00

22 September 2009

Dear members of the External Review Panel,

I am Darryl Sim, the graduate representative from the Department of Architecture. Thank you for meeting my peers and I last Wednesday, it truly was an honour.

I wish to reiterate the points I made and hope that they will be received not as criticism but as opportunities to capitalise upon. In spite of the fact that I will graduate and depart from NUS come May next year, I am deeply concerned about the generations after me if nothing is done to improve the existing infrastructure.

The department is currently plagued by space constraints. With gradually increasing cohort sizes over the years (from approx. 90 first year students in 2005 to 160 in 2009) and the introduction of industrial design and landscape architecture, studio space has been gradually curtailed over the years with more students being forced to work from home. This diaspora jeopardises the quality of design research and the creative basis of an architecture school.

Furthermore, the studio is not synonymous with a seminar room and is as vital to an architecture student as a laboratory is to a chemist. We spend many hours in it and are greatly affected by the quality of its environment. The current infrastructure, by design, is heavily reliant on air conditioning and artificial lighting. As much as we would like to, it is impossible to switch off the air conditioning and work comfortably - the building is too deep in plan and natural ventilation is not an option when staff offices surround the perimeter of the building.

The contrast between my feedback and those of my colleagues from the engineering and business faculties was an interesting demonstration of how the department has slipped under the university administration's radar. It is curious that in light of the business school's plenty, a new building, slated for completion this year, was bestowed upon it back in 2007. Likewise, Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Music have either received or are in the process of receiving new infrastructural upgrades. With the upcoming second school of architecture in the fourth university endowed with better facilities, inaction to remedy the problems at the department could prove disadvantageous.

On behalf of the present and future students of the Department of Architecture at NUS, I would greatly appreciate it if you could include these thoughts in your final report to the university. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to present my feedback.

Regards,
Darryl Sim
Master of Architecture, Class of 2010
Department of Architecture

References:
The business school's new flagship building:
http://bschool.nus.edu.sg/AboutUs/NewMochtarRiadyBuilding.aspx

The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music:
http://music.nus.edu.sg/04_facilities.html

Proposals for the new school of dentistry and medicine:
http://www.nuhs.edu.sg/campus_works.html

Opening of the Bukit Timah Campus, new home of the Law Faculty and the LKY School of Public Policy: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/286981/1/.html

=====================================================

It's the first time I'm writing a letter to a Lord. I got a real shocker when I googled his profile after the meeting.

Now to sit, wait and pray.

Independence Day

2009-08-09T14:52:00.012+08:00

This stirred controversy when it was first released.

"So hard to teach my primary school pupils" one music teacher quipped in a Straits Times interview. Another person polled said something to the effect of "I'm glad the organisers finally woke up their idea." to which i concur. Previous NDP songs strove to be so inclusive in their scope that they ended up being exlusive, catering to those who'd prefer not to stir the pot. In that straightforward spoon-feeding of nationalism, only the top layer of the soup is consumed, the meat and ingredients at the bottom of the pot left untouched - nationalism stagnated at the level of the primary school pupil.

Well done Electrico!

This stands next to my all-time favourite performed by Stephanie Sun. I reckon it has something to do with it being drilled into me after countless rehearsals. It signalled we were two steps away from loading our rifles for the Feu de joie, three steps away from being able march off and move our limbs again. The 'fire of joy' held dual meaning for us.

It's interesting how the Eurasian community is represented by breakdancing line-dancers and how film directors have moved away from such in-your-face symbolism to an open-ended depiction of our skyline.

Well done film crew!

and well done Architects Team 3, the unsung heroes behind the barrage.

Step Wells

2009-08-02T20:09:00.008+08:00

Abhaneri step-well, originally uploaded by Bouneweeger.

Given Western India's polarised weather conditions characterised by three months of monsoon rain followed by nine months of arid weather, the stepwells of India present an adaptable form of water infrastructure in their dual nature as an inhabitable well.

Dated to 600 AD, stepwells are inverted ziggurats dug into the earth in order to access underground aquifiers. A stepwell is composed of two parts – the well and the access route carved into it. The well is used to collect rainwater, either as catchment or by penetrating nearby aquifiers, whilst the access route down to the water surface serves as both circulation and collection basin.

What is intriguing about stepwells is that they served both as an infrastructure to collect water as well as a container for public space owing to their flexible capacity for spatial habitation depending on the time of year; as a mega storage tank during monsoon seasons; as a subterranean landscape during dry seasons, the base of the inverted pyramids providing respite from the hot sun on grade, giving rise to shaded community spaces amidst their architectural majesty.

However, following the onset of colonialism during the 19th century, a change in policy led to the demise of step wells which were deemed a “sanitary disaster” and were gradually replaced by modern infrastructural works. No doubt, India's historical socio-cultural tolerance of unsanitary practices which mixed bathing and drinking water, exacerbated by their co-habitation with cattle and their associated parasites, was deplored by the British.

More info at InfraNet Lab.

Spaniard in Scotland

2009-07-19T21:38:00.019+08:00

Miralles was no ordinary Spaniard. He hailed from Catalonia - a once proud kingdom whose history, I concede, I know little about, but whose fame I do have an inkling of.

Like Pugin, Miralles passed away at a considerably young age. When most would have just been coming into their own in their 40s, he had already amassed an impressive body of work and the parliament building is a testimony of his precocious ability.

The Scottish Parliament stands out and yet sits well in its context. The old tour guide who brought us around thought otherwise. He was a Scotsman. Nevertheless, for someone who'd only scaled the streets of Edinburgh (and I do mean scaled) for two days, I can't help but sense a certain connection between the old castle and the new parliament building; a raw and fierce and potent spirit resides in the two.

It's a powerful experience walking through its halls. Interestingly, the elaborate technical array that hangs from the ceiling in the debating chamber actually behaves, in principle, like a truss. More pictures at my flickr account.

Her tears like diamonds on the floor

2009-07-10T02:01:00.015+08:00

Maybe this ain't your cup of tea, but I'll invite you to take a sip anyhow.

He's been a source of distraction the past couple of days. For someone who's achieved so much, it's surprising Rob's not a household name.

The way he speaks, the way he pens his thoughts while holding on to his cigarette oh-so-delicately, reminds me of a once avid poet by the name of Mr Jared Kok, and taken a step further, of Damien.

I share his sentiments when he confesses at 02:15 that he doesn't know anything else other than songwriting. I don't know anything else other than architecture. It's all I've got. But that also means I never have to look back and wonder 'what if...', except maybe for that one time when pap accidentally drove over Cadbury's thigh and sent him howling in agony. Alas, a Veterinarian, I am clearly not cut out to be.

I love the title of his sophomore solo album - Cradlesong. A quick google of it led from one thing to another and I stumbled upon this poem which struck a chord,

(Disclaimer: It's from the Romantic Age)

"She Was a Phantom of Delight"

She was a phantom of delight
When first she gleamed upon my sight;
A lovely Apparition, sent
To be a moment's ornament;
Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;
Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair;
But all things else about her drawn
From May-time and the cheerful Dawn;
A dancing Shape, an Image gay,
To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.

And now I see with eye serene
The very pulse of the machine;
A Being breathing thoughtful breath,
A Traveler between life and death;
The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;
A perfect Woman, nobly planned,
To warm, to comfort, and command;
And yet a Spirit still, and bright,
With something of angelic light.

- William Wordsworth

Summer Shows

2009-07-08T01:23:00.012+08:00

Photography by jonolist

The postcard shot.

BD's running a series of reviews on the summer shows going on in the UK.

This is pure speculation, but I think their M.Archs take greater ownership over the exhibition because of competition. If you put yourself in their shoes, wouldn't you want to show what you've got if other M.Archs from rival schools were strutting their stuff?

My jaw dropped when I saw this pencil drawing. Now I understand what Florian meant when he referred to the spatial imagination of the Bartlett. It does look like a terribly exciting space.

Although, Barbara Ann Campbell-Lange did have this to say,

"The physical models – handmade, factory-made, rapid-formed – are exemplary (thanks in large part to a superbly equipped and run workshop) but by contrast the aesthetic tyranny of Photoshop-Studio Max-Rhino – coupled with obsessive framing – is anesthetising and one can’t help wondering if some of this print-out gloss substitutes for thinking."

A Lost World

2009-07-05T14:06:00.019+08:00

One of the unique qualities of Dempsey is its state of transition. You've got high-end lifestyle destinations atop the hill and yet untouched history in the surrounding environs of Harding Road, Loewen Road and Ridley Park. No doubt a very idyllic setting for that occasional tea for two, it also makes good fodder for contemplative walks alone. I chanced upon this beauty while waiting for church to start last Sunday. Having explored the old barracks along Loewen Road, on impulse, I veered off the main road, trekked through a clearing and there she was.

My heart skipped a beat.

Tucked away amid dense tropical jungle, you do get the palpable sense of crossing over into another time stream; a real-life 'Bridge to Terabithia' encounter, right down to the threshold of having to cross a waterway, in this instance, a storm-drain.

The architecture stems from two periods, the consulate buildings at the front of the complex look old enough to be pre-war, whilst the newer extension at the back recall the sincere RC experiments of the 1970s. Its construction is simple and clearly expressed - utilising an age old strategy of extending the beams beyond the floor slabs thereby achieving a tectonic quality of one thing supporting another and a visual language of horizontal and vertical linearity. Closer inspection of the individual rooms reveals a sensitivity to climate and affordance. Each room is bestowed with an enchanting view of the surrounding green through sliding windows that reach from a cill height of about 600mm to the ceiling, thus creating the impression of a room enclosed by three walls and fully opened on one side - another strategy known as 'prospect', as termed by Glenn Murcutt. Even rainwater disposal gets accorded attention - a rectilinear protrusion breaks the horizontality of the roof slab and connects to a hollow square section pipe, similar in profile as the railings though of understandably larger dimensions, which then proceeds to decant rainwater into a receiving RC trough on the ground floor.

As much as the building has been lost to the onslaught of the jungle, so too has the architectural heritage that first gave it form. It is a masterful work that combines clear-headed planning, collected concrete construction, climate, comfort and controlled composition - qualities that defined the age of Peter Blundell Jones, Sonny Chan Sau Yan and Geoffrey Bawa, when schools still trained competent architects who could call the shots and inspire confidence in their clients.

To the unknown ancestor who crafted this gentle beast, I tip my hat to you.

Now It's Over

2009-06-28T17:55:00.015+08:00

Sheffield's a distant, happy memory and a grin finds its way across my face when I think about the skype conversation Nick and I had across the atlantic concerning the exhibition. I dove into the workshop on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in winter to avoid raising the ire of the other lone wolves inhabiting the tower; the west facing room awash with a golden glow - it truly was magical.

Fast forward half a year and the dust has somewhat settled on an exhibition that broke new ground in every possible way and which hopefully served to give a sense of closure for the graduating M.Archs.

Thank you Thomas, JY, Molly, Shux, Beatrice, Daniel and Owen for sacrificing personal time to help out in one way or another - whether it was transporting models from school to Iluma or arranging tables. We would not have been able to manage without you. Also, to Jon for snapping a couple of shots before we tore down the set and Co Seng for agreeing to man the exhibition during the week.

Most of all, thank you team for working so hard over the past month. I dare say we've raised the bar just that little bit higher within half the time frame and at a fraction of the manpower compared to last year's committee. Glad we were able to end off our executive term on such a high note.

Kudos and au revoir!

So how does your garden grow?

2009-06-16T01:05:00.013+08:00

I've been busy. Opening night was a killer and it was very heartening to see so many faces, familiar and unfamiliar. The battle ain't over yet so I'll reserve my comments till then. More shots over at Jon's flickr.

With grad-ex winding down, I know I ought to get cracking with dissertation, but inertia is holding me back from picking it up once again. 10,000 words in 3-4 weeks is no small matter. Fear isn't such a bad incentive though.

Thank you for reminding me to differentiate. Work will always be there. Though the lines between the two might sometimes blur, Life still needs to go on and should never be bridled by such.

What did the architect say to the Prince?

2009-05-08T20:38:00.014+08:00

David Chipperfield introduces his latest masterpiece, the Neues Museum, to HRH The Prince of Wales. BDOnline's running a mini competition to see who can come up with the wittiest caption for the above picture.

In other news, The Glasgow School of Art is holding a major competition for a new 50 million pound building and has attraced a stellar crowd of entrants. Though both Foster & Partners and Herzog & de Meuron have both opted against entering the ring, further scrunity of the list made me scream like a teenaged girl standing in front of Takeshi Kaneshiro.

Joining forces
Architects who have teamed up to enter include:
* Richard Murphy with Sutherland Hussey
* RMJM with Rafael Moneo
* MVRDV with Austin Smith Lord
* John McAslan with Nord
* Flacq with Ken Powell

On their own
Other confirmed entrants include:
* Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners
* Malcolm Fraser Architects
* Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
* Zaha Hadid Architects
* Allies & Morrison Architects
* David Chipperfield Architects
* Studio Fuksas
* Gareth Hoskins Architects
* Hopkins Architects
* Alison Brooks Architects
* Haworth Tompkins
* Grimshaw Architects
* David Adjaye
* Graeme Massie
* O'Donnell & Tuomey
* Page & Park

From the organisers:
Despite the stellar list of entrants, Reading insisted the school was keen to appoint an up-and-coming architect if possible. “There is a serious building to be delivered,” he said, “but the university was very keen that young architects should be encouraged. So we’ve encouraged people to form partnerships. “Rennie Mackintosh was 28 when he won the competition in the 1890s. We don’t know if history will repeat itself, but the school is looking for something fresh.”

A comment like that doesn't bode very well for the likes of Moneo and Chippo. RMJM's got an extremely strong portfolio of institutional buildings ranging from education to healthcare, but they aren't big on fancy schmancy design, and paired up with the restraint of Moneo means you'll likely get a handsome, dignified and competent building. Same goes for Chippo (another big Moneo fan), whose concern and judicious response to history and context isn't likely to win the heart of Christine Hawley, Dean of the Built Environment at the Bartlett. Then there's Richard Murphy and John McAslan, two more reactionaries who shine at bouncing off context.

But if it does come down to young blood, then I'm eager to see what Haworth Tompkins comes up with. And heaven forbid a Hadid win. Please. Not here, upon such a precious piece of history.

More at BDOnline.

"...upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand..."

2009-05-06T21:12:00.011+08:00

If you can get over your hang-ups about Taylor Swift and pop music then check out this video my brother found.

For the pianists among us, he weaves quite an exquisite musical tapestry. The build up to Viva la Vida (by Coldplay) is very satisfying. Wait for the transition between 2:47 – 3:45.

The Cellist is quite a character. He starts off well but degenerates into a really bad actor and becomes redundant once the melody moves on to Viva La Vida; excellent comic relief though.

And no, the pianist is not gay. He composed the arrangement for his daughter, Sarah.

End, (comma)

2009-04-26T22:02:00.007+08:00

I'm writing again. And that means that the battle's over and Time has been kind enough to grant me rest and a juncture for reflection. I broke a personal record this semester finishing when I did, although on the other hand, I'm still a bit confused over the outcome of my Crit. One comment Florian made however was highly encouraging and is still stuck in my head,

“You're in-between the spatial imagination of The Bartlett and the technical precision of ETH.”

I can't think of a more rewarding compliment.

The last time I actually looked forward to studio was in Year 2 Semester 1 when Tsuto was my tutor. I still chuckle when I recite the word 'Kom-pa-tee-sion'. I was helping one of his thesis students (whom I've a feeling has a penchant for all things red) on Thursday when he dropped by the studio, quipping about how he couldn't go home cuz of a computer glitch and that he was feeling lonely in his office; as honest and sharp as I remember him. If I'd chosen to stay on in design track, I think I'd have a hard time choosing between him and Erik for M.Arch.

And yea, you heard me right, I looked forward to studio.

It was with similar zeal that I plowed through this semester, four years in the making – of knocking on Kok Ming's door seeking construct(ive) advice. I'm truly thankful that he's around. Few can pride themselves on being the full package, balancing both concept and construction. He even writes to boot. It might seem far-fetched, overly presumptuous even, but maybe the day will come when I've built all I've wanted to build and I too hang up my ambitions, re-train my sights and begin building up the young lives of the next generation.

In other news, an old friend from Sheffield finally managed to upload the Sketchup lecture I gave during the student-initiated Lunchtime Specials; You know you've fully integrated when juniors mistake you for a full-time student and approach you for panel advice. If only Singaporeans were as friendly. Thanks to Jon and Hong Guan for letting me use a couple of their images. The video takes awhile to load and I only come on after 20:00 mins.

Lunchtime Specials // Series 1 Talk #3 from Jordan Lloyd on Vimeo.

TIME

2009-03-28T02:39:00.011+08:00

Tree Top Walk at Kew Gardens by Marks Barfield Architects

I can breathe a little easier now. Last Friday was quite a happy ending. To those of you who showed up, my heartfelt thanks. I hope you walked away inspired and enlightened. It'll be awhile before I forget his parody of the Tower of Babel – the one with the architect, client, planning authority and historian in it - “You mean this got approved??!”

But just as the lecture series winds down, grad ex dawns on the horizon, with signs indicating a rocky road ahead. Elections ain't even over yet.

Studio rocks this semester, if not for the fact that everyone seems to have outgrown studio, preferring to work from home instead. Perhaps it's a coming-of-age thing, and if so, then independence and self-discipline are going to have to be eagerly cultivated from now on.

I wonder if my fellowmen realise that we stand on the brink of a very new chapter - three weeks shy in fact. No doubt we're all very busy with our own affairs, and you'll be perfectly justified for crying foul and branding me emo, but I just can't help but lament the demise of the geist I was so familiar with before leaving for Sheffield. True, it still rears its head every now and then, but it never fully resurfaced and before long we'll all be off on different paths.

But such is the nature of subtle change. It creeps upon you oh so slowly, and after it has completely run its course, you pause and ponder, 'goodness, where did time go? where has everyone gone?'

Yet at the same time it's all very exciting - the way we've developed and the various interests we've begun to pursue, which really leads you on to wonder how things'll be like five, ten years from now when we've cleared the last couple of hurdles and our wings are fully grown.

In the meantime, all the best for final submission!

Character Development

2009-03-07T22:10:00.010+08:00

image by charluna

MENTAL NOTE:

1. be more careful with your words.

2. eat out more often. check out all the best places to have lunch and dinner. will definitely come in handy in the future. hopefully.

3. moneo and tange were esteemed and respected because of three factors:

a.they were good at what they did
b.they nurtured the next generation
c.they were gentlemen architects

PERSPECTIVE

2009-02-27T21:15:00.009+08:00

After too many post-studio nights spent researching, carefully crafting emails and piecing material together for not one, but three individuals, I’ve finally gotten this monster off the ground. Now all that’s left is to hope that they attend and pray that I don’t goof up while hosting the lectures; I don’t particularly relish the thought of having to speak in front of a large audience for three consecutive Fridays and yet at the same time I’m praying for good up-take.

But beyond the numbers, I sincerely hope they walk away with a deeper appreciation for what it means to be an architect, and that modest projects done with a lot of care are just as valuable as those spawned by broad strokes and grand gestures, if not more so. Kerry Hill describes the former as schemes endowed with ‘exactitude’ and ‘authenticity’. Erik cleverly coined the latter as ‘stuff’, the explanation of which I share below in all its guile,

"The word “stuff”’ comes from the French word “estoffe” meaning quilted material or that which is within the quilt. Interestingly, “estoffe” is simply used to produce the appearance of volume – to make the quilt appear more luxurious. The stuff found not only in my office but also in each of our architectural libraries and within the cities we inhabit may appear more lavish and full, but it remains just as empty. The economy to produce the stuff leaves little room for significant and impactful thinking."

from “Sustain/ability”
Ong Siew May Distinguished Lecture Series 2008
on Rick Joy and “Suitability”

Angels or Fallen Angels?

2009-02-14T17:31:00.008+08:00

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles, 2002
by Jose Rafael Moneo
photography by i,etc.

"Architects smile when they see their work completed. But given that architects have very little sense of humor, what is it that makes them smile?

Do they perhaps smile from a pleasant feeling of having synchronized their works with the rationality of the world, from the naturalness with which their small contributions fit into the framework created by the Constructor of the World?

Or on the contrary, do they laugh at the artificiality of their acts, at the absurdity of what surrounds us, at their small contributions to the existing chaos? Do they smile vainly at feeling themselves in possession of a truth which they think others are unaware of?

Or do they have the cynical laugh of those who know that all is useless, and that all the stones in the temple they have constructed will inexorably fall down?

Do architects smile like angels or like fallen angels?"

from The Builder of the World
by Luis Moreno Mansilla &
Emilio Tunon Alvarez

So, how do you smile?

Encounters

2009-02-10T00:10:00.016+08:00

photo by Aaltra

I bit off more than I can chew this semester. My idealistic streak definitely got the better of me this time. Alas, I'm learning not to complain - we all have our own battles to fight and taking one step at a time does help to ease matters.

I had the privilege of encountering a legendary member of the old guard last Friday night. He had a strong sense of pride - much like TKS though maybe a notch or two less potent which puts him at 'arrogant bugger' rather than 'fu*king cocky bastard'.

For an eighty year old, he had an extremely keen presence of mind and an equally sharp tongue. I had merely planned on discussing what he might like to talk about during his guest lecture – instead, he turned the table around and I unexpectedly found myself being probed and prodded by this ancient giant.

I managed to bat away most of the questions he fielded me, but one particular topic struck home.

“You're in an extremely privileged position Darryl, upper-middle class background. So what do you plan to do after you graduate?”

“Why are you doing architecture?”

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

The salvo of questions before these touched on Capitalism and how Singapore and money-minded Singaporeans took notice of the World Economic Forum in Davos and were generally oblivious about the World Social Forum in Brazil.

“How exactly can architecture alleviate poverty then?” I disagreed, sensing where the conversation was headed. Beyond the likes of Rural Studio, Cameron Sinclair and Teddy Cruz I didn't see how much more you could do with architecture. “You're over-estimating our worth”, I thought to myself. “You'd probably stand a better chance at generating greater social impact through master planning than architecture.”

I didn't get a straight answer. And I'm still left guessing. “Go read Buckminster Fuller.” was all he said, having been a one-time student and friend of his.

But the damage had already been dealt and I reckon my dad felt the blow as well. He crossed the line when he started messing around with social-economic background. There's no way he would've accepted a reply along the lines of “Be the best architect I can be. Being honest and sincere. Living out God-given purpose till I'm spent.” As much as I disagreed with some of his opinions, I'm still hung over his point about poverty.

Jesus once said,

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48

I never asked to be born into the family I'm in. Never have I taken the luxuries I enjoy for granted and I am ever truly grateful – they are perhaps one of the main reasons why I whip myself so hard at times - to be worthy, in some pseudo-psychological way. But maybe that's not enough, and that chance meeting will have me search for ways undiscovered as to how this craft might serve the masses, being fully aware of the failings of Modernism on the one hand, and the real danger of having to prostitute myself in the future to money-grubbing developers on the other.

Oh Father, show me the way I am to walk.

In the full sense of the word

2009-02-05T00:51:00.003+08:00

"In traditional societies, the status of the builder varies widely. In most villages, buildings tend to be designed, built, decorated and maintained by ordinary people – men, women and children – not specialists. Construction is a skill everyone knows...

...but even where specially trained builders work, the entire family usually works too, often with relative and neighbours whose efforts form contributions to an informal, complex labour bank...in other cases, as in central Mali, masons who have undergone long apprenticeships belong to prestigious guilds with specialised, secret knowledge.

At the high end of the social scale are master masons, or architects in the full sense of the word. Highly esteemed, they plan and direct the construction of major structures such as mosques."

from the book,
Spectacular Vernacular
The Adobe Tradition

Text by Jean-Louis Bourgeois
Photographs by Carollee Pelos
Historical Essay by Basil Davidson

Renewal

2009-01-30T00:45:00.007+08:00

The End

The Lone Wolf

2009-01-13T16:04:00.008+08:00

This strikes a chord in me:

"A lone wolf is a wolf that lives by itself rather than with others as part of a pack. Lone wolves are typically old specimens driven from their pack or young adults in search of new territory. Instead of openly challenging the leadership of the pack leaders, most young wolves between the ages of 1-4 years leave their family in order to search for a pack of their own; though it is shown that some wolves will simply remain lone wolves. As such, lone wolves are usually stronger, more aggressive and far more dangerous than the average wolf that is a member of a pack. They have difficulty hunting, as wolves's favorite prey are large ungulates, and it is nearly impossible for a wolf to bring one down by itself (hunting on their own can be done, as lone wolves are naturally stronger and some specialise in hunting moose on their own). Instead, they will hunt smaller animals and scavenge. Sometimes, a lone wolf will find another lone wolf of the opposite sex, and the two will start a new pack.

When used to describe a person, this term is applied to individuals who prefer solitude or who work alone. In literature, the term is used to establish a character as aloof and emotionally unable or unwilling to directly interact with other characters in the story. A stereotypical lone wolf will be dark or serious in personality; he is often taciturn, and will distinguish himself through his reserved nature."

I never thought it'd come to this. I must say I'm somewhat surprised and stumped. Why do people choose as such? And when did I get so soft? Nay. On the other hand, how was I to know? I guess I should count myself lucky, to at least have found a band of brothers in years gone by; I miss that special pack washed in Red, Blue and Gold - if only I weren't the only one who'd been called down this road.

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-08T01:43:00.003+08:00

I know I'm home because:

The fridge is stocked with a variety of drinks and fabulous food.

The toilet is clean and any hint of grime is nowhere in sight.

The bed feels firm and I can't tell how many spring coils are poking up from beneath me.

I don't have to wear slippers around the house.

I can relish the soft kiss of a breeze without worrying that its going to give me a freezing love bite.

I sit, not alone, but in the company of a little furry attention-seeking rascal.

The Arts Tower

2009-01-07T23:52:00.014+08:00

The Arts Tower currently stands as the tallest building in Sheffield. It's a miesian tower in plan and though simple in form and facade, manages to exude a certain air of self-assurance and gentle beauty; much like the unassuming Yorkshire town in which it sits. Designed in 1961 by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, it housed all of the university's Arts departments at one point until overpopulation forced a couple of groups like the Historians and the Social Scientists to search for new nests.

The Architecture department stayed put and occupies about a quarter of the building – specifically Floors 14 to 18. There's a small architecture cafe on 19 which sells snacks, coffee and hot chocolate for 50 pence and is a well-loved haunt for staff and students alike.

The open plan studios receive bounteous amounts of daylight through the full-height glazing which marches around the perimeter. This atmosphere, accompanied by the panoramic views of Sheffield's undulating topography and specks of far-off, open farmland, make for a terribly delightful working space. Very uplifting and condusive in my opinion.

The most memorable feature of the building is a remarkable piece of engineering called the Paternoster lift; or more affectionately known as, the Pat. It runs non-stop throughout the day and doesn't have any doors. You hop on and off just like a ski-lift and people-watch as you get to where you want to go; a far more stimulating experience compared to being entombed in a typical elevator car. Access between the different floors in the department is a breeze, and initially (at the risk of sounding like a starry-eyed kid), a hell lot of fun!

Forty years after its completion, the tower is slated for a major refurbishment, which, given the current economic climate, will likely become a protracted affair. I count myself lucky to be among the last batch of students to occupy the tower in its original state and I honestly hope the architects on the job treat this friendly giant with all the reverance and respect it deserves.

That's a Wrap!

2008-12-27T10:12:00.004+08:00

Pushing the stop button. For now. Will have to repanel and summarise both studio projects when I get back home but I'm going to put those thoughts into cold storage; especially now that the family's here. I can sense 'Holiday' in the air; as well as the sub-10 degrees celcius temperatures that seem to be dropping day after day. Shots of Edinburgh and London in the days to come.

And a first:

"Schmap Sheffield Sixth Edition: Photo Inclusion

Hi Darryl,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released sixth edition of our Schmap Sheffield Guide:

Chatsworth House
www.schmap.com/sheffield/toppicks_attractions/p=207704/i=207704_65.jpg

If you use an iPhone or iPod touch, then this same link will take you directly to your photo in the iPhone version of our guide. On a desktop computer, you can still see exactly how your photo is displayed and credited in the iPhone version of our guide at:

Chatsworth House
www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=sheffield&sid=toppicks_attractions&p=207704&i=207704_65

Finally, if you have a blog, you might also like to check out the customizable widgetized version of our Schmap Sheffield Guide, complete with your published photo:

www.schmap.com/guidewidgets/p=23696436N04/c=SJ101253

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams"

Two More Weeks

2008-12-08T09:32:00.010+08:00

photograph courtesy of tartalom

the clock's ticking. hard to believe three months have flown by. t'was just yesterday when i was helping jan lug her suitcase up and down staircases and train platforms and getting used to the biting cold when i stepped out of the shower; it still bites.

to do list:
SU model of the site
X4 A2 panels for climate sensitive environmental design
X1 assignment for building simulation and analysis

+ rock-solid proposal for new masterplan of stagnant residential area in sheffield.

something's gonna give...

in other news, if you're in london, do check out the tree top walk at kew gardens by marks barfield architects. now that's how you do a tree top walk...

Home-Cooked Dinners

2008-12-01T09:17:00.004+08:00

Turkey steaks, marinated in olive oil, parsley, pepper, satsuma and garlic, served on a bed of salad. Felicitously accompanied by swedish meatballs and boiled potatoes coated with a politefully sweet cranberry sauce.

Just thought we'd get into the spirit of the season.

What a team we make!

Now if only group work were as satisfying...

If a guitar could cry, it'd sound like this.

2008-11-24T06:14:00.010+08:00

For six minutes of indulgent soul-swaying, click play.

'Slow Dancing in a Burning Room' by John Mayer
from his third album, 'Continuum'

Before I got acquainted with the ludicrous hours that architects endure, I fantasised about knocking off at 6pm everyday and then playing guitar at some dimly lit, uber chill bar downtown; or better yet, on the ground floor of the skyscraper where my imaginary office was located.

Alas, 'Fantasise' is the operative word here.

Why am I not able to pull myself away? Often times it's really not a matter of not having time but not being disciplined about dedicating it to a specific activity. I reckon it's also got to do with how high it ranks on my list of priorities.

If I died tomorrow would I go without any regret? I used to think that leading a purpose-driven life was all there was to it but now I'm not so sure. What exactly did Jesus mean when He said He came to give us life in the full? What does it mean to lead a full life?

Will have to store this intriguing question for future reflection.

Withdrawing

2008-11-16T10:47:00.010+08:00

"Turn your face away,
From the garish light of day,
Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light"

- from the musical, The Phantom of the Opera
by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart

A stark desire to withdraw from the world has occupied my mind in recent months.

To turn away and not care about an ailing education system that could greatly benefit from greater student initiative; To lose hope and give up on a capitalistic society drunk on the cheap wine that is the prosaic hyper-formal garbage we see these days as decantered from the bowels of dishonest artists masquerading as architects – the presence of such tumors in the profession only serving to diminish our influence in the crafting of buildings - as Harry Gugger so beautifully professes, and birthed only because of ailing architectural education the world over.

Disappointment, in establishments, in so-called friends, is a drink best served cold on a winter's day, downed in the contemplative solitude of nightly walks home from the studio. The furnace that once raged as a result of an incensed soul which felt compelled to right a world of wrongs has now been reduced to a mere brazier of glowing coal.

But Responsiblity is a dear bed-fellow who grabs you by the arm and turns you around; Reputation is a prized gem that once scratched will never be fully restored. Now that the hand has been put to the plough, now that's it's time to walk that way, one can only endeavour to walk it well.

Waiting on the World to Change

2008-11-08T05:15:00.029+08:00

photo courtesy of Joe Crimmings.

I ran my final BMT standard obstacle course on the same day that US forces launched the 2003 invasion of Iraq, half way across the world, in what was supposed to be a shock and awe, in and out affair.

A year later I remember being glued to the tube with my dad as we watched John Kerry floor incumbent President George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential debates only to have our hopes dashed when the latter was re-elected - the power-bloc of white, mid-west Christians (aka, red-neck Americans of Irish descent) having been one of the main culprits behind the tragedy.

Politics and world affairs don't exist in the realm of our early 20s demographic, but it's always held an attraction for me. I suspect it's got something to do with having a father who's 70 plus, isn't into football and has experienced, first hand during his prime, the flourishing of Singapore from colony to aspiring world city.

There was so much at stake at this year's presidential elections, along with so much hope.

Thankfully, and to much relief, "a new dawn of American leadership is at hand".

I won't be surprised if architecture gets swept along in its wake.

*cue happy songs for a happy ending...

Paul Doucette (the acoustic guitarist in the bucket hat) is damn hyper.

And for those who'd prefer a more stripped down, soulful version.

There is no 'Group' in 'Group Work'

2008-11-01T05:12:00.022+08:00

The radio silence on my blog can only mean that I've returned to my normal (or some would say, abnormal) way of life. Here's what I've been working on.

Our first six weeks are spent on Live Projects. They're community-based projects that have but a slight architectural flavour to them. It's very hands-free, student-run sort of stuff and every group's doing something different.

I suppose the only gripe I have about it is that it's group work for 10 people.

There's no such thing as that.

Group work for 10 people.

Who're you trying to kid?

Given, if all 10 were super solid creme de la creme material, at the very least you'd end up with something that looks creme de la creme should all 10 agree, on some level, to pull their weight regarding their respective responsibilities. But the chances of that happening are as slim (or should I say, fat) as Hadid doing her own Maya port over to 3d studio max model - rendered and photoshopped.

Which brings me to my group - two singaporeans sandwiched between four englishmen and four PRCs; or at least that's what it says on the 'Group' list. I truly wish it were a situation where too many cooks spoilt the broth, but most unfortunately, only four or five seem to be at work while the others have either completely disappeared from the kitchen or have decided to do shift work. One of them's not even sure how to put her apron on.

So how? You haven't much choice except to fall back on the phenomenal endurance training drilled into you by the DOA. You stop cooking dinner on weekday nights because it just takes too much time to prepare, cook, eat and wash the dishes. You put up with freezing studio spaces after 8pm cuz the Post-graduate studios are on the 17th floor and the Arts Tower gets buffeted by autumn/winter gales.

But in the process you also manage to make plenty of friends and acquaintances you would not have made had you very simply not been hanging around. Thus far, I'm truly thankful for the friendships that've been forged in the fires of turmoil and in the warm glow of common passion, for the brief and open exchange of opinions over a cup of hot chocolate at 2 in the morning with a Pakistani economics student who's first friend in Sheffield also happened to be Chinese, and for the pleasant, quintessential store owner uncle of the Chinese takeaway behind the Arts Towers who never fails to throw in free spring rolls or fried chicken wings with your order (Jon, I really wish you could try these).

It's hard to accept that I'm almost at the halfway mark. I think I'm going to miss this place more than I had expected.

Edale

2008-10-21T08:45:00.010+08:00

For so long had it eluded me.

For too long had I burned - with frustration, bitterness, disappointment, anxiety.

Being able to cast all that aside just magnified the impact of Edale. To be washed over with peace completely; every iota - physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Everything didn’t matter anymore; not in the engulfing vastness of epical landscapes; not in an ocean of complete silence; not in the sweeping majesty of awesome creation.

And besides,

Why fight so hard to change the world, when the world doesn't want to be changed?

For two precious minutes, I revelled in absolute peace.

For two minutes, I felt absolutely free...

Absolutely free...

Cubic Houses (Kubuswonig)

2008-10-12T07:09:00.003+08:00

We visited the Cubic Houses (Kubuswonig) in Rotterdam a few weeks back. It was definitely an experience to remember. Designed by Piet Blom back in 1984, it’s a whole forest of tilted, cubic housing units skewered on concrete circulation cores.

It’s quirky and strange, to say the least, and I was admittedly very put off in the beginning. But, after an hour or so of delving into its bowels [yes, bowels. cuz it truly feels like you’re moving through the depths of a monster], it won me over with its unique spaces.

The quirkiness kind of justifies itself when you’re inside - having your view pitched downwards to the internal courtyards when you're in the study and living room and then upwards to the sky when you’re hanging out in the attic, all thanks to clever use of form and slanted windows.

Alas, ants burrow cylindrical tunnels underground; birds weave blobs of twigs to form nests and for thousands of years human have generally lived in orthogonal dwellings. I think there’s good reason for that. And as fascinating and fun as it was to experience a different spatial environment, it got pretty darn claustrophobic and uncomfortable in there after awhile; definitely not home material for me.

This encounter, along with the other sights and sounds around Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Delft firmed up a general impression of Dutch Architecture in my mind. I feel it’s a general disposition towards boldness and bravado. Boldness - minus any connotation of heroism or courage; Unapologetic; Unsympathetic; I will do as I please.

Fun and interesting? Yes.

Long-lasting and endearing? Hmm, maybe. Perhaps. Time will tell.

Chatsworth House

2008-10-08T07:24:00.008+08:00

Chatsworth House, built in 1553, is the country home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The complex has passed through so many hands crediting its creators would be a history lesson in itself (and a pretty dry one at that). More interestingly it’s the site for the upcoming movie The Duchess, starring the very beautiful British-born Keira Knightly.

I recall reading an article back in History of Western Arch about the general convention back in the day to segregate circulation from living quarters and for rooms to be placed back to back, leading through from one to another. Not an experience I relished. It was too staccato. Furthermore, it didn’t help that the rooms were highly opulent and stocked full of master-crafted furniture. Can you say visual-overload?

The Garden though, or should I say, Forest, was breath-taking. It was a Tour de Force of the English Picturesque. T'was an immense outdoor space, so huge and open you felt like running around like a child and screaming your lungs out. It’s a great piece of work by a man we were introduced to back in Lillian Chee’s lectures – Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It even boasted a gravity-fed water fountain as one of its centerpieces, engineered by Sir Joseph Paxton of Crystal Palace fame.

Soaking it all in, I could understand why the Picturesque still held sway over much of today’s landscape designs. It was hard to tell the difference between nature and Nature because when done to such perfection, the latter blended in so well with the former, whilst retaining that recognisable hand of man. It felt so so peaceful I didn’t feel like talking at all.

Wouldn’t mind going back one day and taking a nice long meditative walk alone.

Architours 08

2008-10-03T04:46:00.003+08:00

Architours will take place over 3 weekends in October starting this Friday, 03/10/08.

For more info, hop over to http://www.archifest.sg/architours.html and then book your tickets through Sistic. Students prices are available.

Urban Ornaments + Multiplicity

2008-09-30T05:40:00.014+08:00

We stumbled upon two gems whilst exploring downtown. I was awe-struck, initially.

‘What incredible monstrosity is this?!’ I thought, “It’s huge! and repetitive! and bold!”

I spent a good ten minutes trying to figure out what on earth went on inside it - deep building, no windows. Alas, Jan guessed right and on closer inspection of our second quarry we realised we were staring at very pimped up multi-storey car parks.

I once read somewhere that buildings sculpted from a single material, by their very singular nature, exude a degree of nobility. I really like the choice of colours. Flashy silver and lime green for the occasional sunny day and sober shades of black and brown complementing the typically gloomy English weather. But for all the marvellous texture on display, I can’t help but wonder how much and how long it’d take to clean and maintain these giant urban ornaments.

Which brings me to another observation - It would appear that Europeans have a penchant for multiplicity, which, I must admit, is a very convincing marketing + design strategy.

My favourite in the series would have to be the American Book Centre in Amsterdam [the image just above]. Extremely rich space textured purely by the very commodity/use of the building – books. And lo and behold! Hunter Douglas 3form Varia panels in the flesh!!

For more info on 3form:
http://www.3-form.com/
http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/05/02/ecoresin/

The Department of Music + Home Base

2008-09-27T04:00:00.007+08:00

Neatly tucked away along a side-road, Sheffield’s Department of Music, aka The Soundhouse, by careyjones architects & Jefferson Sheard Architects is eye-catching. For all its initial quirkiness, it’s a well-behaved building that sits comfortably beside its neighbours. It gets your attention, but doesn’t try too hard at that. Surprisingly, the external skin is made of rubber!

I think it’s a perfect example of Symbolism - applying a recognisable interior skin meant for acoustic insulation to the exterior skin. It’s quite literally a music box, albeit a very sensual one with its rippling jet black surfaces and mirror-finished studs. I wonder what Ruskin would think.

In other news, house-hunting season is finally over. Much relieved that we’ve managed to get a pretty decent place to stay. Moving in and ‘owning’ the place brought much joy and excitement.

Mental note to self: It’s a joy that all home-owners have a right to experience and as an architect one really needs to balance artistic license and the owner’s aspirations. The project might be your ‘baby’ but it’s also someone’s home. Tread cautiously. Or better yet, and only if possible, choose a like-minded client.

The Winter Garden

2008-09-24T17:41:00.020+08:00

Sheffield's Winter Garden by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects is beautiful in its conceptual clarity and majestic in its expression of structure. It might even have been a fantastic example for Technology Studio in Year 3; as much as the mere recollection of Year 3 makes me shudder.

The flame-coloured laminated timber arches soar to some 20m high (or so I’m guesstimating). You see bulk. Firmitas; with a capital F. Yet the structure’s massiveness is tempered with elegance in the way each arch bows more humbly than the next. Not all of them are secured to the ground. There is an alternating rhythm. Perhaps this ingenious touch is what really brought out the clarity in the design. There is no visual clutter. Each arch is given space to breathe.

But when they do meet the ground, the steel joinery is exquisite. Thank goodness the architect didn’t simply shove them into rectangular steel boxes. Each footing is a robust armature custom designed to secure a pair of cross-braces on either side which in turn hold up a dual purpose circular steel beam – acting as a tie for all the arches and as supporting structure for the arches that don’t meet the ground.

Structural brilliance aside, it’s got a gentle form on the outside and fantastic space on the inside. Most delightful.

"We have ignition..."

2008-09-24T17:36:00.002+08:00

A stable internet connection.

Finally.

In Transition

2008-09-13T18:39:00.007+08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. Had my hands full this week with house hunting, chasing down good deals on SIM cards and groping my way through internet banking. Photos will have to wait. In my haste to get to the airport I forgot to pack the USB cable for my camera.

So i’m finally in Sheffield. Currently holed up at the Harley Hotel for a week. It’s got a catchy, simple slogan,

“This is your Harley!
It’s full of music.
And gin.
Music + gin.”

Apart from the wonky internet connection that’s only accessible in the bar downstairs and the nightly band performances that thump away into the wee hours of the morning, it’s a comfy home base for now. PLUS, the full English breakfast they serve in the morning is most definitely, THE best breakfast I’ve ever savoured. (Jon, this really is heart-stopping, or at the very least, heart-clogging.)

Sheffield, as a townscape, is growing on me. It’s human-scale, hilly urbanity, speckled with beautiful trees, exudes a unique charm. There is a hodgepodge of architectural expressions that inhabit the landscape; a couple of its main characters will be making guest appearances on this blog later on. Stay tuned folks.

Pilot Post

2008-08-31T03:30:00.005+08:00

i guess it was gonna happen sooner or later. so here i am.

do pardon me if i ramble on excessively; we all know how long-winded i can get, but i'm trying to change. truly.

so i'm looking for directions; around sheffield; in the jungle of today's architectural landscape; on life's highway. do walk along with me and share your thoughts if you've the time.