Creative Bamboo Pavilion Model Exhibition by Architecture students

Lecturer Tew (middle in pink shirt) with architecture students who created the models

Thirty-nine UTAR LKC FES Department of Architecture and Sustainable Design (DASD) students from Architectural Studio Design II, showcased their architecture models at the Nature Interpretive Centre Model Exhibition held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus 10^TH floor from 31 October to 21 November 2022.

This exhibition was put together by architecture students Chan Zheng Han, coordinator of the exhibition, and Jasmine Chong who is the secretary of the exhibition. They were assisted by Karen Liew, Sean Goh and Hang Wei Ming.

As part of the studio project, each architecture student had to plan, design and construct their own miniature models made out of predominantly bamboo and natural materials. The focus was on sustainable designs and environmental conservation, making use of natural ventilation and lighting. The miniature models were designed to be bamboo half pavilion for a site in Sungai Long hills nearby for hikers and the community to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate the natural surroundings of the hills. Each model structure must have a resting area, toilet, meeting place, garden, store/office and a viewing vantage point. It is meant to be a recreational facility that blends well with the natural surroundings.

The outcome produced all very unique and creative designs with great attention to details, intricate crafting of buildings, ground materials, natural forestry and beautiful miniature bamboo structures. According to the students, these models took about a month to build due to the attention to minute details including the designs of the wall panels and walk ways.

Students with their own creative bamboo models

From left: Tiviyaa, Tang Ying Hui, Chong Jasmine, Sean Goh Shien Hung, Chong Sheng Onn, Chan Zheng Han, Syahmerlyn and Ngoi Xue Kei

From left: Ivan Soh Ter Yik, Hang Wei Ming, Jacky Soo Li Heng, Ng Zi Wei, Thurka, and Yap Angel

From left: Sophia Lee Si Jie, Yau Lye Shiuen, Ong Joey and Liew Yin Ping

From left: Seah Ewe Yi, Long Chee Seng, Kee Jia Ke, Aw Ee Fang, Tai Suk Ee and Low Li Xuan

Lecturer Tew Bun Teck enthused, “Every model is a unique style on the exhibition pedestals, the exhibition affirms what these students had spent consuming weeks and laborious hours, and in these inspiring process to eventually exhibit their miniature outcomes. It is indeed some professional envisioning to make this an innovative academic stride into future career endeavours. The exhibition allows public viewing in appreciation of the artistic talent and design work by the students, it helps to build their confidence and also boost their enthusiasm.”, he added.

Tew expressed, “Model making is a medium to express ideas. It is a learning tool to comprehend the creative process; to know better about bamboo materials; in marketing a project to communicate clearly to clients; and to eventually build a habitable bamboo structure.”

The students involved in the Nature Interpretive Centre Model Exhibition were Aw Ee Fang, Beatrice Yong Meng Hui, Chan Zheng Han, Chong Jasmine, Gillian Chong Ming Fen, Chong Sheng Onn, Chong Wen Zhe, Foo Chong Chian, Sean Goh Shien Hung, Hang Wei Ming, Hu Jia Wei, Ivan Soh Ter Yik, Jacky Soo Li Heng, John Siow Sheng Hui, Kee Jia Ke, Kok Boon Chen, Liew Yin Ping, Lim Zhi Heng, Long Chee Seng, Low Li Xuan, Mohammad Abdul Aleem, Ng Lok Yin, Ng Zi Wei, Ngoi Xue Kei, Ong Joey, Pio Ling Yie Han, Poh Yen Zi, Seah Ewe Yi, Sophia Lee Si Jie, Sumitra A/P Sandra Segaran, Syahmerlyn Binti Hassan, Tai Suk Ee, Tan Yi Siew, Tang Ying Hui, Thurka A/P Balakrishnan, Tiviyaa A/P Ganesan, Wong Jun Xiang, Yap Angel, and Yau Lye Shiuen. They were supervised by DASD lecturer Fernando Paulo Da Costa Andrade, Rahmawaty, and Yong Song Zhe.

Architecture students John Siow shared that, “Model making explores design ideas in the process; especially in heeding design construction and details. The form and building spaces undergo stages of design enhancements. Warm or cold colours will also determine the building's first impression.”

He added, “Model making needs a lot of efforts and hours of squinting eyes through weeks of hunching over model making. The procedural outcomes could be flushed down the drain if the design language or form is deemed not appropriate for the site in the end.”

Ivan Soh, Sean Goh and Chan expressed, “Model making helps us to know more on the structure and form of the building. It also helps us to reinforce ideas more than a 3D software can do. A detailed presentation model offers a better reality visualisation. We can imagine the actual interior space and volume of the entire building.”

They added, “Although a software creates better 3D modelling through VR and allows experiencing virtual interior or exterior space, physical models serve better visual experience to general viewers.”

Beatrice Yong commented that model making allows her to visualise her design ideas better and more realistically. She shared, “Throughout the process of model making, I can see the shortcomings of my design and I feel my design can be improved. Choosing the right materials to make models help in conveying design ideas. Model making is difficult and time-consuming, but the experience to turn ideas into a physical model is gratifying.”

Gillian Chong said detailed model making is like a mini design construction, model making increases her creativity by doing precedent studies and peer learning.

Tew concluded that model making is to envision reality via manipulating form and space, solids and voids, in respective order of design principles. He said model making is the process of construct and deconstruct; compose and recompose; do and redo in order to see the design in miniaturized outcomes. “From platonic prototype to presentation model, the tedious but ever-altering process steers the design production 3-dimensionally in order to arrive at some appealing appearance. Manipulating with simulated materials, the process can be very gratifying for model makers. Model making for some skilled ones is a very special profession to pursue.”