PORTFOLIO
PRJ60408
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT
This capstone design studio is the final stage of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture programme, guided by the theme “Architecture with an Impact.” It explores how architecture can respond to the social, cultural, environmental, and spatial needs of specific communities. Over 15 weeks, students develop a comprehensive architectural proposal through site analysis, user studies, programme development, design exploration, and technical integration, culminating in a resolved final design and design report.
Project 1a: Pre-design Studies & Analysis (group)
After 16 weeks of learning through this module, I can honestly say that this semester feels different from the others. It was the final module of my degree, which made the whole experience feel more meaningful and, at times, more emotional. I am especially grateful that I got to experience this final semester alongside my close friends. From tutorials, site visits, discussions, late nights in the studio, and the countless moments of figuring things out together, having people around me made the process feel less lonely.
I was particularly happy when Penang became our site. Penang has always had a special place in my heart, but before this project, I mostly experienced it as a visitor. My trips were usually short: wake up, eat, visit nice places, take pictures, and then suddenly it was time to go back to Kuala Lumpur. This time, I had the opportunity to slow down and actually observe George Town. I started paying attention to the people, the streets, the small businesses, the cultural practices, and the everyday life that I would normally overlook as a tourist. It made me realise how differently a place can be experienced when you are not simply passing through it.
This phase was a meaningful experience for me as I took on the role of leader. I felt a strong sense of responsibility, not only for the work itself but also for making sure everyone felt included and knew what they were contributing towards. Working with my close friends came naturally, as we already understood each other’s ways of working and communicating. However, coordinating with members outside our usual circle was more challenging. There were moments when different working styles, ideas, and levels of familiarity made communication slower than expected. As the leader, I had to learn to be more patient, communicate more clearly, and find ways to bring everyone towards the same direction. It taught me that leadership is not simply about taking charge, but about understanding people, managing differences, and creating an environment where everyone can contribute.
Project 1b: Design Strategies & Exploration
As the project moved into individual exploration, I found myself struggling more than I expected. One of my biggest challenges was figuring out a main programme that genuinely responded to the site. I kept questioning whether my ideas were strong enough, so I repeatedly went back to my mind maps, changing the concept, narrative, and programme each time. Instead of moving forward steadily, I often felt like I was going in circles. As the deadline got closer, I started to feel increasingly overwhelmed, and there were several moments when the pressure became too much emotionally. Even so, I eventually managed to pull the project together for the review. To my surprise, the review went much better than I had expected, and Mr. Manny's warm and encouraging approach made me feel more comfortable presenting a project that I had been so uncertain about. Looking back, this phase taught me that I can still move forward even when I am not completely confident in my direction.
INTERIM 1
Project 1c: Final Design
The final phase was probably the most intense part of the semester for me. I was still making major changes to my floor plans even after the interim, which left me with only about a week to properly prepare my final presentation. Normally, I would try to give myself around two weeks to work on my boards so that I could pace myself, get enough sleep, and feel more prepared. This time, I did not have that luxury. The final week became a cycle of drawing, editing, printing, revising, and doing it all over again. I barely had time to rest, and there were days when I realised I had skipped meals because I was too focused on getting the work done.
Despite how exhausting it was, I was not completely alone in it. My best friends and family kept encouraging me whenever I felt like I could not push any further. Sometimes even a simple reminder that I was almost there was enough to make me continue. When I finally completed my boards and looked at everything together, I felt genuinely proud. They were not perfect, but they were the strongest set of work I had produced throughout the semester, and I knew how much of myself I had put into them.
More than anything, these final weeks taught me that resilience is not about never feeling overwhelmed. For me, it was about continuing even when I was tired, uncertain, and running out of time. It also reminded me how important my support system is, especially during moments when I struggle to believe in my own work.
