Just a few weeks ago, 39 students from diverse backgrounds joined the architecture program at the Faculty of Built Environment—some not knowing what was in store for them. The long hours of studio work, submissions after submissions, countless deadlines, money coming and going for purchasing model-making materials, and papers of various sizes for presentations… those with an Architecture Diploma in hand stood confident as they knew exactly what was coming. But the rest, from STPM, matriculation, and foundation, had to brace themselves for the unknown roller-coaster ride of a lifetime—architecture school!
But this not-knowing seems to have little effect on this cohort. Calling themselves Architopia—symbolized by the number 8 snooker ball as the eighth cohort of the Architecture Program—the students excelled in the process, and by Week 8, when they presented their architectural designs, it was as if almost everyone had grasped the basics of arts and architecture.
Project Mind marks the opening of the BEA1016 Architecture Design Studio 1 projects. With a duration of two weeks, students are tasked with creating an A3-sized card that opens into an A2 sheet, containing an abstract drawing with a pop-up object. The contents of the card should reflect their journey or experiences before joining architecture school. They are free to express themselves, whether through collages, painting, or using any colors they prefer. It is a model-making task combined with drawings and the ability to craft a narrative to tell a story.
This project intended to take a sneak peek of their style and ability in thinking creatively when imposed with a certain restrictions, requirements and abstraction. How do one portray hardship, determination, or even confusion? That is what the brief wants to tackle – their current ability to express their thoughts. And of course, a subtle way to know more about them, and why are they here.
Their first architectural design work was manifested in the second project called Project Body, a 5-weeks affairs where students began at the Borneo Cultures Museum. They were to choose a unique spot or an interactive exhibition at the museum, interact with it and record their body movements.
This 5-weeks project focuses on the process of abstracting body movement interaction with a chosen site or exhibition at Borneo Cultures Museum into a black and white abstract drawing and four 3-dimensional abstract models, that eventually leads to a final folly design. Rather than focusing on a final form, the project emphasizes the design process which culminates into a rich and layered architectural folly, supported by a strong narrative and context.
Some photos during their Interim and Final Presentation:
Through these projects, the students have embarked on an intense yet rewarding journey of creative exploration. From translating personal experiences into abstract expressions to shaping architectural ideas through body movement studies, they have begun to grasp the essence of design thinking. As they continue their journey in architecture school, these early challenges lay the foundation for resilience, creativity, and a deeper understanding of space, form, and narrative—essential skills that will shape their future as architects.
If you are interested to see more of architecture from the Faculty of Built Environment, we host an End-Semester Architecture Exhibition at the end of every semester (obviously!). The next exhibition will be held from the 20th until 21st of February 2025. Do join us!
For more updates on the Architopia clan, follow their Instagram account at instagram.com/archit8pia.
Written by Yon Syafni Samat, Course Coordinator for BEA1016 Architecture Design Studio 1, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, UNIMAS.