24.05.2021 Views

Between Space & People - Ezri's Project

‘The concept of how the role of the body as the locus of perception, thoughts and consciousness, by articulating, storying and processing sensory response and thoughts’. -The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma (2005) In a fast-paced and routine-like society of Singapore, we go through our daily routine of transiting through our local community, losing our awareness of our surroundings. How do ‘spaces’ break free from mundanity and allow one to reconnect to the spaces around them? This project explores the transitory experience through their community, identifying opportunities for quality spaces within the ‘mundane’.

‘The concept of how the role of the body as the locus of perception, thoughts and consciousness, by articulating, storying and processing sensory response and thoughts’. -The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma (2005)

In a fast-paced and routine-like society of Singapore, we go through our daily routine of transiting through our local community, losing our awareness of our surroundings. How do ‘spaces’ break free from mundanity and allow one to reconnect to the spaces around them? This project explores the transitory experience through their community, identifying opportunities for quality spaces within the ‘mundane’.

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

between

SPACE&

PEOPLE

EZRI KWEK JUN YI

PORTFOLIO


Content Page

Introduction 3-9

The Park 11-45

The MRT 46-89

The MRT (part 2) 90-105

3



4 5



Sense of

materiality & empathy

over superficial imagery

Connecting to tacit wisdom of the body insteady of being visually &

conceptually dominated

peripheral

perception

Concept

Space - People ( Main reading : The Eyes of the Skin - J.Pallasma )

forceful

emotion

engagement

‘ the imbalance in our sensory system ‘ Merleau Ponty - My

perception is not a

sum of visual, tactile

and audible givens.

I perceive in a total

way with my whole

being.

‘ opportunities for quality spaces within the mundane ’

emotions

& associations

to space

From my readings on The Eyes

of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma,

I began to question the thought

of how space could create an

experiental medium to trigger

the thoughts and imagination of

people.

aura, entices &

emancipates

perception & thoughts

6 7

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474918723176539188/



a journey of triggering one imagination and consciousness, breaking free from the mundanity of spatial experience

core idea of concept story

8

9



Looking into the mundane, I chose

a typical local HDB neighbourhood

to work with. Setting off a boundary

of the site to research and look

into the context within a regular

local community. Understanding and

re-looking into the area. To identify

and show how the mundanity has

taken away the opportunity for

quality spatial experience between

space and people.

Tampines East

SIT E

10 11



E V E R Y D A Y N E S S

Looking into the everyday of transitional spaces within the community,

spaces are often repetitive. While there are things and spaces that

are unique to the community, the state of it is often run-down and old.

These transitional spaces depicts the liveliness of the space, it looks

boring and uninteresting to residents there. The mundanity of their

transitional spaces then becomes a stigma to how they perceive the

space despite efforts of greeneries, textures and the touch of locality.

Within the transitional spaces in the community, hints of inhabitations

can be found. Seatings, platforms, and many others are located

around the community but the usage of it is low. Because people

perceive those spaces as more of a passing through area than a area

of inhabitation. Despite its effort to allow comfort for the residents,

the mundanity of the area overwhelms its function. The pictures shows

the space as inhabitive, but why does it look dead and unused.

M U N D A N I T Y

12 13



Overview Carparks Parks

Site Analysis

In understanding the everydayness and mundanity of the

site, I looked at the site context of area. I wanted to identify

things of importance to the community, and the transition

of the residents everyday life within that area as well. This

helped me spot different travelling patterns and gathering

areas that are mostly used.

Public Transport Residential Most frequented

Observation

What I found out was that people in that area mainly travel

back and forth from different areas to the public transport.

And despite the conventional and obvious walkways,

the people tend to have unconventional routes to their

destination. Mainly, the fastest and convenient way, possibly

sheltered areas as well.

Conclusion

While these unconventional routes creates convenience

for them, it takes away the essences of the space they are

passing through. Places like parks, benches, void decks,

and grass patches are often merely treated as a passing-by

place. Due to the mundanity and everydayness of the area,

these spaces are now seen without any spatial quality to it.

Even within the MRT.

Schools Main walkways Unconventional walkways

14 15



U N D E R S T A N D I N G

T H E

M U N D A N E

Urban Acupuncture

The intention of using urban acupuncture to pin point

areas within the community that would benefit from having

a design to it. Mainly using the site analysis to identify

certain areas that would be best beneficial and effective

to design and treat on. As only within the mundane that

new-ness could be introduced, urban acupuncture relies

more on specific treatment than an entirety of design.

https://land8.com/pocket-parks-as-urban-acupuncture/

16 17



project 1

project 1

PARK

From my site analysis and

understanding of the urban

acupuncture, I identified the best

possible location to begin my first

project. As the community transitions

revolves around getting to the MRT,

I chose the most frequented and

unconventional route as my site for

project 1, the park. This park has

main concern is, as a inhabitative

space, there is no inhabitation.

The space is then mainly used for

residents to cut across to get to the

MRT. I identified this opportunity to

recreate and break free from the

mundanity of the space through

its transition and inhabitation.

18 19



Immersive Installation

Ryoji Ikeda - Code-Verse & Micro Macro (Identity, Experiential)

‘The Walk is an elevated walkway above the grass, helping humans realize

the importance of a small plant like grass, and pay attention to trivial

details around them that are usually neglected. ’ I feel that the initiation of

introducing a ‘ play ‘ transition brings life and curiousity to the environment.

The effect is clear on people walking the pathway moving to the installation.

Transitional Installation

Casa do Quarteiro - Neighbourhood (Sound, Light, Entertainment)

Reclaiming a physical space for convivial and collaborative use. In

this transitional urban walkway, the intervention seek to introduce a

design that could see inhabitation there. Introducing frameworks that

provides seating along the walkway, it seems like an extention of the

existing rundown site while creating new-ness to the spatial experience.

https://www.archdaily.com/953379/the-walk-bangkok-project-studio

https://divisare.com/projects/332350-orizzontale-rui-soares-casa-do-quarteirao

Light / Play Installation

Musical Seesaws - Place Des Festivals (Sound, Light, Entertainment)

Thirty giant seesaws and a series of video-projections on surrounding

building facades, all with accompanying music, transform the Place des

Festivals into an “illuminated playground.” I feel that the contrast and light

play creates a unique environment that stands out from the mundane on a

regular walkway.

Inhabitation Installation

Zighizaghi garden - Favara, Italy (Communal, Rest, Inhabitation)

A multi-sensory garden made of two levels, a horizontal level, the hexagonal

floor and seating area, and a vertical level, the lighting and sound systems.

By introducing a new platform that could be use as seating gives variety

to the space. Contrasting materials and consistent forms give the space

uniqueness.

https://www.archdaily.com/778680/impulse-installation-turns-montreal-into-a-musical-playground/566b26efe58ece9c1a0

https://www.contemporist.com/a-multi-sensorial-urban-garden-has-sprouted-up-in-italy/

20 21



Micro Site Analysis

Upon choosing my site, I decided to do a micro site analysis

of the area. This was to identify what is unique to the space,

while understanding forms, shapes and context of the

existing site. By sketching over pictures I took from the site,

I outlined things that were consistent to the park. Physical

forms like contours, elevation, and canopies can all be seen

through the photos. These distinct features are true to the

site and allows a platform for me to furhter exaggerate on

what is there to break free from the mundanity of the space.

What intrigue me the most is materiality. The very clear cut

of materials between 2 areas/objects are very define. While

this park is filled with trees, the trees also creates a unique

looks to the space from its shadows, adding another layer of

texture-like material to the space.

In order to break free from the mundanity of the everyday

and of this site, my intention is to exaggerate the existing

rather than creating something entirely new. Making use of

what’s there to further push the site out of its comfort zone.

22 23



1st mapping

2nd mapping

3rd mapping

Final Mapping

4th mapping

5th mapping

6th mapping

7th mapping

Combined mapping

Tree mapping

Descriptive Geometry

Using the methodology of descriptive geometry,

the aim is the exaggerate the existing site through

a unconventional method. Extending contour and

tangent lines of the site, overlapping, and creating

opportunities of exaggerating what is mundane to the site.

24 25



Original mapping

1st iteration

2nd iteration

Final Mapping

3rd iteration

1st combined iteration

2nd combined iteration

3rd combined iteration

Fine tuning

Tree mapping

Transition Descriptive Geometry

The iterations looks to leverage off the geometries to create a

transition experience through the park. Mainly focusing on

the main paths that people use to transit through the park.

While exaggerating the existing, it looks to coexist as well.

26 27



Original mapping

1st iteration

2nd iteration

Final Mapping

3rd iteration

4th iteration

5th iteration

6th iteration

combined iteration

Fine tuning

Transition Descriptive Geometry

The iterations looks to leverage off the geometries to create a

transition experience through the park. Mainly focusing on

the main paths that people use to transit through the park.

While exaggerating the existing, it looks to coexist as well.

28 29



CITY THREAD

Precedent Study

This project looks to recreate a

transitional space into a inhabitative

space. The design is simple yet

examplary of creating the flow for

transition, highlighting spaces for

inhabitation. Using abstract forms and

graphics to define spaces, leaving

room for intepretation of how it could

be used.

Final Descriptive Geometry

The final geometry overlays everything, then extracting

it into 3D forms. This also helps with seeing the relation

between the transition and inhabitations. From here, I

decided to look into some case studies before ideating

to be further inspired. Ensuring my translation of ideation

would be the optimal experience I want to create.

https://www.archdaily.com/910948/city-thread-sports/5c5c555e284dd18a-

30

1b00009a-city-thread-sports-axo?next_project=no

31



Ideation & Translation

The idea revolve around a canopy

design which moderate light and

shadow, recreating the experience

of transition within the mundane.

Inspired by the existing site context

and texture.

The ideation revolves around the

concept of contour, height, gap,

depth and form to create a unique

light and shadow experience. The

possibility of using the ideas but

not over doing it is the challenge.

Height - Conceptually using the

trees around the site to work with,

the play with height then blends in

with the existing while the design

stands out.

Contour - The contours works with

the site context as seen. Elements

of contours and curves can be

seen throughout the site. Giving

an opportunity to blend in while

standing out as well.

Gap & Depth - The distance

between gaps and depths will

greatly affect the way shadow

and light are casted into the area.

The experience create should

be random like leaves but not

overwhelming, finding balance

between the two.

This application will be used for the

transitional experience, creating a

canopy that visually guides users

through the park. While the canopy

is to break the mundanity of the

space, the idea is to not overdoing

it which ends up overwhelming the

existing space. Creating a new but

familiar experience.

mapping

elevated transitional form

linear design

randomize size design

repetitive size design (bigger)

repetitive size design (smaller)

32 33



MAT ERIAL ANALYSIS

MAT ERIAL T ESTING

depth (3 levels)

removing box-frame

translucency, color, materiality

deepen shadow effect

Precedent Study

This project was an installation in

the forest space by Oiwa Shrine,

a historical place of worship. The

design consist of super-thin films

that hangs between the trees. The

idea revolves around it swaying and

breathing with the space. Capturing

the essense and time that flows there.

MIRAGE IN THE FOREST

studio akane

frame, connecting

Originally, the idea was cubes forms to justify depth,

gap, and regularity that I was trying to create. However

inspired by the precedent study on ‘Mirage in the forest’,

I began looking at the possibility to introduce a new

form of materiality and texture to the canopy design.

Also going into detail of how the design would function

and look. While testing the materials, I tried to ideate

and play with the way each design connects. And by

removing the frame could remove the structure-like form

to the design. Looking into how night lighting could be

introduced. Maybe adding different colors and shade

that were inspired from the colors of trees leaves.

possibility for night light

After the testings, I decided to go with a porous fabric,

as it looks light to the eyes, while being able to cast

shadow effectively. Also, the light-ness allows it to sway

and mimic the trees, similar to the precedent studies

which have a very calming and natural experience to

it. While the form and structure of the canopy already

stands out from the existing, the choice of material helps

blend in a little rather than overwhelm the existing.

Overall, I will be using a porous material while

keeping the color to a single tone. As I feel multiple

colors of a artificial canopy would be very distracting.

http://akanemoriyama.com/works/16-4-mirage-in-the-forest.html

34 35



Day/Normal Condition

In this collage, I tested the

materiality on the form of the

canopy and then adding it

to the site context. Visually

seeing how the canopy

would look like overall

within the site. Overall, I

believe the design works

well towards the intention of

breaking the mundanity by

exaggerating the existing,

rather than disrupting it.

Night/Light Condition

I also tested the possiblity of

introducing lighting design

to the canopy. In the context

where there is no sunlight,

could artificial light create a

different ambience through

the day or night? From

this test, I was pleasantly

surprised with the outcome

as before, it broke away

from the mundanity but not

disrupting the existing.

36

37



IDEATION

FOR

INHABITATION

1 - Communal sharing

2 - Movie Night

3 - Platforms

4. Corner seats

As the residents tend to use this

park as merely a transition space

through the community to the public

transports, the park loses its purpose

of having inhabitative spaces. It is

a misopportunity for quality spaces

even if treated as a transitional space.

What I look to design for this space

is similar to how ‘City Thread’ treated

their forms to create unspoken spaces

for people to interprete and use.

38 39



A SNEAK PEAK

The design intention of breaking the mundanity, starts from the

very point where people transit to and fro. The route towards

the MRT station and bus stop. This shows a sneak preview of the

inhabitation within the park, while the canopy bleeds into the

shelter of the walkway. Intruguing passerbys and residents to be

curious as the canopy visually leads the towards the park. There,

shadows casted by the canopy and trees casts unique texture

and shapes onto the surrounding, depending on the sun direction

throughout the day.

40 41



INHABITATION

The reinvented inhabitations revitalizes the purpose of having

inhabitative spaces within parks. As the canopy envelopes the

park, the inhabitation seamlessly alights itself to the site and

canopy. Having multi-purpose inhabitations also allow more

forms of users to utilize the space. While the design also leaves

room for interpretation of how the space could be use, people

won’t have to be fixate on a certain way to use the space. Giving

them more freedom and choice within the area to inhabitate.

42

43



INHABITATION

As the canopy design moderates light and shadow within the

space, blending in with the site context, it recreates the experience

of inhabitation and transition that people often use. The texture

and contrast each shadow cast gives is unique and changing

according to the time of the day. The enveloping shape of the

canopy also embraces the transitional paths that people use

so often to get across the park which changes their view and

experience of their transition. It not only visually guides people

through the park but almost physically as well.

44 45



project 2

MRT

As a continuity of part 1, I decided

to look into the transition within the

MRT (mass rapid transit) train station.

The site studies shows from the

community, most are going towards

the MRT. This makes me look into the

mundanity of the train station. Similar

to neighbourhoods, train stations

have a standardize design to it. Then

replicating it through the regular

neighbourhoods. In all of Singapore,

there’s a ratio of 1 out of 20 stations

that are uniquely designed. Mainly

in the central areas of Singapore as

well. Is there a negligence towards

the MRT spatial experience in the

many other train stations?

46

47



48

49



Commuters

wants

to

shut themselves

out during such

Site Analysis

Through my site analysis, the three things I noticed was the

mundanity of the space, routine and pace.

Space

The space was designed to get people in and out of the

MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.

The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or to

the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period where

people walk through to get out.

Routine

Routine-like behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be

it standing on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry,

or waiting for the MRT. These routines became the norms

of how to use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become

influenced that these norms are how it’s supposed to be.

Pace

The most important factor in the transition of the MRT station

is pace. Not including peak hours, some people prefer to go

fast, some people prefer to go slow. While others follow the

flow of pace. There is a subconscious influence of how pacing

is set. When there’s a crowd moving fast, you subconsciously

move faster, not blocking others or the flow of space. While

it’s slow, you know that there’s no rush.

transitions.

alone

Being amidst the

faceless crowd.

Time

away

from

from reality.

50 51

their

thoughts,

disconnecting

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_weemin/2948172761



Olafur Eliasson - Reality Projector

‘Eliasson has conceived of a seemingly simple, yet complex

installation that uses projected light and the existing

architecture of the space to create a dynamic shadow play.’

- Reality Projector. These shadows created by projected

light creates a artificial graphic wall that moves, it intrigues

passerbys to stop and look at such projection. The contrast

of the space darkness and composition enhance that effect

of immersiveness.

Ideating Phase 1

In line with my concept and research, I decided to go into

ideating phase with two main design strategy. Light/shadow

and spatial awareness/configurations.

Light/Shadow

The study of light and shadow is inspired by the precedent

study from olafur elliason and my strategy from project 1.

I realize a good method of creating a unique experience

would be from the use of light and shadow. With what I did

for project 1 and new insights on how play around with light,

I wanted to research on how people would react to certain

lighting and shadow effects.

https://www.artrabbit.com/events/olafur-eliasson-reality-projector

Spatial awareness/configurations

As people in the MRT wants to shut themselves out, I wanted

to investigate how much spatial changes I could do for the

immersive experience within the space, while not distracting

them. Understanding spatial configuration of how people

react will help me push my design further into creating the

atmosphere and spatial quality needed.

Combining research

My plan is to use my research on both above, combining

them to see what kind of design I could translate into a

transitional space. Doing out iterations from my ideations,

then picking out the best fit for my concept intentions.

Olafur Eliasson - Room for One Color

Featured on Netflix series, Abstract: The Art of design

features Olafur Eliasson. Monochromatic light where used

to create a ‘room for one color’, but when the bulb is turned

on, other colors began to become visible. Playing with how

people perceive space, using their primary sense of sight to

affect how one see the space. This helped me understand

how I could use different elements to create a immersive and

unique transition space.

52

53

netflix/abstract:the art of design/12:13



Primary exploration (light & shadow)

This study will be on people’s reaction to different condition of lighting,

understanding their reaction and movement. How light and shadow forms affect

the perception of a space. A series of sketch that shows that understanding of

human to space.

This research method was inspired by my study on The Manhattan Transcript -

Bernard Tschumi. My translation was to abstract out reaction and the periphoral

perspective of a person towards different lighting condition.

54 55



Primary exploration (spatial awareness & configuration)

medium

near

Moving into my exploration phase,

this study will be on how spatial

configuration affects a person’s

perception and awareness of space.

A series of sketch that shows that

understanding of human to space.

far

open

blocked

In a transitional space, I wanted to see the relation of people’s reaction to

width, height, depth, and size of the space. How people would transit between

these different transitional points.

56 57



Further exploration between spatial configuration and light...

ceiling x light / shadow

From my primary explorations, I then wanted to merge it to

see the light/shadow effect from the different configurations.

Hence, I did out several iterations of design that curates

different lighting, shadow and perspective to a space. I did 3

iterations that varies from ceiling to walls to floors, deciding

that ceiling would be the best translation for my concept as

it does not overwhelm the space. It also ties in line with my

design strategy for project 1.

58 59



Using vertical, horizontal, voids and planes for this research...

floor x light / shadow

60 61



Identifying elements from the light and shadow forms that could be translated for transition...

wall x light / shadow

62 63



Summary of Ideating Phase 1

In this ideation phase, it was focused on underrstanding

how people would react under the different condition I

was researching. However, my project started leaning

towards making the commuters being immerse into shutting

themselves out rather than getting their attention. With that

said, the research and ideation still helps with understanding

how much I could do without overdoing it. As well as the kind

of spatial configuration and lighting that would be needed.

While not everything I did will be used, it would be served

as an experiment of what did not work.

Moving on to Ideation Phase 2

I decided to then research on how immersive interiors are

created. What kind of atmosphere, condition, and lighting

would make a space immersive. How could I leverage off

the way people use the MRT transitional spaces to create a

distinct experience through the MRT. Enabling one to lose

themselves in the short transition.

64 65



Immersive Installations

Ryoji Ikeda - Code-Verse & Micro Macro

The art installation by Ryoji Ikeda often feels like something outside of

normal phenomenological experience, with the flickering graphics, black

and white space, and sound. His art installation often feels like you are

holding your breath while looking at it, diving and looking into something

that is unknown. It creates an immersive experience and captivating sight

with the huge contrast and composition through the graphic and interior.

Using darkness and contrast

to create composition within the space.

https://www.grace.eu/work/ryoji-ikeda-code-verse-3/

Tamschick - Time Macine (2014)

This installation was to immerse the viewers into a 15 minute story of the

past. Bringing in a certain narrative to the graphic visuals which defers from

Ryoji Ikeda installation. These graphics having a narrative to it helps the

viewers immerse themselves in a different way. Whereby having to look and

understand what the story is about. From these 2 casestudy, is there a way

to narrate the story of the everyday mundane and pace?

https://www.cyclicdefrost.com/2016/05/watch-ryoji-ikedas-micro-macro/

Articulating the narrative of pace

to create an

immersive experience.

https://www.tamschick.com/en/projects/time-machine/

66 67



reactive experiment of feelings - time

iterations

time in site

This exploration was to identify how feelings of ‘time’ could be

manifested visually. Manifesting graphically how pace would

be created through the use of paint. Inspired by the precedent

studies, I believed using a graphic wall would be impactful

into creating the atmosphere that I intended. The choice of

medium allows me to keep things conceptual yet able to test the

darkness and contrast. Similarly to the pace of the commuters

within the MRT, I identifying various visuals of how time would

be manifested when time is stopped, slowed and quickened.

medium - paint - strokes

time stopped, time slowed, time quickeneed

68 69



Graphic on walls

Using paint as my medium as well, I tried to paint

a section view of how I would perceive the MRT.

With the hectic-ness portrayed, and the essense of

shadows and traces left behind due to the pace of

the place. I saw this experiment rather abstract and

artistic of a representation of pace. However, the

static image doesn’t allow me to feel the pace and

speed compared to if it was moving. Is it possible then

to create graphics that moves, that speeds up and

slows down according to the pace of the time/place.

70 71



Graphic on floors

Inspired by Ryoji Ikeda’s Micro Macro installation,

this experiment was a take on the graphics of pace

from a plan view. I wanted to see the dynamics

and spread of pace are at, when people lean

towards walking on the sides or a particular side.

This abstraction of pace shows the density of crowd

and the shades represents the traffic. If the graphics

were screened on the floor, what kind of change

would it bring the the spatial quality? How would

people react to something indifferent yet unique?

Ideation for graphics

From here I wanted to do a series of painting for

my installative graphic walls. Further testing pace

in terms of intervals of the graphics, timing, and

speed of the graphics would greatly change the

perspective of the space. The upcoming iterations

would also verify if static graphics or moving

graphics would create a greater influence on a

immersive environment. Would it be shutters of static

graphics that moves? Or seamless graphics moving?

72 73



74 75



Entrance Ideation

My first ideation process was to design for the entrances. As

a transitional change from the ‘outside’ to the ‘inside’ I was

looking to create a transitional change in atmosphere. As though

entering an ‘abyss’, I wanted that change to be drastic. I was

then contemplating regarding a seamless transition or a drastic

change. I ended up choosing with the drastical change as I feel

its impact in breaking free from the mundanity is more impactful.

Visually it also has a strong impact of entering an immerse space.

To create that change, I carved the ceiling to allow sunlight to

cast a shadow that naturally creates that drastic change.

Entrance Ideation

To create that immersive transition, I chose the graphic walls

to be on the sides of the escalators. As though while going

down, they are transiting into a completely different realm. The

distinct change in contrast and composition of the space allows

commuters to experience an impactful spatial quality of change.

76 77



Walkway Ideation

In this explorations of iterations, I played around

with the use of contrast, darkness, composition and

the graphics. With the initial exploration on lighting

and spatial configuration to help create a believable

lighting environment and add to the hints of contrast.

I believe for an immersive atmosphere, the darkness

has to be more than light. Hence, most of the ideation

have a ratio of 65% darkness to 35% light. With that, I

went to sketch a series of possible design, focusing on

creating an immersive experience within a transitional

walkway. While other’s seem promising, some did

not. From here, I will take points from this and move on

into designing the site. Similar to urban acupuncture,

my next process is mapping out the areas.

78

79



Mapping

With the methodology of urban acupuncture, I

mapped out the treatment needed for the transitional

spaces within the MRT. (part 2) For most parts, the

idea is similar, the graphics would be on the wall

while the ceiling creates minimal lighting. The reason

for this was keeping to the concept of not over-doing

the experience to become overwhelming. However,

on certain transitional areas that connects multiple

routes, I decided to tweak it up to do the graphic on

the floor. Visually it give a sense of break to the flow

for the decision to go different routes.

80 81



Entrance

A transitional change from the ‘outside’ to

the ‘inside’, to create a transitional change

in atmosphere. As though entering an

‘abyss’, commuters enter a realm that shuts

themselves out of ‘the world’. More than just

a feeling, the spatial quality now provides

that experience of being able to do so.

Project 2 aims to reinvent the transitional

spaces within the MRT. Breaking the

mundanity of the space but focusing on

creating an immersive experience that

commuters could further immerse themselves

in. The intention of this experience not only

succeeds in creating an immersive transition

but breaking free from the mundanity of the

everyday transition within the MRT.

82

83



Transition

While the graphics visually guides commuters through the

experience, the hints of ceiling light designs adds that extra

quality to the transition. Do people enjoy walking near the

middle where it’s dark and open? Or do people rather walk

near the graphic walls where its well lit and seeing their

shadows reflected onto the screens? While both creates that

immersive experience, it also creates two completely different

feeling to it.

84 85



The space was designed to get people in and out of the

MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.

The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or

to the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period

where people walk through to get out. Routine-like behaviors

can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing on the left

of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting for the

MRT. These routines became the norms of how to use MRT

spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence. Routine-like

behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing

on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting

for the MRT. These routines became the norms of how to

use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence

Transition

In this connected transition, instead of the walls, the floor

becomes the graphic. It creates a visual sense of break to

the flow for the decision to go different routes. A change

in experience of the transition, change in dynamics. The

materiality of the floor would also be slightly glossy to reflect

light and shadows to lit the interior more. While it also gives

a sense of additional depth to the place instead of it being

pitch black.

86 87



The space was designed to get people in and out of the

MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.

The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or

to the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period

where people walk through to get out. Routine-like behaviors

can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing on the left

of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting for the

MRT. These routines became the norms of how to use MRT

spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence. Routine-like

behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing

on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting

for the MRT. These routines became the norms of how to

use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence

Transition

Right before entering into the gantry and platform of the

MRT, the entrance graphics serves as a point of destination.

A point of direction and a transitional change. This allow a

change into a ‘static’ transition at the platform. (project 3)

88 89



project 3

MRT

As a continuity of project 2, this

project aims to tackle what I would call

a ‘static transition’. While transiting,

commuters reach the platform that is

standstill for five minutes of waiting.

The concept remains the same of

creating an immersive experience

where commuters can shut themselves

out. But the difference would be

between a ‘moving transition’ and

a ‘waiting transition’. As project 3 is

the platform of the MRT, what would

be best to create such an experience

in the moment of entering the space?

How would a static environment

capture the essense of an immersive

experience?

90 91



Observation

Base on my site study and analysis in project 2,

people tend to have certain behaviors within the

MRT. That could be said when at the platform as

well. There are people who stands and wait by

the door, while people who are scavenging for

the little seat they have in the MRT to rest. Some

prefer going to the corners or leaning against the

wall while others dont really mind just standing

in the middle.

There I decided to split my zoning into 2, mainly

a zone nearer to the doors and the other towards

the middle. I decided not to do more because

I did not want to have definitive spaces. These

commuters chose those specific way of waiting

because that’s their way of shutting themselves

out. I rather leave an open ended of how a person

had to use the space to immerse themselves.

92 93



Sketch ideation of bringing in skylight.

Olafur Eliasson - The Weather Project

The art installation by Ryoji Ikeda recreated the sun and the sky to occupy

the Turbine Hall. The artificial ‘sun’ created a mood-altering atmospherics

and unusual appeal to the space. The hierarchy of the light overwhelms the

users as it glares upon them. While people cannot help but look towards it

in awe. For the train station platform, I wanted the immersive experience to

be focal and large to the space.

The contrast and composition of darkness running through

https://publicdelivery.org/olafur-eliasson-the-weather-project/

SANAA - Teshima Art Museum

With the use of openings, it brings in nature. Natural lighting, heat,

ambience, and a view to the exterior. The interior seem as though its shaping

how the outside looks, while the sunlight is shaping the light source and

shadow in the interior. The simplicity of a simple cut out of the ceiling brings

so much more to the interior. While the materiality provides a contrast of

how concrete is always heavy yet it seems so light here.

The graphic creates an immersive static immerse experience

https://www.azuremagazine.com/events/sanaa-the-architecture-of-kazuyo-sejima-and-ryue-nishizawa/

With the concept of project 2

94 95



Ideation

I decided to go with the rounded shape for the

ceiling opening as it has a better effect as a

spotlight. Something regular visual impact on the

space wouldn’t be as strong. This main ideation

creates a ‘grand’ gesture upon entering the

MRT platform. Where the immersiveness of the

space is greatly enhance with the surrounding

still covered with the same concept of darkness,

contrast, and composition. But rather than

something transitory in project 2, project 3 aims

to look at the experience of a ‘static’ transition.

WOHA - Bras basah MRT station

A very deep station where visual connectivity is

designed to the exterior. Using water covered glass

skylight, from the exterior it just looks like a reflection

pool. But from the interior, it creates an immense

skylight. This case study shows the the possibility of

my idea going through as it is a localize project that

is built. With that, it gives me some ideas of how the

exterior and interior could be better connected.

https://www.archdaily.com/40802/bras-basah-rapid-transit-stationwoha/5011ea9828ba0d5f4c000416-bras-basah-rapid-transit-station-wohaphoto?next_project=no

Bouroullec Brothers - Vitra Campus

A ring-like seat that runs around a tree, where the

tree is the hierarchy point and the seat where people

meet around it. Creating something pragmatic and

simple of a seat but somehow a poetic gesture.

Similarly to my project, I was thinking of how I could

reinvent the seatings within the MRT. And as I have

the main light coming in as a beacon, could I use

that to create something similar to this?

Photo: courtesy Kunsthal Aarhus : https://www.fastcompany.com/90127700/thiscircular-park-bench-is-the-most-scandinavian-thing-ever

96 97



Ideation

A smaller gesture of my initial idea was to create that highlight

onto the MRT doors. Will it change the way people wait? Will it

change the way people perceive of themselves entering into the

train itself? As another transitonal change, as though entering

into a door thats highlighted. A series of sketch as I discover

the best way to curate the experience of immersiveness.

Final Ideation

For project 3, my intention is similar to project 2 as a

continuity of concept. However, the approach of the

transition changed from ‘moving’ to ‘static’. The MRT

platform is on a static point and is a waiting space,

but people are still in the midst of ‘transiting’.

In wanted to design that immersive experience of

allowing commuters to shut themselves out, I chose to

go with something grand. As though upon entering

the space, they are surrounded by visual tells. On the

grand scale and gesture, not only the initial graphic

walls, but also the natural light that enters into the

space that envelopes the interior. While on the smaller

scale within the space, the doors and seats creates

that immersive experience as well.

As a continuity of project 2, to show the difference of

immersion between the two type of transition.

98 99



Section

This section view shows the placement of

lights, composition and overall ambience of

the space. How each area is articulated with

light and darkness. The placement of seatings

are also align to the door lightings on the

sides.

100

101



Visually struck on the space upon entering through the gantry to the platform.

102 103



The overview of the entire platform, as people inhabit the space.

104 105





Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!