Project Brief

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

______________________________________________________________________________________
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

Module: ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & HISTORY 1 [ARC60103]
PROJECT: PRECEDENT STUDY & ANALYSIS (50%)

DUE:
Online Discussion Forum
Week 5
22 April 2015
(10%)
Precedent Study & Analysis

Sketches Presentation
& Analysis Report
Week 7
6 May 2015
(20%)
Final Presentation Board Submission
Week 11
10 June 2015
(20%)
Introduction
This project focuses on investigating historical works to enrich architectural design and ideas. Through the
study of existing buildings, students are able to communicate and expand their own architectural vocabulary and
develop design concepts. In a group of 5, students are required to conduct precedent study analysis on specific
building through on-line forum discussion, analysis drawings, verbal and board presentations. This precedent
study analysis should help clarify the research question of why that specific building is historically, culturally and
architecturally importance; and how the design concepts derived from that particular building can be developed
and expanded to be creatively and innovatively integrated into their Studio 1 design project.
Objectives
1.
To introduce basic architectural theory through a consideration of intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines,
architectural language and contextual relationships.
2.
To creatively and innovatively develop and expand the design concept derived from the precedent study
analysis.
Learning outcome:
1.
To produce building analysis which document intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines, architectural
language and contextual relationships.
2.
To produce graphical development, expansion and elaboration of intentions, concepts, patterns, disciplines,
architectural language and contextual relationships as integration to design project.
Background:
A precedent study is one of an effective approach in learning architectural history as well as an essential
research stage to any architectural design project. To be a good architect it is crucial that one thoroughly understand
what came before a success architectural creation. Precedent studies provide understanding of these contributing
factors. The information learned from this process will give architects wisdom to create architecture that is at par or
even better than what have been created before. In addition, precedent studies might also reveal reasons for a
design failure and thus gives designer the understanding so as not to repeat the same mistakes.
Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015
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Assessment:
A.
On-line Group Forum (10% - Individual-80% and Group-20% Assessment)
On-line group forum is used in this exercise as an effective virtual learning discussion platform for students
to work as a team to help each other in exploring the precedent studies of a chosen building with cultural, historical
and architectural significances.
Through the active on-line discussion forum, students even outside class session will be able to exchange views,
share and debate the knowledge derived from the precedent studies to best grasp as well as to encourage a
comprehensive analysis of the underlying conceptual ideas of the building. This on-line forum discussion will also
prepare them for their verbal presentation during Studio critic session.
The study of precedent required students to gather architectural information, so that they truly appreciate the essence
of the building; have in-depth understanding of the building systems at work, as well as recognize the series of
important elements that realize design aspects of the building.
On-line Group Forum Task:
Each group is required to collectively address the questions below via TIMES WikiSpace discussion forum. As such
each student in the group needs to only select just one set of questions. All discussion must be posted in TIMES
Wiki Space in the form of:
a. clear and legible photographs and scanned sketches
b. short brief /write-up.
Brief General/Background Questions:
1. i.
ii.
Who was the architect or founder of the building?

What was the concept or philosophy of the architect or founder that makes the building historically
significant / meaningful?
2. i.
ii.
Where and when was the building built?

How the context, building period and evolution makes the building historically significant and
meaningful?
3. i.
ii.
What is the form, or shape of the building?

How the form or shape of the building contributes in making the building historically significant and
meaningful?
4. i.
ii.
What is the function or purpose of the building?

How the function or purpose of the building makes the building historically significant and
meaningful?
5. i.
ii.
What were the materials and construction technology or method used?

How the materials and construction technology or method help making the building historically
significant and meaningful?
B.
C.
Precedent Study & Analysis Sketches Presentation (10%) and Analysis Report (10%) (Individual)
Analysis Presentation Board (20%) (Individual)
The precedent study and analysis sketches, and analysis presentation board consist of illustrative and abstractive
diagrams, drawings and text. The drawings should include actual and conceptual design ideas of floor plans, building
sections, analysis diagrams and sketches expressing clarity and in-depth investigation of the precedent studies.
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Precedent study and analysis sketches are to be drawn on A4 drawing papers whereas the analysis presentation
board should be on an A2 board only and strictly hand-drawn and hand-written.
You should find as much information on your assigned building as possible. Some projects have more information
available than others. Your assignment is to provide an in-depth analysis of the building and provide thorough
reflections of the questions listed in the subsequent section.
Analysis should include:
A. Answers to the Precedent Study Analysis questions below:
1. How does the building reflect the spirit of the time and place for which it was built?
2. What are the initial ideas and the design concept?
3. How the initial ideas and the design concept affecting the architecture?
B. Illustration of Precedent Study Analysis in relation to the series of building conceptual elements listed below
each student is to select and conduct analysis of one element from # 1 to 5 and to synthesize the design concept
Part of # 6.
1. Concept and Architecture analysis (i. Architect and/or Building concepts, ii. Architecture/Style/Identification
of Place, iii. Person-Container-Social relationship)
2. Building massing analysis (i. Material and Structure- geometry of making, ii. Geometry alignment/anthropometry/social geometry/ideal geometry)
3. Circulation Analysis (i. Circulation to Use-Space, ii. Natural ventilation)
4. Spatial Organization analysis (i. Spatial planning & Landscape/Site Siting, ii. Building sequence and
process, iii. Public vs. private, iv. Axis, v. Symmetry/Asymmetry & balance, vii. Repetitive to unique, viii.
Additive and subtractive, ix. Hierarchy)
5. Building plan-section/elevation analysis (i. Plan to Section or Elevation, ii. Natural light penetration, iii.
Significant architectural element)
6. Part - Culminates and Summarizes (i. gesture, ii. essence, iii, dominant idea, iv salient characteristic of the
building)
Review and assessment/submission dates
This project carries 50% of the total marks for the subject
Assessment
Components
Type
Learnin
g
Outco
me/s
Final Assessment
Presentation
Assessme
nt
Weightag
e
Week 11: 10 June

Final Presentation
Board Submission
(20 %)
Week 4: 15 April (Interim) Presentation of

On-line Discussion Forum
Week 7: 6 May
Precedent Study & Analysis Sketches
Presentation (10%) and Analysis Report
(10%)
50%
20%
Progress
Assessment
Week 5: 22 April
On-line
Discussion
Forum (10%)
Project :
Precedent
Study &
Analysis
Group
1-5
Online Test
Individual
1,2,3
Final
Examination
Individual
1-5
Refer to Examination
Schedule
30%
TGC Portfolio
Individual
1-5
Week 14: 1 July
Pass/
Fail
Week 9: 27 May
* You are required to scan your sketches and presentation board and post in your TIMEs Wiki-Space page before you submit it to
your tutorial groups tutor for the purpose of progress marking and e-portfolio preparation.
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References please refer to the full references in module outlines

Main References:
1. Andrew Ballantyne. 2012. Key Buildings from Prehistory to the Present: Plans, Sections and Elevations.
2. Fletcher, Sir Banister and Winsgrove, J. (Ed). 1987 (19th Ed). Sir Banister Fletchers a History of
Architecture. London: Butterworth (720.9 KOS)
3. Clark, R. H., Pause, M. 1996. Precedents in Architecture (2nd edition). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold
(729.CLA)
4. Unwin, S. Exercises in Architecture Learning to Think as an Architect. 2012. London & New York. Routledge
Taylor & Francis Group.
5. Unwin, S. Analysing Architecture. 2002. Glasgow: Bell and Bain Ltd. (720.1 UNW)
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*Appendix A: Tutorial Progression Log Sheet for Week 2-5

(To be kept by Leader and a copy by Tutor)
*(Group leader: please print two copies and present to tutor in every tutorial session. Please fill up the details prior to tutorial discussion for tutor to
sign. Leader to keep the original copy but must submit a signed Photostat or carbon copy for lecturer reference by the end of each tutorial session)
Tutorial Group: ____________ Building: ____________________ Architecture: ___________
A.
On-line Group Forum (10%) (Individual-80% and Group-20% Assessment)
Tutors Name: Mdm Yati / Mr Koh / Mdm Shahrianne / Mr Lam / Ms Patmaselvi / Zahra (select/circle one)
(Leader) Name:___________________________ ID:______________________ H/p:_________
2. Name: ________________________________ ID: ______________________ H/p: _________
3. Name: ________________________________ ID: ______________________ H/p: _________
4. Name: ________________________________ ID: ______________________ H/p: _________
5. Name: ________________________________ ID: ______________________ H/p: _________
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Task assigned:
i. Who was the architect or

founder of the building?
ii. Whwas the concept or
philosophy of the
architect or founder that
makes the building
historically significant /
meaningful?
i. Where and when was
the building built?
ii. How the context,
building period and
evolution makes the
building historically
significant and
meaningful?
i. What is the form, or
shape of the building?
ii. How the form or shape
of the building
contributes in making
the building historically
significant and
meaningful?
i. What is the function or
purpose of the building?
ii. How the function or
purpose of the building
makes the building
historically significant
and meaningful?
i. What were the materials
and construction
technology or method
used?
ii. How the materials and
construction technology
or method help making
the building historically
significant and
meaningful?
Online Coverage:
Architect / founder,
Concept / philosophy
sketches,
Architectural Style,
Main architectural
element, Significant
characteristic.
Location Plan, Site
Plan, Context building connections
Site Section/ 3D
Mass-Context Study)
Building Plan,
Elevation, Geometric3D Mass Study with
site compound
Date
(To be filled by students)

Description of Task:
Progress/Completed/Published
In TIMES Wiki Space
Tutors
Signature :
Students
Signature :
(Tutors Signature :)
Week 3
(Students Signature :)
Week 4
Week 5
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Geometric -3D MassStudy, Elevation,

Section, Building
Access/Openings,
Structural and
Framing Analysis
Spatial usage Layout
Plan, 3D Spatial
usage, Light
Penetration, Wind,
Circulation,
Occupation, Details
Sections & 3D
Details
Construction and
Material, Structural
and Framing
Sketches, Analysis,
Significant
Architectural
elements/details
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
5|Pa g e
Appendix B: Tutorial Progression Log Sheet for Week 5-7

(To be kept by Leader and a copy by Tutor)
*(Group leader: please print two copies and present to tutor in every tutorial session. Please fill up the details prior to tutorial discussion for tutor to
sign. Leader to keep the original copy but must submit a signed Photostat or carbon copy for lecturer reference by the end of each tutorial session)
B. Precedent Study & Analysis Sketches Presentation (10%) and Analysis Report (10%)
C. Presentation Board (20%) (Individual)
Tutorial Group: ____________ Building: ____________________ Architecture: ___________
Tutors Name: Mdm Yati / Mr Koh / Mdm Shahrianne / Mr Lam / Ms Patmaselvi / Zahra (select/circle one)
(Leader) Name:________________ ID:__________ H/p:_________ 2. Name: _____________________ ID: _________ H/p: _________
3. Name: _____________________ ID: __________ H/p: ________ 4. Name: _____________________ ID: _________ H/p: _________
5. Name: _____________________ ID: __________ H/p: _________
B & C... Analysis should include:
A. Answers to the Precedent Study Analysis questions below:
1. How does the building reflect the spirit of the time and place for which it was built?
2. What are the initial ideas and the design concept?
3. How the initial ideas and the design concept affecting the architecture?
B. Illustration of Precedent Study Analysis in relation to the series of building conceptual elements listed below each student is to select
and conduct analysis of one element from # 1 to 5 and to synthesize the design concept Part of # 6.
N
a
m
e
Task assigned:
Type of Sketches Drawn:

Analysis Sketches: Architect, Location Plan,

Building-Context connections: Site Plan, Site Section, 3D MassContext Study. Spatial Layout: Building Plan, Elevation, Sections;
Social-spatial Experience /Subtractions Sketches/ Significant
Architectural elements/concept: Geometric - 3D Mass Study, Details
Faade & Sections, 3D Details,
1. Concept and Architecture analysis:
i. Architect and/or Building concepts, ii.
Architecture/Style/Identification of Place,
iii. Person-Container-Social relationship
6. Part - Culminates and Summarizes (i.
gesture, ii. essence, iii, dominant idea, iv
salient characteristic of the building)
2. Building massing analysis i. Material and
Structure- geometry of making,
ii. Geometry alignment/anthropometry/social
geometry/ideal geometry
3. Circulation Analysis
i. Circulation to Use-Space,
ii. Natural ventilation
iii. horizontal & vertical Circulation)
4. Spatial Organization analysis
i. Spatial planning & Landscape/Site
Siting,
ii. Building sequence and process,
iii. Public vs. private, iv. Axis,
iv. Symmetry/Asymmetry & balance,
v. Repetitive to unique,
vi. Additive and subtractive
vii. Hierarchy
5. Building plan-section/elevation analysis i.
Plan to Section or Elevation,
ii. Natural light penetration iii. Significant
architectural element
Date
Description of Task:
Progress/Completed/Published
In TIMES Wiki Space
Tutors
Signature :
Students
Signature :
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
6|Pa g e
School of Architecture, Building and Design

ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 1 [ARC60103]
Grade Evaluation Sheet
Project: PRECEDENT STUDY & ANALYSIS (50%)
Lecturer/Tutor: Mdm Yati / Mr Koh / Mdm Anne / Mr Lam (select one)
Name: _______________________________________ Students ID: ______________
Group: ____________ Architecture: _______________________ Building: ____________________________________
Criteria and
Assessable
Element(s)
Excellent
A
Very Good
A-
Good
B
Acceptable/Pass
C
Marginal Failed
D
Evidence of
extensive
research and
study translated
into on-line
discussion forum
entries.
(Answers all 6
questions with
comprehensive
evidences)
Evidence of
very good
research and
study
translated into
on-line
discussion
forum entries.
(Answers all 6
questions with
ample
evidences)
Evidence of
good research
and study
translated into
on-line
discussion
forum entries.
(Answers 5
questions with
enough
evidences)
Evidence of
minimal but
sufficient research
and study
translated into online discussion
forum entries.
(Answers 4 - 5
questions with
acceptable
evidences)
Evidence of very
minimal research
and study
translated into
on-line
discussion forum
entries.
(Answers 4 - 5
questions with
inadequate
evidences)
Evidence of
extensive
precedent
studies analysis:
(Demonstrated
outstanding,
elicits
presentation,
critical and
analytical skills
of at least 5 indepth illustrative
analysis
diagrams)
Evidence of
good
precedent
studies
analysis:
(Demonstrated
wellpresented,
critical and indepth
analytical skills
of at least 5
analysis
diagrams).
Evidence of
understanding
of
precedent
studies
analysis;
(Demonstrated
sufficiently wellpresented
critical and
analytical skills
of at least 5 indepth analysis
diagrams.)
Evidence of
minimal but
sufficient
familiarity with
precedent studies
analysis;
(Demonstrated
reasonably wellpresented,
minimal critical
and analytical
skills with at least
4 analysis
diagrams.)
Evidence of
minimally
acceptable
familiarity with
precedent
studies analysis
(Demonstrated
inadequate
presentation,
lack critical and
analytical skills
using less than 4
minimal analysis
diagrams).
Insufficient
evidence of
understanding of
precedent
studies analysis
(Poorly
presented,
demonstrated
weakness in
critical and
analytical skills;
limited or
irrelevant use of
less than 3
analysis
diagrams)..
Evidence of
extensive
precedent
studies analysis:
(Demonstrated
outstanding,
elicits
presentation,
critical and
analytical skills
of at least 5 indepth illustrative
analysis
diagrams)
Evidence of
good
precedent
studies
analysis:
(Demonstrated
wellpresented,
critical and indepth
analytical skills
of at least 5
analysis
diagrams).
Evidence of
understanding
of
precedent
studies
analysis;
(Demonstrated
sufficiently wellpresented
critical and
analytical skills
of at least 5 indepth analysis
diagrams.)
Evidence of
minimal but
sufficient
familiarity with
precedent studies
analysis;
(Demonstrated
reasonably wellpresented,
minimal critical
and analytical
skills with at least
4 analysis
diagrams.)
Evidence of
minimally
acceptable
familiarity with
precedent
studies analysis
(Demonstrated
inadequate
presentation,
lack critical and
analytical skills
using less than 4
minimal analysis
diagrams).
Insufficient
evidence of
understanding of
precedent
studies analysis
(Poorly
presented,
demonstrated
weakness in
critical and
analytical skills;
limited or
irrelevant use of
less than 3
analysis
diagrams)..
100% 80%
79% 75%
74% 60%
59% 50%
49% 40%
A. On-line Forum (10%)

Thorough research
study, the depth and the
effectiveness of on-line
discussion forum entries
to communicate
information that is
relevant to the precedent
study.
Evaluation/Comment
Marks:
B. Analysis Sketches
and Report (20%)
The analysis sketches &
report should be selfexplanatory, clearly and
precisely illustrated and
convey thorough analysis
documentation. The
drawings should
communicate: i. In-depth
of building precedent
analysis, ii. Clarity of
information and iii.
Identification of key
information.
Evaluation/Comment
Marks:
C. Presentation Board
(20%)
The analysis board
should be creatively selfexplanatory, clearly and
precisely illustrated and
convey thorough analysis
documentation. The
drawings should
communicate: i. In-depth
of building precedent
analysis, ii. Clarity of
information and iii.
Identification of key
information.
Evaluation/Comment
Marks:
Overall Evaluation
Total Marks
Fail
F
39% 0
Evidence of lack
of research and
study translated
into on-line
discussion forum
entries.
(Answers less
than 4 questions
with insufficient
evidences)
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8|Pa g e

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

PROJECT: PRECEDENT STUDY & ANALYSIS (50%)

Online Discussion Forum

Precedent Study & Analysis

Final Presentation Board Submission

On-line Group Forum (10% - Individual-80% and Group-20% Assessment)

Who was the architect or founder of the building?

Where and when was the building built?

What is the form, or shape of the building?

What is the function or purpose of the building?

What were the materials and construction technology or method used?

Week 11: 10 June

Week 4: 15 April (Interim) Presentation of

Week 14: 1 July

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

References please refer to the full references in module outlines

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

*Appendix A: Tutorial Progression Log Sheet for Week 2-5

Tutorial Group: ____________ Building: ____________________ Architecture: ___________

i. Who was the architect or

(To be filled by students)

Geometric -3D MassStudy, Elevation,

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

Appendix B: Tutorial Progression Log Sheet for Week 5-7

Type of Sketches Drawn:

Analysis Sketches: Architect, Location Plan,

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

(To be filled by students)

School of Architecture, Building and Design

A. On-line Forum (10%)

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

Architecture Culture & History 1 (ARC 1313): March 2015

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