A Date with An Architect

Editor’s notes:For this edition, Architecture Asia© presents you a simple conversation with a Malaysian architect with years of experience in the field. See what he has to say about Architecture now and then. SEE MORE >>

Container city has become a new trend. Shipping containers are reused and linked to provide high strength, prefabricated steel modules that can be combined to create a wide variety of building shapes and can be adapted to suit most planning or end user needs.

Architect profileAr. Daniel Chang26 years in field

Ar. Daniel Chang first stepped into the field of Architecture in year 1982 after graduating from Plymouth Polytechnic, United Kingdom. Within 5 years, he gained his title and then realized his dream by starting his own architectural firm, Wongreka Arkitek (Currently known as Arkitek WAC). The firm accepts projects ranging from Residential Homes to Commercial Buildings.

“ Architecture is Space. ”

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What is architecture and architect?

Architecture is the art and science of designing building and non building structures. It is a style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.An architect is a person who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings. They provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings. Professionally, they take the role as a project leader. An architect's decisions affect public safety, and thus an architect must undergo specialized training consisting of advanced education and a practicum (or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture.

What does it take to be a licensed architect?

Time and ExposureTo be a licensed architect, you have to invest time and effort. After graduating Architecture School, you have to spend at least 2 years working in an architectural firm to gain working experience before taking the Part III exam. “ Do what you enjoy,

enjoy what you do. ”

In these 2 years, graduates should grasp every opportunity to learn. Learning opportunities are everywhere including client meetings and seminars. Be exposed to the architectural world to broaden your horizon.

How did the architecture world grew through the years?From manual drawings to computer drawings, workloads had been lessening. Back then, it was hard for clients to visualize the whole building and therefore there’s a lot of time wasted in imagining and editing the plans. Now there are various software such as AutoCAD that can create animations close to reality. Clients can have a “life experience” through the software.

Conventional architectural drawing

AutoCAD Drawing

Have you ever bumped into any difficulties when presenting your idea to your clients?

Not if I’ve already worked with them. First time clients are always difficult because they do not have the confidence since it is the first time working together. Normally they’ll have different mindsets and ideas that would cause minor arguments. Frequent clients are easier to handle as they already have confidence through your previous works and designs.

What is the current issue in architecture?

Space. Land is being wastefully used in some areas especially high income countries. They tend to waste space by building structures that are more visual than functional. Hence, space should be planned efficiently around the city to prevent wastage of space and to meet the high demand of the citizens.

Talk About

Architecture

Space Management Case Study 1: Trinity Buoy Wharf

In 1996, Urban Space Management won a competition to develop the historic but derelict Trinity Buoy Wharf into a centre for the arts and creative industries. USM’s evolutionary approach was different from the standard model, starting immediately with low cost, low risk activity and growing organically from day one. Step by step a phased programme re-invested any surplus into arts activity and new buildings. By responding to demand and opportunity it is now a thriving community of over 500 people occupying 90,000 square feet of space, of which 30,000 is newly developed using USM’s innovative Container City system.

To a rich mix of workshops, studios, offices, live/work accommodation, café and performance and exhibition spaces has been added London’s longest pier, The Faraday School, and tenants ranging from English National Opera, University of East London, The Prince’s Drawing School and Thames Clippers to independent fine artists, musicians, fashion designers and photographers.

ARCHITECTURE

ASIA©

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A Date with The ProfessionalSee what Ar. Daniel Chang has to say about the profession.

Container City™

The recycled building.

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Container City™Fast, Innovative, and Highly Versatile System.This modular technology enables

construction time to be reduced by up to half those of traditional building techniques while minimalising on site disruption and remaining significantly more environmentally friendly.

To date Urban Space Management Ltd has successfully used the Container City™ system to create classrooms, office space, sports halls, nurseries, community centers, artist studios, retail space, live / work space, sound recording studios and a General Practice.

This low cost approach to building has been commended by both Government and Private Sectors for its design and the economical way in which it recycles industrial products.

Container City™ and Sustainability•The structure of the project is 100% recycled material. Thereby capturing the maximum amount of embodied energy and existing material.

• On site disturbance, waste, and noise pollution is reduced by the speedy delivery of prefabricated units.

•The concrete substructure required is reduced as the building system is lightweight and inherently rigid.

Long term sustainability is ensured by the inherent flexibility of the system.

As it is modular it can be added to or reorganized during its life.Should the land be required for other use the structure can be unbolted and reused on another site.

“ Its like LEGO® ”