GRAD SHOW 2019
About the Show
The National University of Singapore, Masters of Architecture Class of 2019 is graduating and we are proud to share our works with all of you at the Good Ideas Here - M.Arch Show 2019. A celebration of architecture and architectural education, the show hopes to present the thesis projects as good ideas that add to the existing body of knowledge – ideas that provoke, inspire and question architecture for the future.
Curated and jointly organised by our graduating students themselves, the project topics cover a broad range of issues and categorised under the following headings:
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Atmosphere & Agency
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Conservation & Heritage
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Urban Commons & Wellness
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Speculative Environments
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Performative Design
In its second iteration, the exhibition will feature master thesis works from some 120 graduate students. Through this series of creative and thought-provoking events and projects, we aim to showcase the range of experimental and radical thinking within the graduate course. The graduation show will not just include the main exhibition. We will also be releasing our M.Arch Grad Book (a compilation of thesis projects and interviews with renown architects and educators), debuting an original short film produced by our own students (depicting the life of an architecture student), and hosting curated tours and open crit sessions aimed at engaging the public more deeply with the projects.
The show will be held at Suntec City, Tower 2, North Wing Atrium from 28 May to 1 June.
On behalf of the graduating Masters of Architecture class of 2019, we would like to extend a warm invitation to you to join us for our opening night on 28 May, 7pm, and the exciting line-up of fringe events throughout the event week!
About the Design
The exhibition design prioritises two things – porosity and variability.
Porosity
In order not to obstruct the view to the frontages of the surrounding shops, the design had to remain visually porous and keep to certain height restrictions. Hence, the design does away with conventional exhibition panels that block through-views and, instead, the models are made the focal point. The drawing panels are displayed at the sides of each exhibition structure. This allows front-facing views all the way through the exhibition, but, when approached obliquely or from the side, the panels reveal themselves as staggered walls.
Variability
Because of the wide range of projects, the model sizes were very varied. The exhibition design sought to not only accommodate this, but embrace and enhance the variety. Hence, the models are displayed at staggered heights that best compliment the dimensions and scale of the models. This creates a dynamic visual language that celebrates the range of projects being exhibited. Drawings are printed on panels that drape loosely across the display structures themselves. This alludes to the work environment in an architecture studio - with drawings pinned, taped and draped across walls – but also creates portals and covered walkways that enhance the spatial experience.
To keep costs low and reduce waste, the exhibition structures were rented from established suppliers. Hence, the design had to take full advantage of the standard modular elements available and stretch these in order to create differentiation. The overall effect is lightweight and elegant – a canvas on which the projects themselves are allowed to shine.
Our Social Media
Instagram: @march.gradshow2019
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2271368402948626/permalink/2272553752830091/
(A trailer for our short film is currently available at the above social media pages)
NUS, MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Architecture reaches out to audiences beyond the discipline. Like meaningful research agendas, architectural projects can benefit populations seeking to understand contemporary challenges and to create better living environments in the light of change. But Masters Design Projects need not be confined to one of problem solving, nor need they only be explored through building solutions.
Masters Design Projects change the way we think. By debunking myths and creating critical awareness in our personal interpretations of the world we live in. Individuals bring along personal experiences to contribute to a project that shapes objects, cities, processes, and creates new perception and knowledge to spark our imaginations.
Masters Design Projects include those attempted in two Options Design Research Studios, the Advanced Architecture Studio and the Thesis project. All studios may explore issues relevant to the interests of the Research Teaching Groups, adjunct teachers and professors in practice. Students are encouraged to capitalize on faculty expertise in widening the scope of investigations which collectively strengthen the Thesis Project. Essential and Elective modules are useful in underpinning your Masters studio investigations.
Although Options Design Research studios may be varied in content and method, students are advised to be selective and to use them as ‘learning runways’ to identify a Thesis topic and to apply accumulated knowledge there. The Advanced Architecture Studio preceding the Thesis may be used to explore thesis drivers in greater detail and focus.
Beyond a commitment to individual academic portfolios, Masters projects play an important role in characterizing the discursive ethos of a design school.
M.Arch Programme Director
Joseph Lim, Dr.
Associate Professor
Year 4 B.A (Arch) Coordinator