STEPS2004 from a dream to reality
Almost two years ago, I proposed that my college produce an architectural portfolio of student's works and received an encouraging response. I was then appointed to spearhead the effort, and was given a very broad autonomy to shape it as I saw fit.
I strongly felt that every architecture school should publish a compilation of its work. Partly because historically the world looked to such institutions for ideas on how to live. Yet this concept has been lost in modern education. If we cannot build what we design, the next best thing is to have it published credibly on paper.
In early 2004, I started to advertise in college for people to help out in the committee. I have to admit, my expectations were quite high, requiring everyone to have basic knowledge of Photoshop or QuarkExpress. How idealistic I was then, for no one at that time met any of the criteria I set. 'No matter' I told myself. All I needed was enthusiasm and willpower to see it through.
If the available human resources did not have the skills (including myself) I would do my best to train myself and then train others to meet the vision I had. I had no experience, no precedents, no guide to follow. Just an idea of how it will eventually turn out. To be totally frank, Sometimes, I didn't know how to proceed, yet everything turned out well in the end.
May I present my dear baby, the one who I laboured on and nurtured through many sleepless nights:
::drumroll::
The front cover designed by Jun Keat and revamped by Foong Chern. Very clean and professional. Keep up the good work, fellas!
Jun Keat's Barcelona Chair. Excellent.
Nadia and Yeong Jit's cardboard dwelling for Design 1
Foong Chern's Ferarri Car Showroom
My teahouse project in 2004
Wen-liang's extreme sports youth centre!
My class's work on a site model. Very detailed. In fact my uni mates are quite impressed with Taylor's student's model making skills
Li Vee's small houses form explorations which has its roots in the Bauhaus syllabus
Foong Chern's Studio 1 work on an artist's retreat in Redang. Lots of work. I saw him wear out his technical pens. Insane attention to detail which even blew my Deputy Dean away.
That was a sample of 8/142 pages. So buy a copy! =)
The committee clocked some 2000 working hours for this entire project. A colossal undertaking for a bunch of amateurs. For that I would like to express deep gratitude and respect. I have never had the honour of serving with finer people. So I will name them, in no particular order:
Jun Keat, Azree, Foong Chern, Shyn Yi - you were my core team members and without your combined efforts nothing would have been possible. Shyn Yi was an efficient administrator making up for my weakness in that area, what would I do without you? Not to mention Foong Chern who tied up the loose ends after I left for Melbourne, you're not a padawan but a master in your craft. Photography of all the works would not have been this attractive had it not been for your designer's eye. Azree and Jun Keat who would take back so much work to do without ever complaining, your dedication and loyalty leaves me in awe. Thank you.
Not to mention the other team members who helped in so many ways during the data gathering stage, Siok Lea, Susan, Wing Ken, Kyle, Li Vee, Nadia, Hong Leong and Rhun Ing. Thank you thank you thank you.
The first draft was completed in January 2005. There were some funding complications which had to be dealt with, and a final draft was completed in July 2005. The post-production stage was managed by Foong Chern, what would I ever do without him?
Mind you, this is not merely another college yearbook. Instead, it should be thought of as an architecture school's portfolio. A neatly compiled book, with an ISBN number with (some) commercial value.
STEPS2004 - A compilation of students' work from the School of Architecture and Quantity Surveying TCPJ is on sale at Taylor's College PJ and soon at local art bookstores in KL at RM50 a copy.