1. 1 | P a g e
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA) Research Unit
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 1 [ARC 60105]
______________________________________________________________________________________
Project 2: Life Capsule
Project 2 Group (of 3)
LO
3,4,5
20% of
total mark
Verbal
presentation
A2 panels
Introduction
he main aim of Project 2 is to heighten the awareness of students about the human body, interaction of
space and body, and explore the role of reasoning and logic in shaping the form.
This will be done through designing a confined space which we call ‘Life Capsule’ for a 24-hour use. This
limited space will challenge you to thoroughly examine and consider anthropometry and ergonomics -body
dimensions, body movements, human behaviours and user needs. We will then progress on to understand
how the human body relates to space, and further developing an understanding of scale and proportion in
the relationship between the body and space.
Through designing a limited space you will explore more about the role of function and objective parameters
in the design process. 3-dimentional thinking, looking from different angles, applying different types of
drawings (like sections, rather than mere plans) and creative models are essential to develop the design of
the confined space.
Objectives of Project
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
1. To further the student’s concern about elementary user needs
2. To introduce and create an awareness of scale and proportion of the human body
3. To introduce the role of human behavior in shaping the space
4. To explore how human anthropometry and ergonomics relating to space

2. 2 | P a g e
Learning Outcomes of this Project
1. To explore objective parameters of design process through solving real-life architectural problems
2. Be able to distinguish and discern the role of scale and proportion in the relationship between the
human body and a designed space or enclosure
3. Understanding of human factors to the design of space (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is
for the task) to improve comfort, safety, and productivity
4. To explore the relation of form and function
Tasks - Methodology
For this exercise, you are required to design a space (in group of 3) –maximum 12 cu. m – for 24 hours use
for single occupancy, which we call ‘Life Capsule’. The Capsule do not have any connection with its
surrounding unless you have a special idea related to your ideal activity and outside. You can imagine the
capsule in any setting from desert to the Poles, from your dream city to outer space. You will decide on the
activities you wish to have in the confined space.
You are asked to suspend any preconceived notions of familiar objects. A re-conceptualization of items
found in a room –bed, chair…- is key to this project. Ask yourself: what is the essence of a bed or a table?
What is the scale associated with each? How does a person interact with each?
You must critically examine activities and associated rituals. Pay particular attention to body measurements
and develop an awareness and dialogue about anthropometry and spaces, as well as human behaviour and
space. You will develop a critical understanding of the following two questions:
How does body inform space?
How does space inform the body?
You will develop your design through 3D thinking, drawing and making.
Presentation Panel
On A2 panels (in a landscape layout).
All the drawings must present scale, proportion and behaviour related issues by depicting human figures.
Note: Boards are to be produced manually. Architectural lettering is essential and should be approximately 6
cm in height for project title, and 2 cm for body text, drawing titles and captions.

3. 3 | P a g e
Submission Requirement
 Presentation Panel A2 Boards (1 or 2)
 Model (Refer to your lecture for scale and type e.g. section, detail model)
 Verbal Presentation 5 minutes
Marking criteria
Marks shall be distributed as follows:
Marking Criteria
Marks
%
Acquired
TGC
FAIL POOR
SATISF
ACTOR
Y
GOOD
EXCEL
LENT
SPACE-MAKING
These will be assessed via the
following:
100 1,3,5
Ability to identify, define and
express user needs and
behaviors
5
How well the body relates to
space in scale and proportion
15
How creative you answer the
practical needs
20
Model 20
Clarity and completion of
drawings showing the interaction
of body and space, scale and
proportions
20
Vigorous process of design 10
Efficiency in team management 10