Bahir Dar University

Institute of Land Administration

Department of Architecture

Course: Architectural Design Studio III [ARCH3081]

Academic year 2024/25

Target Students: 3rd Year

Quick design Brief, sites and time schedules

Assignment duration: 2 Weeks [Nov 04 - Nov18]

Instructors: Dawod A. & Amanuel T.

Nov 04 2024
QUICK DESIGN #1
1. Parklet Design as an Urban Installation

Project Description:

Students will design a parklet—a small public seating area or green space that repurposes one or two
on-street parking spots in urban environments. The goal is to create an accessible, multifunctional space
that enhances the streetscape by providing seating, greenery, and perhaps functional elements like bike
racks or outdoor workspaces. This project will encourage students to think about small-scale, high-
impact urban interventions that contribute to public life and improve the pedestrian experience.

Objectives:

• Understand the role of public space in urban areas and the impact of small-scale interventions
on community engagement.
• Explore sustainable and low-maintenance design solutions, including materials and vegetation
suited to urban environments.
• Develop skills in human-centered design, focusing on comfort, accessibility, and safety within a
compact footprint.

Expected Outputs:

• Site Analysis: Assessment of the selected location's context, pedestrian traffic patterns, and
potential user groups.
• Design Proposal: Floor plan and layout for the parklet, including seating, greenery, and any other
functional elements.
• 3D Visualizations: Renderings or models that show the parklet’s integration into the streetscape,
demonstrating how it enhances the pedestrian experience.
• Material and Sustainability Plan: Selection of materials and vegetation, along with maintenance
strategies for longevity and ecological impact.
• Presentation Boards: Final display of the concept, including visualizations, technical drawings,
and design explanations.
QUICK DESIGN #2
2. A Multifunctional Kiosk with Small Living Space

Project Description:

This project will challenge students to design a compact multifunctional kiosk that combines commercial
and residential elements in a very limited space. The kiosk could serve as a small retail shop, café, or
workshop during the day, with a private, minimal living space integrated for nighttime use. It will push
students to balance private and public zones while focusing on adaptability, security, and user comfort.

Objectives:

• Explore spatial efficiency, compact zoning, and the integration of public and private functions
within a small structure.
• Develop creative solutions for multifunctional furniture and storage to maximize usability within
a confined footprint.
• Investigate sustainability options in portable or semi-permanent structures, considering local
material choices and prefabrication.

Expected Outputs:

• Site Context and Usage Analysis: Analysis of how the kiosk fits into the urban environment,
anticipated user patterns, and how it meets community needs.
• Floor Plan and Layout: Detailed floor plan showing the allocation of commercial and private
spaces, with careful consideration for flow and functionality.
• Sectional Drawings: Sections to highlight space-saving measures, multifunctional furniture, and
privacy solutions.
• 3D Models/Renderings: Visualizations showing the kiosk in use, illustrating how both public and
private areas are integrated.
• Sustainability and Material Strategy: Overview of materials, construction techniques, and any
eco-friendly design elements.
• Project Presentation: Boards with visuals, plans, and design narratives for peer and instructor
review.
QUICK DESIGN #3
3. Smart Boxes—Container Architecture for Multifunctional Urban Installation

Project Description:

In this project, students will design a small, adaptable installation using repurposed shipping containers.
This "smart box" could serve multiple urban functions, such as a pop-up retail space, community
information booth, or event space. The container’s modularity and flexibility will allow students to
explore how a single unit can transform to meet various urban needs, encouraging innovation in
adaptable architecture.

Objectives:

• Study the adaptability of modular container architecture and how it can meet diverse
community needs in a single structure.
• Investigate design solutions for transforming and reconfiguring space to support different
functions, possibly incorporating smart technology or flexible interior setups.
• Explore material sustainability and efficient construction techniques within the context of
prefabricated, modular design.

Expected Outputs:

• Concept Development: Description and diagrams of the multifunctional uses of the container
and how it can adapt to different scenarios (e.g., pop-up shop by day, event space by night).
• Modular Layouts and Configurations: Floor plans and sectional drawings showing various spatial
arrangements and modular components.
• Transformative Elements and Flexibility Strategy: Drawings or details of movable walls, foldable
furniture, or storage solutions that support different functions.
• 3D Visualizations/Renderings: Renderings demonstrating different configurations and settings
for the container installation in urban contexts.
• Technical and Sustainability Plan: Materials, prefabrication approach, and any smart or
sustainable design features, such as solar panels or energy-efficient lighting.
• Final Presentation Boards: Boards showing the concept, visualizations, configurations, and
design strategies.
Quick Design Deliverables

Nov 07 – Nov 18

Predesign phase Due For Thursday Defining the project Write a design brief outlining your ideal
Nov 07 and Case studies client, functions you intend to incorporate in
the design.
(Consultation)

Due For Thursday Site analysis Study the site context, site features,
Nov 07 potential and constraints of the site using
sketches diagrams and written analysis
(Consultation)

Due For Monday Program development List functional spaces with required
Nov 11 dimensions considering ergonomic
efficiency
(Consultation)

Design phase Due For Thursday Conceptual Develop a conceptual approach to your
Nov 11 development design through sketches and physical
models
(Consultation)

Due For Monday Functional layout Arrange the functional layout using relation
Nov 14 matrix and bubble diagram,
(Consultation) Develop a scaled schematics that shows
functional layouts and circulations.

Design Phase Nov 14-18 Form development Using your basic design skills develop a form
that is suited to the function, visually
(no consultation on
aesthetics and iconic in presence.
form development)

Documentation Due for Monday Presentation layouts Develop a presentation panel on A1 Paper:
Nov 18
• Floor plan 1:25
(Final presentation) • Site plan 1:50
• Elevation (Front, Side and Rear)
1:25
• Section 1:25
• Construction details 1:20-1:10
• 3d Views
• Model 1:20 on an A4 base
Students'
Quick Design #3 Site Entrance

Quick Design #3 Location

Total Area= 50m2
Allowable max. Height 5.2m
10.00 Setback form Road=2m

5.00
5.00
24.04

2.00
10.00

2.00
35.40
NORTH
Bahir Dar University
Yibab campus site plan
Quick Design #3 Site Scale: To fit

Residence
Quick Design #2 Location
Total Area= 50m2
Allowable max. Height 5.2m
Entrance
10.00
Setback form Road=2m

5.00
5.00

2.00
10.00

2.00

8.71
30.18

5
22.9
4.00

0
12.0

Quick Design #1 Location

5.75
0
Total Area= 48m2
12.0 Allowable max. Height 5m
4.00

Setback form Road=0m

Quick Design #3 Site

Vehicle
Entrance
Quick Design #2 Location
Total Area= 50m2
Allowable max. Height 5.2m
10.00
Setback form Road=2m

5.00
5.00

2.00
10.00

2.00

8.71
30.18
Quick Design #3 Location
Total Area= 50m2
Allowable max. Height 5.2m
10.00 Setback form Road=2m

5.00
5.00

2.00
24.04
10.00

2.00

35.40
.95
22

4.0
0
.0 0
12

Quick Design #1 Location

5 Total Area= 48m2
5.7
.0 0
12

4.0
Allowable max. Height 5m

0
Setback form Road=0m