Internship Training Report

Internship Training Report (ARC2615)

School of Architecture, Building and Design

Bachelor of Science (Honours) In Architecture

INTERNSHIP TRAINING REPORT

(ARC2615)

aLM ARCHITECTS

Ong Jia Hui |

0317752 |

Keith Tan Kay Hin | Lecturer

Ar. Ho Chin Keng | Supervisor


Index

A. Acknowledgement 1

B. Introduction 2

C. Weekly Report

1.0 Week 1 3

2.0 Week 2 7

3.0 Week 3 9

4.0 Week 4 10

5.0 Week 5 12

6.0 Week 6 15

7.0 Week 7 17

8.0 Week 8 20

D. Conclusion 23


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A. Acknowledgement

This is to acknowledge and certify that all images and information provided are approved

by the firm, with rights reserved to aLM Architects. Information and details disclosed are

to be kept private and confidential by the reader of this document.

Any lack of images or documents are due to the confidentiality of specific information.

Should there be any inquiries regarding the originality of the documents or information

disclosed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Ar. Ho Chin Keng Associate aLM Architects


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B. Introduction

This module is aimed at introducing students to the requirements, activities and

operations involved in the architectural and construction practices. The purpose is to

facilitate the involvement of students in professional attachments to architectural practices

in order to develop full understanding of the general principles, nature and procedure of

law and legislation as applied to architectural drawings, especially the Building by-laws.

My internship is a two-months term from 3rd January 2017 to 7th March 2017. Throughout

this period, I have been learning under the supervision of Ar. Ho Chin Keng at aLM

Architects based in Penang, Malaysia.

Via a full-time internship attachment, I have participated in a series of projects with scale

that ranges from a cabinet to high-rise apartments. My job scope includes preparation of

tender documents, designing and drafting, construction site visits and site meeting. As

such, I have had a wide experience of different stages throughout the past weeks and are

able to understand further the common practice in an architectural firm.


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Week 1

Task 1: PJD Low Cost (Toilet Details)

During the first week, I was designated to a team that oversees a low-cost apartment in

Seberang Perai, Penang. My task was to construct three different sets of the apartment’s

toilet details with complete annotations and specifications which includes the plan, floor

tile plan, and three to four sections for each type of toilets (Fig. 1.1-1.7). Just by drawing

the toilet details alone, I have managed to acquire random facts of the construction

industry through my colleagues such as having the hand spray at the right side of the

cubicle is more optimal than at the left, or the fact that a floor tile should have a minimum

of 50mm in length as anything smaller than that will be hard to cut. It is a new experience

for me as toilets were never given much emphasis in the schooling days.

Meeting 1: Meeting with Supplier (Lafarge)

Within the week, I was exposed to a short meeting with a concrete supplier – Lafarge -

to introduce their product Agilia™, a self-compacting and self-levelling concrete. The firm

was particularly interested as they were planning to use said product to construct the

shear walls for the Prisma project.

Meeting 2: aLM Green

Then, I participated in a short company meeting held by aLM’s counterpart, aLM Green,

whereby we were informed of the changes made in UBBL clause 38(a) and the

calculations required for OTTV (overall thermal transfer value), and ways to reduce the

OTTV value of a building as a good building should have a final OTTV value of less than

50.


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Toilet Details (Combined Type)

Fig. 1.1: Floor plan of toilet detail Fig. 1.2: Tile plan of toilet detail

Fig. 1.3: Section cuts of toilet detail


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Toilet Details (Type A and Type A Mirror)

Fig. 1.4: Floor plan of toilet detail Fig. 1.5: Tile plan of toilet detail

Fig. 1.6: Section cuts of toilet detail


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Toilet Details (Type B)

Fig. 1.7: Floor plan, tiles plan and section cuts of toilet detail


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Week 2

Task 1: PJD Low Cost (Toilet Details)

The first halves of Monday and Tuesday, I continued with the low-cost apartment project

by completing and amending the toilet details, followed by color-coding the apartment

walls to differentiate them between brick walls and acotec walls.

Task 2: Chinese New Year Card

The second halves of the days, I was involved in the creation, cutting and folding of the

Chinese New Year card that is created by the company as it is the company’s tradition to

send out custom made Chinese New Year card to their respective clients every year.

Task 3: Paramount (Kindergarten)

Then, I was transferred to another project – Paramount, which involves an area to be

developed in Kuala Muda, Kedah, whereby I was involved in redesigning the façade of a

kindergarten based on a given floor plan and a simple model (Fig. 2.1). My task also

includes making space and finding the optimum dimension and placement of a water tank

for the kindergarten, redesign the roof and allocate the placement and specifications of

rainwater downpipe and gutter, making sure the building is buildable with appropriate

column grids and most importantly, making sure the safety of the children is ensured as

per the building design.


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Fig. 2.1: Original given form of kindergarten

Fig. 2.2: Edited facade and roof of kindergarten


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Fig. 3.1: Jetty & Shopping Complex with Wave Breaker

Week 3

Task 1: Prisma (Tender Documents)

The redesigning of the kindergarten carried on throughout this week as well as there were

some amendments to be made.

Later on, I was designated to come up with a tender schedule based on a few precedents

for the Prisma project, which is an apartment of 37 floors in Mukim 12, Penang. This had

opened my eyes as to how detailed and precise everything had to be planned and

considered for the completion of a building.

Meeting 1: Meeting with Supplier (Fuji Elevator (M) Sdn. Bhd)

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with a lift and elevator supplier

(Fuji Elevator (M) Sdn Bhd). I learned about the construction process of a lift, different

types of transportation mechanism and systems, and some typical authority requirements.

Task 2: Jetty Terminal & Shopping Complex

Next, I did some simple photoshop of adding a wave breaker amidst the sea for a Jetty &

Shopping Mall Project in Kuala Kedah (Fig. 3.1) and update some minor changes made

in the presentation slide for the project.


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Week 4

Task 1: Paramount (Residential Gate Design)

In this week, I was involved in designing the housing gates for two bungalows (Fig. 4.1-

4.2) and two Semi-Ds (Fig. 4.3) for the Paramount project in Kuala Muda, Kedah. The

design of the gates and fences are to be simple and designed based on the architectural

language I perceived from the building itself. However, the gate and fences are designed

in a similar manner as they are all within the same residential area.

Task 2: Prisma (Novus)

Then, I was assigned to make some changes to the Sketchup model of Prisma project,

which is a residential apartment in Gerbang Bukit Kecil, Penang based on their modified

plan in AutoCAD. The modifications involved the changing of placement for the I-beam,

swimming pool, and the stairs and railings. Later on, changes are made to the respective

detailed drawings as well in AutoCAD.


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Fig. 4.1: Bungalow A residential gate design

Fig. 4.2: Bungalow B residential gate design

Fig. 4.3: Residential gate design of two Semi-Ds side by side


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Week 5

Task 1: AsiabinaKL – Seputih (MAYC)

This week, I was assigned to team up with two other interns and another employee to

work on a hotel and SOHO apartment, which will replace an existing MAYC (Malaysian

Association of Youth Clubs) building in Seputih, Kuala Lumpur.

Our task was to define the spaces and complete the drawings by making adjustments to

the proposed floor plans. Also, I took part in minor landscaping work of the apartment (Fig.

5.1) and was involved in the production of the presentation drawings. As this is the first

time working as a team in the firm, I have learned that good teamwork is crucial in meeting

deadlines.

Task 2: Kuala Kedah 1-storey Shoplot

Later on, I was involved in modifying and updating the CAD drawings of a 1-storey shoplot

(Fig 5.3) along the shoreline of Kuala Kedah. As there were changes made to the roof

and form of the shoplot, my task was to modify and tally the dimensions of its floor plans,

sections and elevations.


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Fig. 5.1: Level 8 Floor plan of hotel and SOHO apartment with facilities

Fig. 5.2: Floor plan of typical room units


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Fig. 5.3: CAD Drawing of 1-storey shoplot at Kuala Kedah


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Week 6

Task 1: Reconstruction of Existing 2-storey Shops to New Budget Hotel

My first task this week was to make minor adjustments and add in texts and dimensions

to a CAD drawing of a new budget hotel in Juru, SPS, Penang. This new budget hotel is

set to replace an existing 2-storey shop.

Task 2: Cabinet Design for Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP)

My second task of the week calls for designing a cabinet (Fig. 6.1) for a newly built Majlis

Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP) building which was recently open for public. The

building itself was designed by aLM Architects, hence, the client requested for us to come

up with a custom-made cabinet design as they intend for it to hide the distribution box in

the office of the landscape department.

The only brief given was for the cabinet to be of sliding mechanism. With that in mind, I

explored and play along with elements in par with the building’s architectural language to

come up with a suitable design for the cabinet.


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Fig 6.1: Cabinet design 1st version Fig 6.2: Cabinet design 2nd version

Fig 6.3: Cabinet design final version

Fig 6.4: Final cabinet design being placed in the context of an office


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Week 7

Task 1: Firma Atasan Technique School

This week, my task includes working with another intern, Joyce, to come up with floor

plans for a technique school in Seberang Perai, Penang (Fig. 7.1). The technique school

is set to replace an existing warehouse. The spaces that were to be included in our floor

plans are auditorium (400 pax), automotive centre, cafeteria, laboratory, library, office and

meeting room, and 10 classrooms estimated to accommodate 40 students each.

Our design intention for the school was based on the intention of wanting to create a

learning space that is sociable, less rigid and formal. As such, breakout spaces are

incorporated for students to relax and unwind themselves amidst the busy and stressful

academic life. Emphasis was placed upon the greenery-infused pocket spaces and open

areas whereby students will have the freedom to hold activities or express themselves.

For this project, we were given the freedom to come up with designs that are out of

ordinary. Our supervisor was very encouraging and always prompted us to be creative in

our designs.

Site Visit 1: Bionic

On Friday, my supervisor brought along two interns and I for a site visit to an ongoing

construction site at Bukit Mertajam. The building is a 32-storey strata residential building

with a sky bridge in between, with a row of commercial buildings and a low-cost apartment

opposite it.

During the walkthrough, we participated in discussions and issues regarding the

construction with the representative of Bionic Development Sdn Bhd, Ryan (Fig. 7.5). As

Ryan is a former colleague of aLM Architects, he was especially friendly and taught us a

lot regarding the industry.

Through this, I have come to be more aware of the importance of communications

between consultants and to always pay attention to details in drawings and constructions.


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Fig 7.1: Proposed floor plans of technique school


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Fig. 7.2: Ryan discussing with the supplier on the type of grill to use

(top) Fig. 7.3: Another intern and I listening to the discussions on the placement of the water meter

(left) Fig. 7.4: Ryan and our supervisor discussing on alternative location for the water meter

Fig. 7.5: Picture of Ryan and us three interns in the construction lift on site


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Week 8

Task 1: Firma Atasan Technique School

For this week, some changes are made to the floor plans of the technique school after

getting the client’s feedback. As opposed to what was proposed, the client prefer a more

traditional floor plan, and requested for a change to the floor plan proposal, but to maintain

the existing building’s footprint (Fig. 8.1-8.4).

This had me realize that the client’s request and budget is of utmost importance in this

field.

Site Visit & Site Meeting 1: TPPT Teluk Bahang

After having a brief walkthrough around the site, I was given the chance to attend the site

meeting (Fig 8.5) which is opposite of the construction site itself. During the site meeting,

I have come to realize the importance of the role of an architect, and how knowledgeable

they must be as they must make a lot of decisions and give every instruction precisely. I

have also learned that face-to-face meetings among the architect and consultants are

crucial to dissolve any miscommunications.

Site Visit 2: Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP)

On Friday, I had the rare opportunity to follow a colleague to the council at Komtar (Fig.

8.7) to experience and see for myself how plans are usually submitted and amended.

This has opened my eyes as to how many departments and submissions one must go

through for a building to be approved and take place.

Task 2: Eco Jerai

On the last day of the week, I team up with two other interns and 4 employees to work on

a manmade island in Kedah. The island serves as a leisure, community, learning and

tourist area for the people. I was part of planning the zones and programs for the island,

and was tasked with a bit of 3D modelling work. Despite the time constrain, the whole

team worked efficiently and pull it off within a day.


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Fig 8.1: New proposed ground floor plan of technique school

Fig 8.2: New proposed 1st floor plan of technique school

Fig 8.3: New proposed 2nd floor plan of technique school

Fig 8.4: New proposed 3rd floor plan of technique school


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Fig 8.5: Site meeting taking place Fig 8.6: Architect and contractor discussing on site

Fig 8.7: Two other interns and I at the council


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D. Conclusion

Throughout this two months of internship period, I have learned tremendously in regards

to the practices, order and regulations in the architectural field than I would have in normal

schooling days. I am grateful for the Taylor’s University for this module and arrangement;

and aLM Architects for providing me the chance to be part of the team for my internship.

During my internship period, I have learned that attention to details are very important

and any problems arose must be sorted out on time and efficiently with the consultants

to prevent any further miscommunications. Most importantly, I have learned that the

intention and budget of a client is of utmost importance. One cannot design at one’s

discretion without having a budget in mind. As such, I have come to understand that in

order to stand out in this field, one must be wise and strike a balance between design and

budget.

On a side note, the colleagues in aLM are very friendly and are always ready to help.

They always encourage me to ask more questions and guide me with patience. My

supervisor, Ar. Ho Chin Keng is an exceptionally inspiring architect who always

encourages me to think out of the box. Throughout this short but fulfilling two months, I

have learned a lot more than I would have hoped for, and I believe these will come in

good use in my further studies and prepare me for better working experiences in the future.

Internship Training Report

Education

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