Internship Training and Report

School of Architecture, Building and Design

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture

Internship Training and Report

(ARC2615)

FINAL REPORT

Ar. Ho Chin Keng | Supervising Architect

Keith Tan Kay Hin | Lecturer

Joyce Wee Yi Qin | Student

0319602 | Student ID

Internship Training and Report | Final Report

All image rights reserved to aLM Architects.



Introduction

This module aims to introduce students to the requirements, activities and operations

involved in an architectural and construction practice. The objective of the module is

to facilitate the involvement of students in professional attachments to architectural

practices to help us develop an understanding of the general nature, principles and

procedure of law and legislation as applied to architectural drawings, especially the

building by-laws. In the process of the internship, I am exposed to the submission

process and the range of contract documentation besides the usual design stages.

For this module, I was successfully accepted to attach to aLM Architects, one of the

biggest architecture firm in Penang. The training period commenced at 3rd January

to 3rd March (8 weeks). During this intensive 8 weeks, I was assigned to attend to

different tasks ranging from design stage to contract documentation with several

meetings and site visits along the way.

This report compiles my experience during this 9 weeks with aLM Architects.



Week 1 | 3rd January to 6th January

Task 1: Paramount

My task was to make minor editings on the 3D model of a housing project in Bandar

Aman Jaya, Kedah. I added fences to the building boundary and also added

economic yet functional and aesthetic details to the façade design of the surau, hall

and residential buildings before rendering using Sketch Up and Photoshop.

Task 2: Prisma

After completing my first task, I was assigned to produce the door and window

schedule of a high rise residential project in Gerbang Bukit Kecil, Penang (Prisma).

Through this task, I am aware of the different materials and requirements of doors and

windows in a building. (Appendix1)

Meeting 1: Lafarge

On Wednesday, one of my colleague invited Lafarge for a meeting to enquire on

Agilia™, a self-compacting and self-levelling concrete which he was planning to use

to construct the shear walls in his project with Prisma.

Meeting 2: aLM Green

On Friday, our office participated in a discussion with a member of aLM Green about

the update on OTTV and Roof U-values. During the discussion, we were exposed to

the local green building requirements and ways to achieve optimum passive design

such as coping, wall-to-window ratio etc.



Week 2 | 9th January to 13th January

Task 1: Prisma

On the second week, I wrapped up my previous assignment on the Door and window

schedule which required some minor adjustments after being gone through by a

senior in the office. (Appendix1)

Task 2: Prisma

I was assigned to produce tender drawings of the toilet details of the residential units,

Type A and Type B. My task was to gather the specifications to produce detailed

sections and plans of the toilets with dimensions.

Meeting 1: Prisma

On Tuesday, I attended a client meeting alongside the PIC. During the meeting, a few

issues were brought up including the confusion in levelling and connection between

the parking lots and the residential units. At the end of the meeting the former was

resolved and the latter was left to be discussed.

Task 3: Paramount (Sketching)

On Wednesday, I was assigned to design a surau on a 36.7m x 33.082m plot in Kedah

from scratch. During this initial stage, I plotted out the setback and building lines and

also researched on the basic requirement of spaces in a surau which includes praying

halls, ablutions, bilik jenazah and washrooms (Appendix 2).

Through this task, I am aware that there are strict rules on the directions and sizes of

the prayer halls and the ablutions. Also, there are local requirements on the set back

and building lines.



Week 3 | 16th January to 20th January

Task 1: Paramount (Drafting + 3D Modelling)

This week I drafted out the plans of the surau and produced an improved plan daily.

The spaces were shifted and mirrored per the needs of the users and the ease of

access. I took in advice from Muslim colleagues on their usual rituals to have a grasp

on their routine so I can design to their needs (Appendix 2).

On Thursday, I started constructing the 3D model to play around with the façade

design. The façade design was finalized at the end of the week.

Meeting 2: Fuji Elevator (M) Sdn Bhd.

On Wednesday, I participated in a meeting with an elevator supplier which is new in

the Malaysian market. During the meeting, I was introduced to different mechanical

transportation systems, the construction process and their different authority

requirements such as a full height motor room.

Week 4 | 23rd January and 24th January

Task 1: Paramount (3D Model + Presentation Drawings)

This week, I did some final touches on the roof and window designs before proceeding

to the presentation drawings and perspective renders. In the meantime, I also aided

one of my colleague on her façade design (Appendix 2).

Task 2: Prisma

On Tuesday, I was assigned to make some changes on the door and window

schedule I did previously as there were new updates from the client where day

requested to lessen the types of doors and windows in the design.



Week 5 | 6th February to 10th February

Task 1: Asia Bina KL- Seputih (MAYC)

This week, I was assigned to team up with the other two interns to work on a SOHO

and hostel apartment, which will replace the existing MAYC Hotel in Seputih, KL. Our

task was (Appendix 3):

1. To double line the proposed single-lined plans

2. To make minor adjustments to refine the plans

3. To come out with the landscape design

4. To hatch, add spatial details for presentation purposes

Task 2: Kuala Kedah Semi-D Shop Lot

My second task of the week involves the preparation of the building plan of Semi-D

shops proposed to be built along the shoreline at Kuala Kedah. I was also involved in

(Appendix 4):

1. Making minor adjustments in the façade design.

2. Study and make structural additions on the layered roofs at the front facade

Task 3: Paramount Surau (Sketches)

Late Friday, I followed up on the surau design I did earlier on. The PIC came back with

comments from the client insisting on maximizing the prayer halls instead of having

study rooms. Amendments was done accordingly to the plans. I ended the week with

new sketches of the plans and the spatial arrangements (Appendix 2).




Task 1: Paramount Surau

Following up on the new sketches, I produced new presentation drawings for the

surau and the 3D model. For the entire exterior of the building, I took on an approach

different from the previous design. The previous design was said to be costly and

heavy in terms of visual. Thus, I reconstructed my concept to create a space that

connects man and god which is protected within by different layers. The outcome

was more minimal and raw compared to the previous design (Appendix 2).

Task 2: Kuala Kedah Semi-D Shop Lot

My second task of the week involves amendments on the building plan of the Semi-D

shops done previously. While completing this task, I was aware of the Bomba

requirements on the running distance within enclosed space with dead ends and the

loop holes in the different regulations involving fire escape requirements.




Task 1: Paramount Guard House

This week, I was assigned to make adjustments on the 3D model and Building Plans of

the guard house after having it reviewed by the engineers. Later on, I compiled

different perspectives of the building in presentation slides to be sent to the client.

Task 2: Mr Wong SPA

I was also involved in producing drawings for the Sales and Purchase Agreement for

a project involving 12-units of terrace houses.

Task 3: Firma Atasan Technique School

Jiahui and I was assigned to design a technique school to replace an existing office

complex and a warehouse. We were given complete freedom in developing our

concepts and plans. Our task was to design a building for:

a. 1 Automotive Centre

b. 1 Auditorium (400pax)

c. 1 Library

d. Laboratory

e. 10 classrooms (40pax each)

f. Cafeteria

g. Lecturer and Dean Offices

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. (Appendix 5)

Thanks to our very encouraging and passionate supervisor, we managed to come out

with a plan that is out of ordinary.

Site Visit 1: Bionic

On Friday, we followed Ar. Ho Chin Keng to an ongoing construction site at Bukit

Mertajam for a site meeting. The project includes

1. 32-storey strata residential + commercial building with a sky bridge

2. Individual shops

3. Low cost apartment



The site is close to completion so it was more convenient for us to walk around. We

participated in a discussion with a representative from the client regarding the issues

on the construction.

During the walkthrough, I was aware of the details in design and also the

miscommunication that usually occur when instructions are being given. I am also

aware of the responsibilities of the architect to make decisions when problems occur

and to lead a team of people.



Week 8 | 27th February to 3rd March

Task 1: Paramount Surau (Minor Edits)

The 3D model of the surau is further edited from the comments from the clients which

prefers a more vernacular design (the first design)

Task 2: TPPT Site Meeting

This week, we attended an on-site site meeting with TPPT regarding the ongoing

construction of a medium cost high rise residential building in Teluk Bahang, Penang.

The meeting was chaired by Ar. Sam. The meeting was a progress meeting, several

issues such as change of material and costing was raised in the meeting.

Task 3: Building Department for Prisma

On Thursday, we tagged along a colleague from the authority department to

KOMTAR, where most of the council offices are housed. We went to the building

department to make some edits on the plans for Prisma after the inspection of the

Architect in charge. Through this visit, I am aware of the responsibilities of the

authorities in inspecting the drawings.



Task 4: Eco Jerai Proposal

Eco Jerai is a proposal of developing 3 small islands nearby the foot of Gunung Jerai

into tourist attractions. Together with the other interns, I was assigned to design and

produce the programme of the man-made islands surrounding the coast to prevent

muddy waters from entering the tourist spots.

My task includes:

1. Programme and zoning of the islands

2. 3D model with building massings on the islands

3. Renderings

4. Presentation slides



Appendix 1: Prisma | Novus Tender Drawings



Appendix 2: Paramount | Surau

Version 1:

Setback and building line is

determined. Parking lots surrounds

the perimeter of the Surau.

Spatial requirements fulfilled.

Version 2:

Due to 6.1m internal road width

requirement, Parking space at the

front

Study room extended.



Version 3:

Bilik Pengurusan Jenazah shifted to

front for functional purposes.

Version 2:

Additional details and landscape

at reading room.



Front elevation

Right elevation

Back elevation

Left elevation



Final floor plan | Maximized prayer hall



Front elevation

Right elevation

Back elevation

Left elevation



Appendix 3: Asia Bina KL | SOHO + MAYC Hostel



Appendix 4: Kuala Kedah | Semi-D Shop Building Plan



Appendix 5: Firma Atasan | Technique School



Appendix 6: Testimonial Letter



Conclusion

During this intensive 8 weeks of internship, I have been exposed to many things

professionally. I am aware of the responsibilities of an Architect as a designer and an

administrator. Besides all the usual reading and understanding drawings, UBBL

requirements, drafting etc., there is still a lot more to learn to be a great professional

architect. Through discussions with my colleagues in the office, I have learnt that as

an architect we must hold on to our values and to fight for what is right.

During the internship, I’ve experience the conflict between design and cost. There

were times where my design was not accepted by the clients due to cost.

Disappointed to how much design should compromise for profits, I tried to balance

between both.

“Architecture is tough, but when you see the community putting use into your

design, you’ll have goosebumps and you will realize that all the blood, sweat and

tears are all worth it”

- Ar. Ho Chin Keng

Internship Training and Report

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Transcript of Internship Training and Report