IMITATION GAME

Imitation Game is a selected movie that we assigned to watch during Interior Architecture Theories outing class. When a first time heard about this film, I had no idea of what is this film all about, nor the genre. Since this film had been chose as a movie we need to experience, I expect this movie to be an educational type of movie. However, during watching the film I found out the genre of the film is Historical Thriller movie. It based from the true story of main character real life, Alan Turing been casted by Benedict Cumberbatch. I amused and shocked with the first dialogue which is “are you paying attention?” and it gave the feeling that the character was talking to us since we should pay full attention because it is part of our assignment. The film was revealing the top secret of Britain government during the World War II by hired the secret agent to break the communication system of their counter force.

The main character of this film, Alan Turing was the genius, smart, intelligent and brilliant mathematician during that century and a very naïve person. Throughout the introduction of Alan Turing, it really shows how naïve he is that always became a bully victim and always been ostracized by other. He had no friend before he met someone who safe him and changed his life. During his education period he always bullied by his schoolmate until one day someone named Christopher safe him. Since that, he became close and secretly had a crush on Christopher. Therefore, he decided to reveal and admit his true feeling to Christopher. Unfortunately, instead of successfully reveal his feeling, he received the news that Christopher died during the holiday. Even though the death news gave the big impact to him, he never stops having the same feeling towards Christopher. Its shows when he named the code breaker machine with late Christopher.

Throughout this movie, I really respect how he determines to focus and to achieve his goal once he set his mind on something. He was very confident in what his doing even he never knows the challenges that he might encounter.  I amuse with the way he successfully completed the code breaker machine. Although he successfully achieves his goal, he had been charge as a homosexual person, where in Britain it is an illegal issue. In my opinion, Alan Turing was a homosexual affected by the factors that he went though. He just put all his trust to Christopher and totally relied on him. That is why he fallen for him. He just need somebody to turn to after he been ostracized and been bullied. When the ending of the movie said that he committed suicide, I feel we as a new generation really lost something precious. Maybe if he still alive in this century, we will have a much more sophisticated computer system. I really feel thankful to my lecturer for chose this movie to experience. If not part of our assignment, I will never know about this movie. 

IPOH TRAVELOGUE: DAY 1

Greetings!

Hi readers! Now I am in my semester 4 and it is already February 2015. So this semester, I am taking Minor Experiencing Culture 2 with Ms Baizura. So as we can see at the top of this article, the title clearly show that I going to write about my experience in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Let me start with the details of the trip. It was planned for 4 days 3 nights trip to Ipoh, and about 40 students together with 4 lecturers were participated. Briefly, is not only Ipoh Trip but I can say it was Center-point of Perak Trip since we start the trip by visited Gopeng Heritage House once we were in Perak. I will explain  and share my experience in detail together with the pictures later. What I want to highlight now is the places we visited on our first day. So after Gopeng Heritage House, we headed to Ipoh and stop by at Tanjung Tualang for lunch. According to the itinerary, on our first day we supposed to go to Gopeng Heritage House, Kellie's Castle, Tg. Tualang Tin Dredge and Koperasi Industri Kampung. But because a time constrain we had to postpone the visit to Kellie's Castle and Tin Dredger. Then after lunch we headed to our next destination which is Koperasi Industri Kampung at Kampung Gajah, about 30 minutes away from Tg Tualang.

Gopeng Heritage House

Environment of Tg. Tualang, it gives me a different feeling when I looked into this photo
since I used to KL environment

at Koperasi Industri Kampung, Kg  Gajah
We get a chance to learn the making process of Clay Labu

All the hard work learn to design the carving


After visited Koperasi Industri Kampung, lecturers decide to headed to Ipoh town for Hotel checked in. So from Kg. Gajah we straight away headed to Ipoh town. Around 6.30 pm we arrived at Ipoh Boutique Hotel.

Info-Graphic Board Design 4

This is Info-graphic board for the local identity I chose.

BEAUTY vs. USABILITY

BEAUTY vs. USABILITY is a common topic for creative people such as artists and designers to be discussed. Some artists said they are a designer while some designers called themselves as an artist. Why would they think so? Maybe the designers successfully design an art piece and maybe the artist did create functionable product. This topic is a very subjective topic to discuss. In this article, I would like to share my thought about the difference and the connection between Beauty and Usability.

BEAUTY is a word people usually use to complementing the ART while USABILITY is something that shows how successful a product of the DESIGN. In my opinion Art is a subjective matter. It can be differently interpreted for every single audience. Different people may have their own perspective towards whatever they see. So from their point of view, they might get inspired by the artwork. But for Design, it is like a two-way interaction, in other words it does involve the users. When it comes to design, it require a processes from inspiration, idea, function, development and few more things to achieve the goal of creating the product. Designer needs a well plan to make the design successful so it can motivate users. When the user motivated by the product they will automatically understand the function or the purpose of the product. Meanwhile, Artist usually starts with a clean surface and just freely expressed their emotion, opinion or issues that can be categorize as personal feeling to produce an art piece. Therefore, art is a subjective caused its deliver the different message and can be interpreted differently to the audience. Some people might or did say art require talent while design require skill, for me everyone can be and an artist but to be a good artist they need to sharpen their talent. Although famous artist who was born with talent, they still produce a painting to be better. The point is, to be somebody, everyone should learn and practice until achieve what they want same as a designer. They learn and trained how to be a designer, but not everyone can easily success as a designer. Everyone can design, but can all designer without the skill success in whatever they do. Design without the knowledge of design will end up produce unfriendly product to the user. Users might understand the function but maybe it can last longer or it might not convenient at all. However, it depends to the user to consider the product of design is a good design or a bad design. It is based on what people think. Certain people will appreciate it depends on their lifestyle, and certain maybe not. Whereas art would show about taste, like what I have wrote before art can be differently interpreted. So it would depend on people taste. Now we can see the differences between beauty and usability, so I believe Art and Design should be worked together as how design can be inspired by an art and how design can make the art become something functionable. – nfab

Paris-London Travel Diary_Part 2

So generally this entry will tell people the experience I had on Paris. After the first night we spent just rest in the hotel room, the next morning we start to explore more on Paris lifestyle, culture and environment.
Early in the morning, after everyone get ready and had our breakfast we were heading to Notre Dame Cathedral. The very interesting part is we were using the metro train that was just under the Hotel we stay. So the transportation is not a problem for us as a tourist. Its was so convenient and just few steps from hotel entrance.

The place we were heading to~

Along the way to Notre Dame, we stopped at Pont Marie station and took a morning walk to Notre Dame.

As we walked, lot of new things we get to know such as Parisian morning routine, the pedestrian walkway law, the breakfast cafe and many others thing.

Paris morning environment

When we was infront of the cathedral, we learnt few things of Architecture element of that building, especially the famous element such flying buttresses, gargoyle and sharp arches. Those element are representing the architecture style also can show from which era. For example, Notre Dame architecture style is represent the French Gothic Architecture.  

 

After Notre Dame visit we walked through along river side to Musee de Lourve. Most of the famous place are located nearby the river. Based from the historical source, back in previous century the river called Seine River was a main routes for trader. It was so nice to have a river scenery from every places and can be a clue for anyone who get lost. On our half way to the Lourve we found the Love Lock Bridge, where I witness the Parisian is one of the most romantic people are true.

In front of the Love Lock Bridge

Once reached the Lourve I getting so excited, because the building I learnt about before just from the books and internet now was infront of me. Even the I'm not a historical person who love museum, but the feeling to go and get to know what the Lourve have inside made my heart race. Long queue and crowded of people, still could not stop me from feel so excited.

A very nice sunny day at Musee de Lourve

Walkway inside of the museum

Sculpture Exhibition Hall

While other people exploring the arts exhibited in this museum, I was focusing more to the architecture element of the building. The interior arrangement of every hall,columns and ceiling structure was more attractive to me than the art sculpture. I was fascinated by the architecture element of this building.

Done with the Lourve, we heading to Centre Georges Pompidou the modern art museum. The building was design by two famous architect  Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. 

The Georges Pompidou,Paris

While heading to this place from Pont Neuf metro station I had experience the insecure feeling while passed by the crowded area near Chatelet station. It was because we kept remind our self to stay cautious of pickpocket and whenever get into the crowded places the feeling will automatically comes. But fortunately we safely reached the destination without having any difficulties. 

Once enter the Pompidou, I was fascinated by the design of the exposed ceiling that shows all the ducting and the M&E system of the building.

On the ground floor of the Center Pompidou Building. Where all the visitors facilities was located.

The art gallery

Even the artworks and all the sculptures was so amazing, I can't understand the art. But from those explanation of the artwork,one thing I have learnt is; art is subjective. Just throw out the emotion or the issue. Different people will have different perspective on whatever they see. That is what I understand about art.

The whole second day in Paris we spent for art museums. So the next day we went to Villa Savoye. It was away from Paris city and located at Poissy,about 45 minutes journey by train. 

Villa Savoye is the first modernism architecture residence build by Le Cobusier. It was Le Cobusier's family vacation house. The house was built with five architecture point that introduce the modernism style to the world. That consist of ;

Functional roof

 Supported by ground-level pilotis

 Free floor plan

Long vertical glass window

Freely designed facade

Villa Savoye

I was totally feel so happy for been there and witnessed the whole house and even get to feel the environment of the residence with my own self.

Entrance Way

Living Hall with long vertical window

We even get a chance to sat on the designed chair by Le Cobusier. So grateful! Even the chair was there in ages but still comfortable to sat on. 

Kitchen Area

Hallway and interior spaces

Finished our half day of the third day in Paris by visit Villa Savoye we continue another half day to enjoy the life in Paris City. From Poissy we took a train to Charles de Gualle Etoile. First thing we saw once get out from underground metro station is Arc de Triomphe. The most famous monument in Paris located on the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle.

Arc de Triomphe

From Etoile we just freely walk through the Avenue des Champ-Elysees for shopping. There got a lot of boutique and nice branded shop where people can get original stuff for fashion such as Louis Vuitton, H&M, GAP, Chanel, Guess and many more. We just too excited to see all those shops but got no chance to shopping because of the limited time that wasted on finding the toilet. About 1 km walked from Place Charles de Gualle we found the bus stop and took a ride to souvenir shop area near Lourve.

Our evening just finish like that, went here and there for shopping. 

Avenue des Champs Elysees

Scenery of Paris City

It was a happy tired day in Paris. We made a last visit to Eiffel Tower that night to watch light performance.

Its a colder night compare to last few days. Lots of people were also waiting for the show, not only groups of friends, but families, romantic couples and the salesman was there and made that place happening.

Eiffel Tower at night and the light show

That was the exploration of our third day in Paris. The next day we were spent the whole day in Paris Disneyland in Marne la Vallee at the east of Paris. I not that excited for Disneyland because I am not theme park person. But when we reached in Disneyland, slowly I get the excitement. Even I was not brave enough to ride all rides but at least I tried few rides and it was worth try. I really enjoy the scenery and all the design from the landscape till the detail of every structure and buildings that create with the themes from all the character in Disney animation. Those things lead me to imagine that theme park designer also is not bad. 

Disney Character

Disney Castle and Fantasy World

to be continue.. 

Paris-London Travel Diary_Part 1

Hi there! In this entry I love to share my new experience traveled to Europe. 

It is one of our slot for Minor 1 : Experiencing Culture subject. 

A week before the trip I still haven't start packed. I only started to packed all the stuff needed the night before the trip. It was something people shouldn't do, last minute preparation. So to avoid from left out important things I jotted down things to bring. The most thing I afraid on that moment is to left out my Passport, so the first thing I put inside my bag is that red book!  

        

Most important thing! Passport and Boarding Pass

My first aid~ Pain Killers is for myself and Power Adapter for my baby(gadget)!

Our flight scheduled on September, 11 at 1930 from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), Malaysia.

So I at least need to be in airport before 1700 (GMT +8). On that day I was having mixed feeling from excited, nervous, happy, worried and ect. Because of those feeling I became indecisive person and that cause me not having my lunch and late to arrived before 1700. Fortunately, I was not into trouble(except hungry) after arrived in airport because the group still waiting for few more person.  

It was briefly what I had experience before we departed from KLIA.

First day of my trip generally cover the departure from Malaysia to Paris and had a stop over in Dubai Airport. Because the excitement of the trip I couldn't sleep in  the first flight so once reached in Dubai me and my friends found a place to had some nap.

everyone face after almost 3 hours sleep in public :)

On the next morning September 12 we reached Charles de Gualle Airport with full of excitement and expectation of Paris Culture.

The first picture took once reached Paris.

After settled the immigration we straight away took a bus to Champ-Elysees. It was a starting point of the trip. Everyone started to run or walked faster just to make sure we were stay in a group. 

Bus to Champ-Elysees

On the way to Champ-Elysees bus stop we briefly had a tour around Place Charles de Gualle. 

It was one of unforgettable memories to get a chance to see the life of Parisian and their residential building.

Based from what I have seen, normally they lives in low rise building such as apartment and  townhouse.

My first impression of Paris on our way to Champ-Elysees. So historical!

Arch de Triomphe standing on the center of Place Charles de Gualle

The next thing  we do after reached the Champ-Elysees Bus stop is to run with all heavy luggage to underground metro station, Charles de Gualle Etoile. Look similar to explorace, everyone running while carry heavy bags and stuff to catch the train to Bir Hakeim which is the nearest station to Eiffel Tower. The nearest our journey to Eiffel Tower the more excited we get. Even with the heavy bags and all smiles still appeared on our face. 

Underground metro station - Charles de Gaulle Etoile

Bravely stand Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower, the first destination I visit once arrived in Paris. The moment I saw this tower and standing on the ground where all the piles and foundation of the tower been buried, its still something unbelievable. I never dreamed to be there but this trip gave me a chance to know and explore more about Paris and Europe culture.

As our group did have a reservation to go up on Eiffel tower earlier before we came, So we all looked forward of what Paris have up there on Eiffel Tower. Although everyone tired, because have not settle down since departure from Malaysia on the previous day but we all really had a good time on our first visit.

Structure of Eiffel Tower

For the whole time I spent at Eiffel Tower , I have been asking my self how does the engineer and the architect of that tower can built and design this kind of structure in their century. I fascinated of every angle of this tower.

 

The views from on second level of Eiffel Tower

Spent the whole time since arrived until the day turning dark in Eiffel Tower Park everyone suddenly realized they were hungry. So we left to find a food and went to our stay to check in.

Park & Suite Residence Paris Villejuif 

Our stay for the whole trip in Paris

That was how I start my exploration in Europe. Everything was totally different from Asia.

Digital Media Animation Zoo Pavilion

Zoo Pavilion Animation