M I C H E L L E
Foundation in Natural Built Environment
(FNBE)
THE JOURNAL NOTES
Project Introduction:
The Journal Notes (TJN) is an additional individual task from the module Elements of Natural Built Environment. It is an assignment for students to learn visual note taking skills which mostly include mind mapping. TJN is a task where students learn to capture the information relayed during each ENBE lecture into visual notes to improve and enhance their understanding of the topic taught.
Students are required to take notes on the provided template and make a conclusion for all topics to be submitted (usually every 4 TJNs)
Project Brief:
Project Process:
To complete the TJN, I had to refer to some of the notes taken in class and refine some facts. I also refered to "replay" to rewatch some of the lecture so that I don't miss out on any important facts
TJN 1-4 With Conclusion:
TJN 1
TJN 1: Planet Earth and It's Resources
This TJN is about understanding planet eath and mother nature's beauty where we talk about the natural environment.
From this TJN, I came to understand how nature works it's way in balancing the ecology and how animals react with animals, plants or their environment. Also, I have learnt about the negative impacts of human activities to the environment and how to overcome them by carrying out methods to save the environment.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
TJN 2: Natural Phenomena, Geographical Zones of the Earth & Habitat.
This TJN is about understanding natural phenomenas which occur naturally across the globe and the geographical zones which differ in climate.
From this TJN, I have came to understand more about natural phonomenas which occur in other regions. I have realised how blessed it is to be in Malaysia as we do not have natural phenomenas which cause too much destruction all year around. Other than that, I have found some of the phenomenas amazing and fascinating as they are unique and beautiful although usually very dangerous.
Other than that, by learning about different geographical zones of the earth, I have realised that animals and humans who live in extreme weather have found ways to adapt in order to carry on living. This shows how architecture should blends into nature in order for the people to feel comefort in their natural living zone.
TJN 2
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
TJN 3: Appreciating Plants & Animals
This TJN is about further understanding of plants and animals who have conqured the natural environment by adaptation and survival skills in order to continue living as they are.
From this TJN, I have learnt about importance of adaptation for everything including plants, animals and even humans wherever they are. By adapting to the environment, plants and animals are able to carry out their usual activities such as hunting, reproducint growing, etc. Other than that, prey are able to protect themselves from predators by learning self protecting skills.
This shows that adaptation plays an important role in life. In architecture, architects must understand their environment and the culture before constructing or designing a building. This is important as the poeple living in that area are able to enjoy their new lifestyle without forgetting or neglecting the their old one.
Also, I have realised that natural born architects, are actually animals who try to adapt to their surrounding by building a better home for themselves and their famalies.
TJN 3
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |
TJN 4: Forest Kingdom
This TJN is about understanding different types of forest, and their special characteristics. It also explains about mountains and grassland around the world.
This TJN is more of an introduction to foresrts around the world where different climates, locations, trees and others determine the forest type. It shows that forest is the beginning of all lifesource as there is a vast biodiversity in all forest. I have also been exposed to characteristics and species of different forest types in Malaysia.
TJN 4
 |  |
|---|
TJN 1-4 Conclusion:
TJN 1-4 is mostly about the understanding of the natural environment which consists of the climate, animals, plants and characteristics of different areas.
In these few topics, I have gained knowledge on different zones and human activities which leads to environmental issues such as pollution. In order to protect the environment from further destruction, humans must to protect Mother Nature as humans and nature depend on each other for future survival.
I have also understood how some famous architecture buildings derive from inspiration out of animal homes or flora and fauna adaptation in the wild. This can be applied in everyday architecture.
I have understood the importance of each TJN topic and it's relevance to us as architects or quantity surveyors in the future.
Conclusion
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
TJN 5: Environment & Habitat at the Desert, Water Area & Caves
This TJN is about understanding the enviroment of deserts, water areas and caves around the world.
From this TJN, I have gained knowledge on the different types of wetlands, caves and deserts. As we know, different areas have different climate, surrounding environment characteristics and etc. I have came to understand more about these three areas and the animals and plants which survive in that area are really special as those areas have a low count of biodiversity and survival.
From these lectures, I have also managed to understand how animal and plant species adapt to the harsh environment in the desert as a form of survival.
TJN 5 (with conclusion)
 |  |
|---|
TJN 6: The Built Environment Intro
This TJN is no longer related to the natural environment, but the built environment. It explains briefly about the built environment which is the man-made part of the world where most people currently live in.
From this TJN, I have understood what the built environment is and the important elements of the build environment. Without elements such as shelter, infrastructure and others, humans will face problems in their daily activities and lifestyle. This TJN also explains about the application of knowledge in planing or designing an area.
By understanding the basic necessities, available convenience, climate of an area and more, it is possible to plan a sustainable, livable, comfortable and suitable environment for people to live in. Therefore, this topic is important as it appicable in reality, in architecture and our ENBE final project (Metropolitan City)
TJN 6 (with conclusion)
 |  |
|---|
TJN 7: Landuse Zoning & Building Typologies
This TJN explains further about city planning in the built environment.
From this TJN, I have learnt about zone classification and colour coding for zone classification. By identifying zones, it will be easier to plan the development for a new area. I am now able to apply this knowledge in my ENBE final project as I would know how to classify different buildings with different functions into suitable zones. For example, religious centre, public administrative and education is classified under public institution which is coloured pink in the master plan.
Other than that, I have gained knowledge on building typologies. This allows me to figure out the suitable characteristics of a building in order to fuifil the needs of the public and community.
TJN 7 (with conclusion)
 |  |
|---|
TJN 8: Element of A City
This TJN is about knowing and identifying the elements of a city which surrounds us in our every day life.
From this TJN, I have understood the important elements which make a city, an actual city. Without elements such as infrastructure, transportation and others, we will not be able to live comfortably in the city as it is difficult to maintain our lifestyle.
I have also learnt that the absence of some elements of a city will cause major damage and negative outcome to the people. For example, without proper sewerage system, diseases will break out and spread around easily.
TJN 8 (with conclusion)
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
TJN 9 (A) : Urban Environmental Problems
This TJN is about identifying and understanding environmental problems of a city due to man-made factors.
From this TJN, I have managed to identify and understand the reasons to environmental problems. These problems cause major effects to the lives of citizens which might cost their health and lives. It also makes me think and wonder about the future and where these consequences will lead to by the time we turn adults.
TJN 9 (B) : The Origins & Development of A City
This TJN is about understanding the roots of our city and the development that took place which has transformed past cities into present cities.
From this TJN, I have understood the origins of a city which took place few thousand years ago. From there, I have gained knowledge on how development started and made cities the city we live in today. By understanding the past and present cities, I am able to identify what a good and livable city consists of.
TJN 9 (with conclusion)
Before this TJN task, I have always hated to do mind maps because I find it a weird way to be taking notes. I didn't understand the usage of colours, drawings, doodles or the branches which spread to different points. The main reason for not liking to work with mind maps was because I only could write key points and not lengthy sentences. I always had the fear of forgetting what I have been doing on the mind map as one world could not actually portray all that I have to learn.
However, this TJN exercise, which partially foced me to explore mind maps, has changed my perception of mind maps. I had been wrong all this while with the totally wrong concept of mind maps. Mind map is a form of visual note taking, where we look at it to remember it. It actually makes a deeper impression for me to remember the notes I've taken as it takes time to figure the main keypoints of a subject.
The doodles and drawings help explain more from the keypoints. This clearly portrays "a picture explains a thousand words" as it is easier for me to capture what I have drawn into my mind and have a secondary imagination of the information I have just read.
Visual note taking has been much more helpful and interesting for me as I am able to absorb more information effectively. TJN has also made me think futher and out of the box while doing reflections as we are to write about how we can apply the information learnt from each topic. I depend less on the internet for answers and brainstorm more. This has allowed me to work on my critical thinking skills.
Reflection:
THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS
Lifelong Learning
TGC Aquired:
