Theories of Architecture and Urbanism

This subject requires students to develop a thematic analysis based on architectural and urban theory in a broader context of philosophical thinking, cultural and social conditions. The architectural eras include modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, deconstruction and critical regionalism. These themes have guided the organization of weekly lecture and discussions which follows the introduction to basic theories as well as the examination of specific cases locally and internationally. This logical progression encourages students to study and apply architectural theories when designing buildings within an urban framework.

Project Part 1

For the project part 1, students are grouped and required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. We were assigned to explore the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts based on the text ''Life between buildings'' by Jan Gehl. The assignments consists of identifying the contact points within that city and its varying degree of contact intensity.

Project Part 2

For the project part 2, students are required to write a comparative analysis essay based on the findings of project part 1 and compare it to the local site of Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The analysis was based on the types of contact points in the two cities and their varying degree of contact intensity. For Cambridge, Massachusetts, the information was retrieved mainly online, while for the local site, research was done on site to get a better grasp of the types of activities happening. It was definitely an eye opener to witness the different types of activities and its subsequent impact on the circulation of pedestrians around this area.

Kindly click on the PDF file to access the comparative analysis essay

SYNOPSIS

Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper, totaling 4 overall. It requires students to read a selected part of a given text and provide a critical analysis. The objectives of this project is to engage students with architectural theories that have successfully shaped cities and user based experience around architecture.

The texts analysed are:

Synopsis 1: In the cause of architecture, 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Synopsis 2: Architecture where desire can live by Jacques Derrida, interviewed by Eva Meyer.

Synopsis 3: The eyes of the skin - architecture and the senses by Juhani Pallasmaa

Synopsis 4: Towards a critical regionalism by Kenneth Frampton (1981)

SYNOPSIS 1

SYNOPSIS 2

SYNOPSIS 3

SYNOPSIS 4

Kindly click on the PDF file to access the respective synopsis

REFLECTION

This module has been a great eye opener in terms of understanding renowned theories about architecture and human experiences. Gradually i have learnt to read and critically analyse a text and provide my own opinions and relate them to real life situations. As we progressed during the semester, I have grown fond of reading about thought evoking subjects and articles as this module focused around topics such modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, deconstruction and critical regionalism. The theories help to understand the site analysed for the projects in greater depth. Through the site visits to Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I had the opportunity to observe and understand how different people view spaces differently, although they are surrounded by the same buildings and daily life.