CALVIN SUAH JAKE GINN
"life isn't about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself"
Theories of Architecture and Urbanism
Module Introduction
This subject offers a thematic inquiry into architectural and urban theory in the broader context of philosophical schools of thought and cultural and social conditions, which include modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, deconstruction and critical regionalism. These themes will guide the organization of weekly lecture and discussions, which will proceed from the establishment of a basic theoretical apparatus to the examination of specific cases. These will supply us with tolls for the analysis of specific architectural situations. Students will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth analytical research paper on the designated topic.
Module Objective
1. To engage students with relevant theories which have shaped cities and experience around architecture, including its role as mediator between our society and its architecture.
2. To provide critical perspectives on key issues within th e contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies.
3. To enhance the undertanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research.
Project 1: Case Study
In this project, we had chosen The Magnificent Mile, Chicago, as our site to study on. The study consist of identifying contact points with the guidance of Jan Gehl 'Life Between Buildings'. This is to examine the relationship between patterns of space use, especially outdoor activities and the spatial properties of the physical world in order to understand the varying degree of contact intensity.
Project 1 Outcome
Project 2A: Synopsis
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, we were required to submit a sypnopsis in the form of reaction paper. Its aim is for the students to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper of the text.
A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, and then develop comentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raise through the text. In addition to our personal perspective, we had to identify experiences or insights that have shaped our perspectives.
Synopsis 1: Learning From Las Vegas by Robert Venturi
Synopsis 2: Semiology and Architecture by Charles Jencks
Synopsis 3: Geometry of Feeling by Juhani Pallasmaa
Synopsis 4: Towards A Critical Regionalism by Kenneth Frampton
Project 2B: Comparative Analysis Essay
This comparative analysis essay require students to do a comparison essay of Petaling Street and our site in Project 1 based on the theory lectures we have learnt.
Comparative Analysis Essay: Petaling Street and The Magnificent Mile
Learning Outcomes
Based on this exercise, I understood better on the theories that each author was trying to convey as I had to do further understanding in order to write the reaction paper and also the comparative analysis essay. I am now able to describe the theoretica issues related to design through study of architecture an d urbanism and its related studies. On top of that, I learnt how to relate architectural theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms. From here, as a whole I am able to have a greated view and different perspective from others about urbanism as some urbanism theories contradicts.