Yap Shu Won
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
The 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 may 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 tools for the analysis of specific architectural situations. Students will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.
PROJECT 1 (PART 1) : CASE STUDY
This project required students to read Jahn Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1). Subsequently, the students are to examine patterns of social activities in a city (foreign city to be provided by instructor*) and identify ‘contact points’. They are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity.
In the form of group, we are expected to research for information from publications and other relevant sources. For this semester, our case study will be on cities in Asia. The cities chosen for my group is Luang Prabang, Loas.
In this project, I have learned how to analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories. Not only that, I am able to analyse and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context
REFLECTION
Part 2 of the project requires students to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1) and local site research (Design Studio). We are to examine similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities.
PROJECT 1 (PART 2) : COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY
PROJECT 2 : SYNOPSIS
In project 3, we are required to submit a synopsis in the form of a 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 to the text.
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REFLECTION
This final project requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. Hence, through this project, i can understand the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and urbanism.