Shu|Prj
Theories of Architecture and Urbanism
The subject discusses and studies the thematic inquiry into various architectural theory, with ph modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, and deconstruction. A better understanding on the roles of architectural theories and its relation to the development of architecture serves to provide an insight on the purpose and direction of today's architecture with regards to the ever-changing society and its cultural context.
Assignments conducted including a weekly class activity to present a synopsis on various article extracts in a group of 4. This is followed by a 2 part project consisting of group and individual works, explaining the application of theories when directly applied to actual sites and buildings in our country.
SYNOPSIS
The group work is conducted weekly to understand and interpret the issues proposed in various architecture theories. Application of the theory is conducted on fitting designs to properly explain the issues faced.
Learning outcomes
From these activities, I learned to understand, interpret and apply the theoretical issues presented in each of the articles. It proved to be a useful learning platform to analyze and express different opinions regarding how we view the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual contexts. We also get to sharpen our presentation skills as we convey our findings in the sessions for group discussion.
PROJECT: THEORIZING ARCHITECTURE
The two part project requires an analytical approach to review and highlight the architecture theories of selected theorectician and how it can be reinterpreted in a local site and building. Such a project consist of multi-step, multi-level process that requires formulating an interesting question, researching information and readings, analyze and extract the useful information, formulating an argument, drafting it up, and polishing it into a final piece of clear, persuasive research essay that is supported by key illustrations such as diagrams and sketches.
Learning outcome
From this project, I am able to express critical thoughts on the signifance and relavance of various architectural theories in relation to the architecture and its different contexts. Furthermore, the process of doing analytical research through self-learning and group discussion is adopted, presenting a good experience in critical writing and proper compilation of an intellectual research paper.
PROJECT PART 1:
Analyzing "through the eyes" of a theoretician
The chosen site is Klang Central, to which we applied the theorectical views of Dolores Hayden explaining the power of place. Design theories and historic urban design approaches are translated onto the selected hometown or area, where it requires visualization of how the architect or urban designer may analyse and interpret the specific place. The method of communication is done through diagrams and sketches, followed by a short reflective text.
PROJECT PART 2:
Analyzing and Theorizing Architecture
In this part of the project, a building is chosen to have its external factors that influence its architecture examined. What I've chosen is the pre-war shoplots in Klang Central, specifically located along Jalan Raya Timur. The 3 main factors analyzed includes the architecture theory of critical regionalism by Kenneth Frampton, climatic factors and user factors.