THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM

This subject offers a thematic inquiry into architectural and urban theory in the broader context of philosophical schols 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 tools for the analysis of specific architectural situations. We will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.

The objectives of the module are:

To engage student with relevant theories which have shaped cities and experience around architecture, including its role as mediator between our society and its architecture.
To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case studies and theoretical studies.
To enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research.

PROJECT 1 (part 1): case study

Final Case Study Board

PROJECT 1 (part 2): COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

Final Comparative Analysis Essay

Final Report

In this project, we are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. We are t explore the idea of "Life Between Buildings Using Public Spaces" (1986) by Jahn Gehl. This project consists of 2 parts in which the first part required us to read Jahn Gehl's Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1) and to examine patterns of social activities in a city (Seattle provided by lecturer) ad identify the contact points. We are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity as well. In project part two, we are required to write a comparative analysis essay based on the findings from case study (part one) and local site research (Petaling Street). We are to examine the 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.

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

To analyze architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories.
To analyze and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and its intellectual context.
To produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture.

PROJECT 2 : synopsis (reaction paper)

Synopsis 1

Synopsis 2

Synopsis 3

Synopsis 4

We are required to submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper subsequent to each thematic lecture. 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. There are 4 reaction papers in total. This reaction paper requires us to analyze the text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on our personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to your personal perspective, we should identify experiences or insights that have shaped our perspective.

The objectives of this assignment are as follows:

To engage student with relevant theories which have shaped cities and experience around architecture, including its role as mediator between our society and its architecture.
To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case studies and theoretical studies.