TAN ZI CIN'S E-PORTFOLIO
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM [ARC6103 / ARC2224]
TUTOR: MR LAM SHEN FEI
INTRODUCTION
This subject offered a thematic inquiry into architectural and urban theory in the broader context of philosophical schools of thought and cultural and social conditions, which included 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 theorical 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 design reading and in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.
SYNOPSIS
This synopsis assignment in subsequent to each thematic lecture, we are required to submit a synopsis of reaction paper after read the selected readings weekly in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class. There is 4 synopsis in total.
Throughout the activity of reading and writing the synopsis of selected themes which were The death and Life of Great American Cities (Jane Jacobs, 1961), Semiotics and Architecture: Ideological Consumption or Theoretical Work (Diana Agrest and Maria Gandelsonas, 1973), The Geometry of Feeling A Look at Phenomenology of Architecture (Juhani Pallasma), and Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points For an Architecture of Resistance (Kenneth Frampton), I have deeper understanding on the meaning of each theory and able to bring out my own perspective on the raised issues relate with urbanism and reflect on contemporary architecture and urban form.
PROJECT - THE IMAGE OF THE CITY
In this project, we are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designed topic by providing a critical perspective on
the key issue within the contemporary discourse of architecture through an integration of chosen case study and theoretical studies while enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research.
We are to explore the image of a city based on Kevin Lynch's most famous work, The Image of the City (1960). The project consisted of 2 parts, Part A is to identify Lynch's 5 elements: Path, Edges, Districts, Nodes and Landmark within a selected city which is Petaling Jaya Old Town Section 4 in Kuala Lumpur and provide 6 A4-size illustrated diagrams with 5 elements accompany with an introduction page of the city.
Meanwhile in Part B: an illustrated essay with a cognitive mapping of Petaling Jaya Old Town Section 4 in Kuala Lumpur, we are required to submit A 2000 words illustrated essay with an A3 size cognitive mapping to present a critical on the spatial behavior of the city by our perception. The mapping was included human facets, spatial and temporary dynamic, architectural elements. and microstructure.
Petaling Jaya Section 4 is one of the 52 sections in Petaling Jaya. an old and dignified neighbourhood situated at the edge of Petaling Jaya Old Town, where was surrounded by the junctions of Jalan Templer, Jalan Othman, Jalan Penchala and Jalan Selangor, formed as a physical boundary between other sections as it can be defined by the number in the name of roads. The area was previously a Malay village, based on observations on site and research which will be elaborate further, Section 4 is dominant by the residential area surrounded by institutional area, commercial area and industrial area which provided the convenience to the local residents in their daily life.
Through this project, I am able to analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories besides of critique the relationship between architecture and its social, culture and intellectual context. From the analysis, I learnt to produce a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to the theories with the contemporary discourse of architecture by essay writing.
PART A - IDENTIFYING 5 ELEMENTS
PART B
AN ILLUSTRATED ESSAY WITH A COGNITIVE MAPPING OF PETALING JAYA OLDTOWN SECTION 4, KUALA LUMPUR
A3 COGNITIVE MAPPING
ILLUSTRATED ESSAY