Theories of Architecture and Urbanism

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

[ARC2224/ARC61303]

SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER

For this assignment, students are required to read a selected reading subsequent to each thematic lecture, and submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper. There are total of 4 synopsis. Based on the reading, we are required to analyze the text, then develop commentary related to it, which required thoughtful reading, research and writing. Through the reading, we need to identify the key points highlighted by author and came out with own perspective of view on the issues, and write as a reaction paper. We are required to produce each reaction paper with at least 300 words within a given template.

REFLECTION:

Through this assignment, I was able to describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and urbanism and its related studies. Based on the author’s point of view, I learnt how to analyze on the issues and was able to came out with own opinion, with providing examples in the reaction paper. Besides, I was able to relate architecture theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms.

PROJECT: “THE IMAGE OF THE CITY”

For this project, students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the image of city based on Keven Lynch’s more famous work, The Image of the City(1960). This project consists of two parts: 1. Identify Kevin Lynch’s 5 elements which are paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks within a selected city; 2. Produce an essay with a cognitive mapping of the city.

PART A:

IDENTIFYING 5 ELEMENTS

For Part A, Little India, Klang has been selected as our site to study and identify the 5 elements in the city. We are required to study Lynch’s most famous work, The image of the City(1960), which is the result of a five-year study on how observers percept a city. Using three disparate American cities as examples (Boston, Jersey City and Los Angeles), Lynch reported that users understood their surroundings in consistent and predictable ways, forming mental maps with five elements, which are paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks. Based on the five elements, we need to map out how the 5 elements form Little India, Klang. We need to produce 5 A4 illustrated diagrams of Little India and identifying the 5 elements accompanied with an introduction page of the Klang.

PART B:

AN ILLUSTRATED ESSAY WITH A COGNITIVE MAPPING

For Part B, we are required to produce a 2000 words illustrated essay with 1A3 size cognitive mapping of Little India, Klang. We are required to create a cognitive mapping of selected significant urban spaces in Little India, Klang to understand one’s perception and spatial behavior in cities today. By using the cognitive map, we are required to present a critical understanding of emerging contemporary urbanism in Little India, Klang in relations to Kevin Lynch notions of imageability and how it influences people’s perception of the city. Cognitive mapping should contain: human facets (memory, identity etc.), spatial and temporal dynamics (traffic, people’s paths, barriers, etc.), architecture (stairs, benches, trees, etc.), microstructures (texture, material).

REFLECTION:

Through this project, I was able to analyze architecture and urban form in relation to relevant architecture theories. Walking around Little India, Klang, I was able to identify easily the Kevin’s Lynch’s 5 elements on site. I understand how a city can be formed start from the basic element which is paths, and then develop into other elements, which these 5 elements are interrelated even until today. Besides, I was able to analyze and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context. Next, I was able to produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture.