Theories of Architecture & Urbanism / Portfolio
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The Theories of Architecture & Urbanism module offers a thematic inquiry into architectural and urban theory in the broader context of philosophical schools 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 students with tools for the analysis of specific architectural situations.
Lastly, we students will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.
Synopsis / 01
This first project requires us to submit a synopsis in the form of a reaction paper. Its aim is 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.
A reaction or response paper requires us to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It identifies the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on our personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to our personal perspective, we identify experiences or insights that have shaped our perspective.
The following shows three synopses written as reactions to the books and texts by:
1. Learning From Las Vegas: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form, by Robert Venturi
2. The Geometry of Feeling: A Look at the Phenomenology of Architecture, by Juhani Pallasmaa
3. Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance, No. 5 & 6, by Kenneth Frampton.
Case Study / 02a
In this project in a group of 15, we are required to examine patterns of social activities of Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and identify their ‘contact points’. We are then to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity, and present an in-depth and analytical research study by using the idea of Life Between Buildings Using Public Space by Jahn Gehl.
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The following shows our final analysis presented in an A2-sized presentation board.
Comparative Analysis Essay / 02b
Part B of this individual project requires us to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from the case study (Part A) and local site research in Architecture Design Studio 5 which is Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur.
In this project, 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 of Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur.
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A comparative analysis essay is a commonly used type of writing assignment where we are required to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or dissimilarities. The following shows the final comparative analysis essay for this assignment.