li ern lim
architecture portfolio
Tale of 3 Cities
PROJECT 1: IDEAS AND THEORIES IN URBANISM
Introduction
For this project, we were to acquire prior knowledge from the literature on urbanism. The theme of the Semester is ‘Tropical Cities’ and the course work focuses on the cities in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town (Penang) and Kuching as the case studies. We were to explore the various ideas/theories/social situations prevailed in the historical and contemporary times.
Objectives Met
Through this project, I have gained further understanding in:
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Various urban theories and ideas in the Eastern World.
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Various social situations responded to spatial forms.
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Various historical phases of the case study cities.
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I have developed the ability to:
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Develop formal attributes of a number of key examples on the design of the cities in the East, during the historical and contemporary times.
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Identify, discuss and critique various urban design theories and ideas.
Submission Requirements
In groups of 8, we were required to choose a case study city and to explore the city in both historical and contemporary phases from Kuching, Georgetown and Kuala Lumpur. Each group was to prepare digital presentations on salient and insightful ideas/theories/social situations that contributed the spatial form of the city selected.
The submission format was to be in a form of a powerpoint presentation.
Reflection
Through this project, I have been exposed to a variety of urban theories and relate them to how they are exhibited in a real life case study. I have also been exposed to the most basic way of analysis and classification of urban theories, through determining the typologies of Form, Activity and Movement Pattern of the city. With this knowledge, I am now able to make more sense and see order in a rather chaotic urban setting and thus able to apply it in future projects.
PROJECT 2 : URBAN JOURNAL AND MAPPING A TOWNSCAPE
Introduction
For this project, we were required to document the spatial form of the city and note the key attributes that drive the urban form. The objectives are:
a) to characterize the urban forms through Serial Vision;
b) to establish the relationships and roles of the three urban design elements and
c) to identify DISTINCTIVE aspects or patterns in in their layout.
We were given basic urban study techniques such as figure/ground, serial vision, collage city, space syntax, etc. and required to analyze and apply those techniques in order to evaluate the spatial (tangible) and/or social (intangible) patterns in the city. We were required to
a) illustrate the urban distinctive character,
b) present the tales of your wishes and
c) evaluate through the comparison of three cities.
Project Objectives
Through this project, I gained better understanding in:
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The experience in urban spaces and urban life
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The potentiality of space, form and their relationship to aspects of use and cultural meaning
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I have developed the ability to:
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Identify, discuss and critique various urban design theories and ideas.
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Explain how ideas, cultural values (intangible) and topography and other site conditions (tangible) can offer to significant perceptions and experiences.
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Record through and present the fundamental urban research techniques in spatial and perceptional studies.
Submission Requirements
We were required to carry out 2 tasks, Task A being an individual task and Task B being a group task;
TASK A: URBAN JOURNAL
We were required to document the city spaces. This is a location based study to establish the relationships and roles of the three urban design elements, especially focusing on the urban structuring principles;
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Form
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Activity
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Movement Pattern
All our findings were to be compiled and submitted in a digital journal.
TASK B: MAPPING A TOWNSCAPE
The study areas for the Assignment is the choice of one from 3 significant cores of KL. The aim is to coin our own theory for the city. The objectives are to:
a) characterize the urban forms;
b) establish the significance in the layout and design; and
c) illustrate the urban distinctive character.
We were compile all our findings, into a digital report and powerpoint presentation.
Reflection
Through this project, I was able to apply the knowledge learned from previous projects and come up with my own urban theories based on my chosen site, KLCC. I have also been exposed to a variety of urban study techniques such as Serial Vision and Collage CIty that are useful techniques for urban site analysis in the future. Through the study of KLCC and the forming of urban theories however, I have been able to form my own opinions and conclusions on what my dream city would be like based on unique traits, such as unpredictability, connectivity, intimacy and so on.