Theories of Architecture and Urbanism

SYNOPSIS / REACTION PAPERS

Introduction

For these reaction papers, we were required to submit an A4 printed sheet for each summary of a passage provided before each relevant lecture. There would be a total of 4 reaction papers throughout the semester, each requiring us to analyze a certain text and develop commentary related to it, through reading, analysis, personal opinions and personal experience or insight.

Learning Outcomes

Through this project, I have developed the ability to:

Describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and urbanism and its related studies.
Relate architectural theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms

Submission Requirements

Bi-weekly submission of one A4 reaction paper based on text provided.

Submissions are as follows;

Reflection

Through the writing of these summaries and reaction papers, it became compulsory to read texts that I would otherwise have been too troublesome due to their language complexity. I have also been able to gain insight into important urban theories in the past and how or why they might have been relevant to that time, and think about how they might be still be relevant today. Through the tutorial sessions with Mr. Lam, my mind has also been more opened to how the theories learned from these passages would be applied to my studio design to enhance its effectivity, contextuality and connection to the site and its people.

PROJECT : THE IMAGE OF THE CITY

Introduction

For this project, we were required to conduct analysis and research into Kevin Lynch's The Image of The City (1960), and apply our knowledge by;

Identifying the 5 elements (paths, edges, nodes, landmarks and districts) of a designated area.
Producing a cognitive mapping accompanied by an essay of the designated area.

Project Objectives

Through this project, I become able to:

Provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies.
Better understand the complexity of architecture through independent research.

Learning Outcomes

Through this project, I have developed the ability to:

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

Submission Requirements

This project is split into 2 parts both relating to my designated area, Section 1 in PJ Old Town;

PART A: IDENTIFYING THE 5 ELEMENTS

Requires us to produce six A4 sheets,

One sheet for introduction

Five sheets for each of the 5 elements identified by Kevin Lynch (paths, edges, nodes, landmarks and districts)

PART B: ILLUSTRATED ESSAY WITH COGNITIVE MAPPING

A4 2000 word illustrated essay

A3 cognitive mapping of designated area

Reflection

Through this project, I was able to learn a lot about Kevin Lynch and his theory of city legibility. I was also able to further understand and perceive certain types of spatial behaviour in my designated area, Section 1 of PJ Old Town. I have come to realize the how to create, and the effectiveness of having a cognitive map of an area based on human behaviour, dynamics and architectural style has in defining the character of the area. It has opened my eyes to effective urban design and by extension, how my design would effect the existing urban fabric. Though Kevin Lynch's theory was the theory that was most liberally applied in this project, I am now aware of the potential of applying other urban theories in real life situations to aid in building design.

li ern lim

architecture portfolio