THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE (ARC60704)
TUTOR: MR. KOH JING HAO
Project 01:
Reading the Contexts of Traditional Streets
In this assessment, we were introduced to the different ways of reading the 'lexicons' of traditional streets either through tangible qualities of architecture and space or intangible socio-cultural meanings. A virtual visit through Google Street or Google Earth is conducted on our selected site. In my instance, I had chosen Jalan Hang Kasturi in Malacca. We then have to identify the physical and non-physical contexts and present our observations in the form of a sketch journal and a written summary.
Through this, we were able to understand the specific contexts that constitute the distinctive place identity and analyze the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural, and intellectual context within the Asian region.
REFLECTION
Upon completion of this project, I was able to learn to apply appropriate visual communicative skills in order to present my observations in an organized and clear manner. With the guidance of my tutor, I was able to select and identify the more significant issues and omit the redundant in my project. We were also given advice on design which allows us to express our findings and observations in a more appealing manner. Besides that, I gained a deeper understanding about the historical developments of traditional streets in Malaysia such as the building typology, architectural styles and facades, traditional businesses and the like.
Assignment: Infographic
In this assessment, we were to design an infographic based on our understanding on vernacular and traditional architecture that was taught throughout this module which includes traditional Chinese architecture, traditional Indian architecture, vernacular Malay architecture and vernacular architecture in Southeast Asia. For this assignment, I've chosen to focus on traditional Chinese architecture, exhibiting my comprehension in terms of design thinking, influence of cosmology, history, society and culture on the architectural production and development, building typology, spatial layout conception, structures, materials and constructions. Through evaluation, analysis, design and organization of the compiled information, I managed to describe the historical development of traditional Chinese architecture in response to its indigenous contexts.
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REFLECTION
This assignment provided me a chance to reflect and recap on the materials taught in throughout the semester which mostly pertains to the developments of traditional and vernacular architecture in the Asian contexts. In my opinion, this is a fun and enjoyable assignments which has allowed me to communication information in a more infographic way. I am thankful and appreciative of the resources provided by our tutor on creating infographics which was really helpful in the process of completing this assignment.
Project 02:
Research in Asian Architecture
In this assessment, we were required to produce a research poster and a seminar presentation through a research-based discussion with our peers to understand the tradition, modernity and globalization in Asian Architectural contexts. As a group of seven, we had to identify the significant issues observed in Project 01 and further our study by undertaking one direction of our choice. Our group resolved to focus on the Architecture and Place Identity of Petaling Street. After determining our direction, we had to conduct extensive literature reviews to determine our scope of study and generate a suitable research title. With our research and findings, we had to produce a topic proposal, an A1-sized research poster and a video presentation. The expected outcome of this project is to be able to describe the historical developments of vernacular architecture that respond to their indigenous contexts and to interpret issues of development of contemporary Asian architecture established upon the themes of tradition, modernity and globalization.
REFLECTION
In this assessment, we were given the opportunity to work as a group which reminded me of the significance of teamwork in achieving the our desired final results effectively and efficiently. Through this project, I was able to hone my communication skills as we have to voice out and discuss our research topic through meetings and discussions. Apart from that, I'm really grateful that all of my group members are cooperative and responsible in completing their assigned tasks on time and contributed their respective part in the execution of this project.