Theories of Architecture and Urbanism (ARC60403)
Synopsis: Reaction Paper
INTRODUCTION
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper. Its aim is for the students to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper of the text. There will be a total of 4 synopses.
A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to your personal perspective, you should identify experiences or insights that have shaped your perspective.
OBJECTIVES
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Identification of key points from the reading
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Use of appropriate architectural terminologies and writing skills in the synopsis
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Clarity in opinions and reactions
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Logical progression to ending with well-developed paragraphs
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and urbanism and its related studies
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Relate architectural theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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The reaction paper should be at least 300 words (not to exceed 1 page of A4 size) – within a given template (attached)
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Type-written, Arial narrow 12 pts, 1 1⁄2 - spaced lines.
ACQUIRED TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGC)
Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions
Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn independently
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively
2.3 Be intellectually engaged
Synopsis: Research Paper
Project: "Life between buildings"
INTRODUCTION
Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the image of a city based on Kevin Lynch’s most famous work, The Image of the City (1960). The project consisted of 2 parts:
PART A: To identify Lynch’s 5 elements; path, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks within a selected city and the second part is to produce an essay with a cognitive mapping of the city.
PART B: Requires students to create cognitive mapping of selected significant urban spaces in the city of KL to understand one’s perception and spatial behaviour in cities today. Using the cognitive map students are required to present a critical understanding of emerging contemporary urbanism in KL city spaces (in relations to Kevin Lynch notions of imageability and how it influences people’s perception of the city. 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).
OBJECTIVES
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To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies
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To enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research
LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories
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Analyse and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual
context
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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
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Project 2A: 5 A4 size illustrated diagrams of the city identifying the 5 elements accompanied with an introduction page of the city
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Project 2B: 2000 words illustrated essay with 1A3 size cognitive mapping of selected urban spaces
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ACQUIRED TAYLOR'S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGC)
Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn independently
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively
2.3 Be intellectually engaged
Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions
Project: Documentation of "Life between building"