Theories of Asian Architecture
(ARC 60704)
Project 1: Reading the Contexts of Traditional Streets
In this project, we are required to conduct a visit to one of the traditional streets to study and determine the unique place identity and context. We are to divide the study into the physical and non-physical context. To showcase our findings, we are to compile them into a A4 manual sketch journal which includes the site plan, distinctive physical and non-physical contexts of the street. Lastly, we will conclude the journal with a summary discussing about our observation and how the distinctiveness can be affected by the rapid development.
From this project, I am able to fully appreciate the traditional elements in Jalan Tun HS Lee. Furthermore, it has taught me the meaning of tangible and intangible aspects of a street. Those aspects play an important role in providing a distinctive place identity to the street. I was able to observe the small details whether it is tangible or intangible and analyse them carefully to interpret its significance to the street. Moving on, Jalan Tun HS Lee was a street that contains the history of its tenants and the development of Kuala Lumpur. It stands out to me more from other street because of the inclusion of a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple along the same street. This shows the diversity of its visitors and cultures the street adopt. Lastly, the five feet way was a unique characteristic of Malaysian shophouses and it reflects the character of its owner through the architectural facades.
Assignment: Infographic
In this assignment, we are required to show our understanding in the traditional Chinese architecture through researches. The main focus of the infographic is to study about the building typology that is present in traditional Chinese architecture. We are to present our findings in an A3 size poster with good organisation and use of graphics.
Yun fei​​ha li·bo te (xilie dianying) huati xia de youxiu da zhu. (N.D.-C). “Hongloumeng” daguanyuan·xingqin bieshu·jianzhu buju zonglan. Zhi hu zhuanlan. Retrieved July 3, 2022, from https://Zhuanlan.Zhihu.Com/p/391187571
After completing this assignment, I was able to understand better about the building typology of traditional Chinese architecture. From my understanding, most of the building typology is based on Chinese philosophies and the balance in nature. It also emphasizes on the hierarchical order of the space depending on the position of the occupant. Lastly, it draws inspiration from its surroundings and translates into buildings to portray its importance in their daily lives.
Project 2: Research in Asian Architecture
In this project, we are to study and identify the significant issue regarding the development of contemporary Asian architecture. We will work in a group of 7 to identify a significant issue in Jalan Tun HS Lee. We narrowed our research study to the adaptive reuse of traditional architecture. Furthermore, we are required to organise our findings into forms of a A1 poster, presentation slides and a recorded video presentation.
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From completing this project, I have learnt about adaptive reuse in architecture and how it may help revive obsolete and dilapidated buildings in an era of rapid development. It also taught me the elements of sense of place and how it contributes to the tangible and intangible context of the street. The dilapidated shophouses are given the chance to transform into meaningful spaces while retaining their history and significance. Furthermore, working in a group has taught me about collaborating with others and division of work within the group for smoother progress.