THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
(ARC 60704)
Project 1: Contextual Study Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
In this project, we are required to conduct a site visit to one of the traditional streets given and study the context of the place. Then, we need to gather information from books and articles in order to explore deeper to the site's context. At the end of the project, we need to submit a manual sketch journal that summarises the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural, physical and non-physical context of the site.
Overall, this project provided me with invaluable experience in studying the context of a place in a structured, step-by-step manner. By conducting site visits, performing online research, reading books and seeking advice from tutors, I was able to gather a comprehensive understanding of the site’s history, culture, and social dynamics. These methods were essential in forming a well-rounded analysis, and I learned how to approach the study of architecture in a more analytical and informed way. One of the key takeaways from this project was the importance of understanding the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and place contexts. I was able to explore these aspects through sketches, which allowed me to visually interpret the connections between the built environment and its surroundings. This approach not only enhanced my ability to observe and analyse architectural elements but also deepened my understanding of the context in which these structures exist. This holistic perspective is vital for my architectural studies as it provides a stronger foundation for designing buildings that respond thoughtfully to their environment.
In terms of personal development, I recognise areas where I can improve moving forward. To gain a deeper understanding of the context of a place, I plan to dedicate more time to studying the recommended books, such as "Encyclopedia of Malaysia Vol. 5: Architecture by Chen Voon Fee", which will allow me to explore the architectural history and context more thoroughly. Additionally, I need to improve my time management by setting clear deadlines for each task, which will help me to manage my workload effectively and ensure that every stage of the project is completed on time.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Koh Jing Hao for his insightful guidance and advice during the tutorial sessions. His clear direction and invaluable support throughout the project helped me stay focused and allowed me to approach the project with confidence. His expertise played a crucial role in shaping my approach and ensuring the success of this project.
Project 2: Poster and Seminar-Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture
In this project, we are required to form a group of 6-7 people to study a significant issue from Project 1, focusing on one of the following areas: architecture and place identity, adaptive reuse, sustainable heritage tourism or cultural space in cities. Then, conduct a literature review, define our research scope, and create a research title and poster. Lastly, present our findings in a video presentation.
Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights into the historical development of vernacular architecture in the Asian region, with a particular focus on how it responds to indigenous contexts. I explored how vernacular architecture, deeply rooted in the cultural and environmental aspects of the region, has evolved over time to adapt to changing needs and conditions. This allowed me to appreciate the complexities of traditional building practices and how they have shaped the architectural identity of various regions. I also learned to address key issues in the evolution of contemporary Asian architecture, paying particular attention to the complex interplay between tradition, modernity and globalisation. These themes helped me critically assess how contemporary architecture both preserves and challenges traditional values, and how global influences are reshaping the architectural landscape in Asia.
The process of conducting literature reviews, performing site visits and engaging in architectural analysis significantly deepened my understanding of these concepts. The site visits allowed me to observe the physical manifestations of these issues firsthand, while the literature reviews provided essential theoretical frameworks to support my observations. The architectural analysis helped me develop critical thinking skills, enabling me to interpret how built environments respond to cultural and contextual factors. All of these methods have significantly enriched my architectural studies and have contributed to my ability to approach architectural design in a more informed and context-aware manner.
To improve myself further, I recognise the need to communicate more effectively with my group members to avoid any miscommunication. Clear communication will ensure that we are all aligned in our understanding of the project and help us work more cohesively. Additionally, I must improve my time management skills by completing tasks on time and avoiding procrastination, which will help ensure the group stays on track and that the project progresses smoothly.
I sincerely thank my tutor, Mr. Koh Jing Hao, for his invaluable guidance and thoughtful advice throughout Project 2. His expertise and support were instrumental in helping me tackle the challenges of the project, and his encouragement was a crucial part of my success. His mentorship has played a significant role in my development as an architecture student.