THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE (ARC60704)
Project 1: Contextual Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
In this assessment, we are required to do an individual site visit on a traditional street. After that, students are to identify the physical and non-physical context of the street. Then, showcase your observations in the form of a manual sketch journal. The objective of this assignment is to show an understanding of place contexts and how they construct the place's identity and socio-cultural meanings.
Outcome
Reflection
Visiting Jalan Tun HS Lee several times allowed me to observe the street's dynamic nature at different times of the day. The photos taken while going there also served as a valuable reference for capturing the architectural elements, street life, and cultural context that define the area. Translating these observations into a contextual sketch was both challenging and rewarding. The aim was to convey the street's atmosphere and unique features through my drawings, highlighting the interplay of architecture, people, and activities.
One of the critical challenges encountered during this assignment was managing time effectively. Balancing multiple visits, photo documentation, and the actual sketching process required careful planning. Unfortunately, time management issues led to a lackluster final outcome. The rush to complete the sketch compromised the level of detail and refinement I had initially envisioned.
Project 2: Poster and Seminar-Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture
In this assessment, we are required to conduct a critical analysis on the issues observed from our site visit. Using the problem-based learning approach, and to create a proposal of potential solutions and to be presented in the form of a research poster and seminar presentation. The objective of this assignment is to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to identify issues of globalization in the Asian architectural scene.
Outcome
Reflection
Following the contextual sketch assignment, our next task was a group assignment that required us to identify the main issue affecting Jalan Tun HS Lee and propose a viable solution. This project involved comprehensive research and collaboration to develop a well-informed proposal and presentation.
Our group's collective efforts culminated in a well-crafted proposal and a set of presentation slides. We outlined the identified issue, provided supporting evidence from our research, and detailed our proposed solution. The presentation was designed to clearly communicate our findings and recommendations, ensuring that our audience could easily understand and appreciate our approach.
This assignment reinforced the importance of conducting thorough research to understand the context and underlying issues of a project. Detailed analysis and evidence-based approaches are crucial for developing effective solutions.