Theories of Asian Architecture
Project 1:
Contextual Study Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
Overview
Through the visible elements of architecture and environment, as well as the elusive socio-cultural characteristics, this project presents methods for deciphering the significant "lexicons" of traditional streets. It gives pupils the opportunity to comprehend the particular conditions that create the distinctive place identity and sociocultural significance of the traditional streets. These findings are presented via sketches.
Task
Some traditional streets have been designated, and we are to physically visit one of them in order to explore their unique place contexts. Next, we determine the street's physical and non-physical surroundings based on your selection. These insights are to be presented as a hand-drawn journal.
Expected Outcome
A sketch journal that shows how architecture and its social, cultural, and geographic surroundings relate. It should also convey in written summaries demonstrating an awareness of sensitivity to a place context and the potency of visual communication and media in demonstrating an understanding of the individuality of a place context.
Sketch Journal
Reflection
Through this project, I have learned many many things. The first being the Malaysian history which I did not have an opportunity to ever learn being an international school student. This project allowed me to dive into how Kuala Lumpur, our city center, was built, and most importantly how architecture acts as artifacts of evolution and progression. I now see the streets of Kuala Lumpur with eyes that see past tourism and shops, I also see the evidence of history, and the social culture. It made my site observation skill much stronger as I analyze not only the geographical context or things that can be found online, I found myself learning to analyze people, connections and the ambience which small details contributes, and would not be something posted online.
I definitely have room for improvement when it comes to manual arts. I find myself unable to express certain thoughts and emotions of mine onto paper via sketches. It is a language that I hope to improve more in the future. I also wish my coloring skills were more mature, and that I am able to observe light and shadow more sensitively. Well next time, I wish I had found a better parking spot in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee too!
Project 2:
Poster and Seminar - Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture
Overview
The project is research-based, and it calls for the us to do critical analysis of the key problems we saw during our site visit in project 1. Through weekly facilitated group discussions overseen by tutors, an evaluative framework is established within the designated scope using the problem-based learning approach. The results of the learning process are to be given as a proposal of viable solutions in the form of a research poster and seminar presentation.
Task
In a group of 6-7 people, we must select a topic from the observations made during Project 1 for discussion. After choosing a direction, we are to undertake extensive literature reviews to pinpoint specific problems and their importance before defining the study's precise scope.
We must come up with a strong research title that captures the purpose of the study, its precise scope, the context of the chosen research field, and its importance. We are then to communicate out study findings visually using a research poster.
Expected Outcome
We are expected to submit a topic proposal, research poster and a video presentation. They hey ought to exhibit a carefully constructed research framework and scope of study. Comprehensive analyses, a compelling conclusion, and ramifications should be provided. The layout of the poster should be logical, with the introduction, conclusion, and references clearly shown in order. Diagrams and graphics should be used well to present the findings.
Poster
Reflection
Through this project, I have learned many many things. The first being the a beginner's introduction to writing a research paper. Although it wasn't a proper research paper, we were introduced to parts of it like the topic, abstract, methodology, conclusion and references. It was also my first time learning about constructing a conceptual framework. It was very confusing at first because it required us to think slow, harder than expected and definitely harder than thinking fast. With the guidance of our tutor, we slowly understood the gist of it. It was also exciting learning about how architecture evolved in a concentrated scope of one building, and that it involves according to non-tangible aspects such as the type of business and the site's state of economical progression.
I definitely have room for improvement when it comes to understanding how research is done. I had a very hard time thinking slow and step by step, especially when tackling the conceptual framework. It found it difficult to stay focused on the topic, as well as having inadequate vocabulary to elaborate my thoughts. I wish to improve on expanding my professional vocabulary and being able to thinking flexibly. I also did not manage my time ideally because I was present in all meetings held due the clashing meeting time from my club activity. In the future, I would choose to prioritise my academics more in appreciation of my wonderful groupmates and my responsibility.