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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

Centre for Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture


Module: Theories of Architecture & Urbanism

Week 1- 29th August 2018


Introduction & Grouping
LT-6 , E4.02-03

Module Overview & Project Brief 8:15-8:45


Brief Introduction to Jahn Gehl’s 8:45-9:15
Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space
Tutorial Grouping 9:15-9:30
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE
AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)

MODULE OVERVIEW
PROJECT BRIEFING
August 2018

Lecturers/Instructors
Prince Favis Isip (princefavis.isip@taylors.edu.my)
https://mendeznicolasarchitecture.wordpress.com/
Nicholas Ng (nicholasngkw@gmail.com) Writing inspired by “Life between buildings” of Jan Gehl, 1971
Module Synopsis Module Teaching Objectives

The subject offers a thematic inquiry into architectural The teaching objectives of the module are:
and urban theory in the broader context of
philosophical schools of thought and cultural and 1. To engage students with relevant theories which
social conditions, which include modernism, have shaped cities and experience around
postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post- architecture, including its role as mediator
structuralism, deconstruction and critical between our society and its architecture.
regionalism.

These themes will guide the organization of weekly 2. To provide critical perspectives on key issues within
lecture and discussions, which will proceed from the the contemporary discourse of architecture,
establishment of a basic theoretical apparatus to the through integration of case-studies and theoretical
examination of specific cases. studies.

These will supply us with tools for the analysis of 3. To enhance the understanding of the complexity of
specific architectural situations. Students will develop architecture and the ability to undertake
a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an independent research.
in-depth and analytical research paper on the
designated topic.
Module Learning Outcomes (MLO)
The objectives of the module are translated into a number of Module Learning Outcomes (MLO),
mapped to Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC).

No. MLO PLO TGC


Describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of 1.2
1 2
architecture and urbanism and its related studies 2.3
Identify the different architectural theories which inform the 1.2
2 2
development of architecture and urban forms 2.3
Analyze and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, 1.2
3 2
cultural, and intellectual context 2.3
1.2
Analyze architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant
4 2 2.3
architectural theories
2.3
Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture 2.1
5 and urbanism in relation to relevant 2 2.2
theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture 2.3
Assessment Method

Weightag
No. Assessment Components Type MLO
e
Group Reading (Text 1-4)
Text 1-3 Formative
1 1,2 40%
Synopsis Submission (Group/Individual) Summative

2 Project (Part A & B) Summative 3,4,5 60%

3 Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities Portfolio Summative 1-5 Pass/Fail


Total 100%
1. Synopsis (40 marks) Individual/Group

Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required


to submit a synopsis in the form of a 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.

In preparation for the synopsis submission, students will be


asked to do group reading exercises to share input and
points of view.

Synopsis (noun)

a brief summary or general survey of something.


"a synopsis of the accident“

synonyms: summary, summarization, précis, abstract, outline, digest,


rundown, roundup, abridgment

"the synopsis was so intriguing that I just had to buy the book"
an outline of the plot of a book, play, movie, or episode of a television
show. http://classroom.synonym.com/write-autobiographical-
synopsis-6629060.html
1. Project (Part A & B) (60 marks)

Students are required to present an in-depth and


analytical research study on the designated topic.
Students are to explore the idea of “Life Between
Buildings Using Public Space” (1986) by Jahn Gehl.

The project consists of 2 parts; the first is a case study


(week 5) and the second part is to produce a
comparative analysis essay (week 13).

Students are expected to understand and relate it to


their current project in the Architectural Design Studio.

PROJECT PART 1: CASE STUDY (20%)


PROJECT PART 2: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY (40%)

Jahn Gehl in the Life Between Buildings (1971) “examined the


relationship between patterns of space use, especially outdoor
activities, and the spatial properties of the physical world. He
introduced the concepts of necessary, optimal and social activities
(Beatriz Campos, http://www.journalofspacesyntax.org/)
Images: Life Between Buildings, Jan Gehl, 1971
https://mendeznicolasarchitecture.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/gehl/
PROJECT PART 1: CASE STUDY (Group) Submission Requirements :

Jahn Gehl in the Life Between Buildings (1971) Two (2) A3 size illustrated diagrams of the city
“examined the relationship between patterns of space Identify in The (6) contact points and intensity
use, especially outdoor activities, and the spatial accompanied with an introduction of the city and
properties of the physical world. He introduced the images.
concepts of necessary, optimal and social activities
(BeatrizCampos, 5-10 Minutes Group Presentation
http://www.journalofspacesyntax.org/)
Submission DUE: Week 5 (26 Sept 2018)
For this particular task, students are to read Jahn
Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1).
Subsequently, the students are to examine patterns For this semester our case study will be cities in Asia.
of social activities in a city (foreign city to be provided
by instructor*) and identify ‘contact points’. They  Bangkok, Thailand
are to classify the varying degrees of contact  Tokyo, Japan
intensity.  Manila, Philippines
 Macau, China
 Hongkong
Students are expected to research for information  Bandung, Indonesia
from publications, internet and other relevant sources.  Luang Prabang, Laos
Case Studies on Asian Streets
 Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand
 Yanika Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
 Escolta/Binondo, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
 Rua dos Mercaderos, Macau, China
 Queen’s Road, Hongkong
 Braga, Bandung, Indonesia
 Sisivangvong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Sisivangvong, Luang Queen’s Road, Hong Kong Rua dos Mercaderos, Macau
Prabang

Binondo/Escolta, Manila Bangrak, Bangkok Bandung, Indonesia Tokyo, Japan


PROJECT PART 2: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Students are expected to research for information from
ESSAY (Individual) publications, internet and other relevant sources. For
local site, students are expected to conduct own site
observation (Studio)
Part 2 of the project requires students to write a
comparative analysis essay based on findings from case
Submission Requirements:
study (Part 1) and local site research (Architectural
2000 words comparative analysis essay
Design Studio 5).
with photos, diagrams or sketches
Students are to examine similarities and
dissimilarities based on the patterns of social Submission DUE:
activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying
degrees of contact intensity between the two cities. 21 November 2017 (Week 13)

Key References:
Comparative analysis essay
1. “Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space”,
a commonly used type of writing assignment where
students are require to critically analyze any two Jahn Gehl, (1986)
subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or 2. http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/how-
dissimilarities. write-comparative-analysis
CITY SELECTION COMPARATIVE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

PROJECT PART 2

PROJECT PART 2
1
PROJECT PAR1 ANALYSIS ESSAY
RESEARCH
IDENTIFICATION OF SUBMISSION PART 2 -
"CONTACT POINTS" AND ANALYTICAL DIAGRAMS 21 NOV 2018
INTESITY LEVEL
SUBMISSION PART 1 -
26 SEPT 2018

Assessment criteria

1. Critical analyses of architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural


theories (Part 1) – L.O. 3
2. Critical analysis of architecture and urban forms within its social, cultural and intellectual
context (Part 2)- L.O. 4
3. Structure, clarity and logical coherence of the arguments presented (Part 2) L.O.5
4. References and research skills (Part 2) (Plagiarism and Referencing)
SEMESTER 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Theories of
Architecture &
Urbanism
Part 2:
Part 1: Case Comparative
Study Analysis
Project

Synopsis to 4 Readers
Synopsis

TGC
PORTFOLIO
TGC

• Project (Part 1-Case Study): Week 5 (26 Sept) Submission


• Synopsis : Week 9 (24 October 2018)
• Project (Part 2-Comparative Analysis Essay): Week 13 (21 November 2018)
• TGC Portfolio: Week 14-15
Lecture Schedule
Venue: LT 20 Day: Monday Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 AM

Topic Week Date Lecturer

1- Module Overview/Project Part A Briefing 1 29 Aug PFI

2- Synopsis Briefing 5 26 Sep PFI


Project (Part 2) Briefing

3- Lecture 1: Theories of Architecture & Urbanism 5 26 Sep NN

4- Modern & Post Modern Theory 6 3 Oct PFI

5- Phenomenology: Of Meaning and Places 7 10 Oct NN

6- Critical Regionalism, Kenneth Frampton 8 17 Oct PFI

Note: Subject to change at short notice


Main References: Recommended References:

1. Davies, Colin (2011). Thinking about Architecture: An 1. Michael, H. 2000. Architectural Theory since 1968.
Introduction to Architectural Theory. Laurence King The MIT Press.
Publishing, London. 2. Neil, L. 1997. Re-thinking Architecture: Reader in
2. Gehl, Jahn (2011). Life Between Buildings: Using Cultural Theory. Routledge.
Public Space (6th Ed). Island Press, Washington DC. 3. Baird, George & Jencks, Charles (eds.) 1969.
3. Gehl, Jan (2013). Cities for People. Island Press, Meaning in Architecture. Braziller, New York
Washington DC. 4. Bernd, E. 2006. Architectural Theory: From
4. Gehl, Jan & Svarre, Birgitte (2013). How to study Renaissance to the Present. Taschen.
Public Life: Methods in Urban Design. Island Press, 5. Giedion, Sigfried. 1941. Space, Time and
Washington DC. Architecture. Harvard University Press, Cambridge
5. Jonathan, Hale. (2000). An Introduction to Architectural 6. Hanno-Walter, K. 1997. A History of Architectural
Theory. John Wiley & Sons, Great Britain. Theory.
6. Kate, Nisbett (1997). Theorizing a New Agenda for 7. Mallgrave, H. F. 2005. Modern Architectural Theory:
Architecture: An Anthology of Architectural Theory A Historical Survey, 1673 - 1968. Blackwell
1965-1995. Princeton Architectural Press. New York. Publishing
7. Lynch, Kevin (1990). The Image of the City. The MIT 8. Mallgrave, H. F. 2005. Architectural Theory: An
Press. Anthology from Vitruvius to 1870. Blackwell
8. Alexander, Christopher (1978). A Pattern Language: Publishing.
Towns, Buildings, Construction. USA.
AN INTRODUCTION
To Jahn Gehl’s-”Life Between Buildings:
Using Public Spaces
Cultures and climates differ all over the world, but people
are the same. They’ll gather in public if you give them a
good place to do it.

In a Society becoming steadily more privatized with


private homes, cars, computers, offices and shopping
centers, the public component of our lives is disappearing.
It is more and more important to make the cities inviting,
so we can meet our fellow citizens face to face and
experience directly through our senses. Public life in good
quality public spaces is an important part of a democratic
life and a full life.

First life, then spaces, then buildings - the other way


around never works.

A good city is like a good party - people stay longer than


really necessary, because they are enjoying themselves,
Jan Gehl
http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1021957
Key Terminologies
Necessary Activity Optional Activity Social Activity

Outdoor Activities Quality of Space Positive Space

Negative Space Attraction-Interest People attracts people

Primary Seating Secondary Seating


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgw9oHDfJ4k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evzk_vQauzM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lid9ELzzT8Y&t=28s
RELATED REFERENCES
Image of the City
Kevin Lynch
Responsive Environments
Sue, McGlynn, Bentley , Alcock
5 determinants of the city
1. Path
2. Edge
3. Node
4. District
5. Landmarks

https://www.amazon.com/Image-City-Kevin-
Lynch/dp/0262620014
7 Qualities of A Responsive Environment
1. Permeability 5. Visual Appropriateness
2. Legibility 6. Richness
3. Variety 7. Personalization
4. Robustness https://www.amazon.com/Responsive-Environments
-Sue-McGlynn/dp/0750605669

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