THEORIST OF
ARCHITECTURE
AND
URBANISM
2017
The subject offers a thematic inquiry into architectural and urban theory in the broader context of philosophical schools of thought and cultural and social conditions, which include modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, deconstruction and critical regionalism. These themes will guide the organization of weekly lecture and discussions, which will proceed from the establishment of a basic theoretical apparatus to the examination of specific cases. These will supply us with tools for the analysis of specific architectural situations. We will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.
Project 1-
Case Study
For this particular task, students are to read Jahn Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1). Subsequently, we are to examine patterns of social activities in a city (foreign city to be provided by instructor*) and identify ‘contact points’. We are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity. For my group, we are assigned to compare the contact point in Hutong area in Beijing.
Project 2a-
Case Study
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 3 synopses. In preparation for the synopsis submission, students will be asked to do group reading exercises to share input and points of view.
The three readings are Learning from Las Vegas by Robert Venturi, The Geometry of Feeling A Look At the Phenomenology of Architecture by Juhani Pallasmaa, Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance No.5 & 6 by Kenneth Frampton
Project 2b-
Comparative
Analysis Essay
Part 2 of the project requires students to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1) and local site research (Studio). We are to examine similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities. A comparative analysis essay is a commonly used type of writing assignment where students are require to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and dissimilarities.