BACHELORS OF SCIENCE (HONS) IN ARCHITECTURE
Chevally Lo Zhao Shyen
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
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 may include modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, deconstruction and critical regionalism.
Project 1: Life Between Buildings, Using Public Space (Case Study)
For this project, we are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. We are to explore the idea of “Life Between Buildings Using Public Space” (1986) by Jahn Gehl. Jahn Gehl, is a Danish architect and urban design consultant based in Copenhagen whose career has focused on improving the quality of urban life by re-orienting city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist.​ We were given the Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Project 2: Synopsis
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, we were required to submit a synopsis in the form of a reaction paper. Its aim is to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper to the text. It required us to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on our personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to our personal perspective, we should identify experiences or insights that have shaped our perspective.
Project 3: Comparative Essay
This project requires us to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1) and local site research (Design Studio), Kajang. 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 we are required to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or dissimilarities.