Theories of Architecture & Urbanism

Synopsis No 3: Semiology and the Urban Students’ Name:

Boedi Satria Eleanor Ng Feiven Chee Lee Min (Andy) Lim Yee Zhing Oh Keng Yee (Alexis) Tang Hui Ying (Delaney)

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Text: Semiology and the Urban Author: Roland Barthes Year Written:

Purpose of the theory (Please tick X; you may tick more than one box) x x

Identifying an issue or problem within the contemporary context Analyzing an architecture to identify a problem or solve a problem Solving an issue in a broader context outside of architecture: presenting a theory/manifesto Solving an issue within the context of architecture: presenting a design method Solving an issue within the context of architecture: presenting a theory Others:

Please complete the following: What are the issues addressed?

DISPARITY BETWEEN FUNCTION AND MEANING Function, form and structure should be interlinked with the semiotics and symbolism of the building. When the two fields are put on different sides of an equation, the building loses its meaning.

OVER-RIGIDITY OF SYMBOLISM Symbolism is an intangible aspect. Problems arise when the meaning behind the symbols are treated as though they are tangible, resulting in a one-dimensional definition of an infinitely complex subject matter.

PREMATURELY DEFININING SEMIOTICS As if simplifying symbolism to something one dimensional is not enough, when a finite definition is attributed to the symbols, it kills the growth of the meaning behind it, reducing it further to merely a word.

What are the design methods/strategy/theories proposed?

INTERLINKING THE FIELDS The fields of architecture and semiotics should be linked.

Function, the built form, meaning, importance, these are all aspects that should be heavily interwoven. No one component

should be independent of the other with every element relating to another.

LEAVING INTERPRETATION OPEN Symbolism should be left ambiguous. By leaving the subject matter open to interpretation, multiple layers of meaning can be derived from it. These interpretations then overlay one another to form a multiplicity of meanings.

VIEW THE CITY AS AN INTERSECTION The city is a complex organism made up of individual elements. It is an intersection of both the functional side of the building and its meanings. By seeing the city in this light, the possibilities of reconstruction of symbolism can be built further.

Relate the text to architectural/urban forms by illustrating one key image.

Petronas Towers, KL

Justify the selection.

JUSTIFICATION: SYMBOLISM The towers were built with the intention to create a national identity, something for its people to identify with. Ultimately however, it was built to put Malaysia on the Global map, to make known its presence.

INFINITE INTERPRETATIONS Although the towers are predominantly for office-use, it is identified by the public as a shopping district and a tourist destination. This shows how the meanings behind a symbol

can be affected by its function.

CITY DEFINED BY SIGNIFICANCE Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is dominated by the Twin Towers as is the intangible definition of the city. The symbolism behind the Twin Towers is associated, and has associated itself with the city of Kuala Lumpur such that the two are indistinguishable.