Theorizing Architecture Stage 1 Part 2 Reflective Text
In Lynch's book 'Image of the City' (1960) he introduced the theory of urban form. An urban environment is a complex system of interactions between people (users) and various surrounding objects. Lynch describes the user as a citizen who "has had long associations with some part of his city, and his image is soaked in memories and meanings." He then explains users as "moving elements in a city, and in particular the people and their activities, are as important as the stationary physical parts." Objects, the physical elements of the environment, represent the perceptual form of the city in this interaction with users. Lynch described two things important for a subsequent explanation of the whole theory: first, physical elements of the city and second, the psychological, mental image of the city. The visual quality of the urban environment, in Lynch's theory, relates to the physical elements of the environment and the mental image of its users. Users perceive an urban environment in its fragmentation into elements and patterns. All perceptions are different and special, and are related to users' knowledge, experience or familiarity with an urban site. Almost every sense is in action all of the time. The visual qualities of some elements and features are used as generalities in the process of navigating in the urban environment. Lynch considers the visual quality of the city "by studying the mental image of that city which is held by its citizens." PJS 7 is one of the residential areas of BANDAR SUNWAY. Previously known as Sungai Way Tin, the construction of Bandar Sunway began in 1986. Over the years, Bandar Sunway has matured into a community that caters to both entertainment and commercial needs, all in a single vicinity. The township stands as an icon for human endeavour, innovation and forwardness, as it was literally resurrected from a derelict mining land. Here, we analyse PJS 7 through the urban form theory from Image of The City. We do this by carrying out a physical mind mapping of the area specifically according to the Lynchian elements. At the end of the mapping, we observe a certain correlation to the Lynch theory. However, there are certain issues observed around the site which include heavy & concentrated pedestrian and vehicular circulation in the vicinity of the schools. A possible solution could be to widen certain walkways, or add missing links. Another issue discovered is the location of the main services/commercial shops are found to be at the extreme end of the area, making certain commutes longer than needed. This adds to circulation and people density at focused points. A thoughtful solution would be to cater these commerces/services in a wider coverage area. The introduction of a new recreational park would be beneficial too. The Lynchian theory is more of a psychological perception of the site, based on specific elements according to the user/observer as he/she is within it.
Trevor NJC Hoareau – 0308914
Theories of Urbanism & Architecture