BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS] NAME: FOO WEI MIN
ID: 0321577
LECTURER: MR.NICHOLAS
TUTORIAL TIME: 4-6PM
SYNOPSIS NO: 1
READER TITLE: LEARNING FROM LAS VEGAS AUTHOR: ROBERT VENTURI
The writer discussed about the communication in architecture as space, through form and symbols. Las Vegas is analysed as a phenomenon of architectural communication due to its high reliance on signs, symbolism and later compared with the piazza in Rome. Modernists focus on space instead of iconology has resulted in critique of their rejection to denotative symbolism, communication dominated and antispatial landscape of Las Vegas. Later leads to a question why symbolism took over forms. It is explained that representational architecture is dominant, in a sense of scale and space, responding to commercial persuasion and subtle expression in complex settings. This is why contradiction due to big sign and small building common scenario. Although architects say a good plan speaks well, in my opinion, the importance of signage should not be slighted or overpowering, depending on the context. The writers say that ‘Las Vegas is to the strip and what Rome is to the piazza.’ Taking the idea of piazza in Rome as a revelation, theorist learnt about vast scale, large open spaces, and high speed. The A&P parking lot allow setback of building from the high speed highway, acting as a sign and giving direction to user by using parking lines to the building. This study highlights the importance of symbolism in Las Vegas, according to difference in persuasion, and become the architecture of this landscape. For instance, as written in the book, ‘the Middle Eastern bazaar contains no signs; the Strip is virtually all signs.’ This emphasize consideration of existing landscape, history, and surrounding context in spatial development. As mentioned in the first part of the text saying that architect should enhance the environment rather than changing it. I agree that signs give explicit direction, communication as well as guidance to the user from the vehicular to pedestrian scale, informs and conveys message subtly especially in complex settings. Nevertheless, a space should not be overpowered by the symbols. In short, form in space should be the main focus in architecture, being translated logically according to its function and context. WORD COUNT
341
Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5) Clarity in Opinions and Reactions (2.5) Logical Progression (2.5) DATE:
TOTAL MARK & GRADE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS] NAME: FOO WEI MIN ID: 0321577 LECTURER: Mr. Nicholas Ng TUTORIAL TIME: 4pm – 6pm SYNOPSIS NO: READER TITLE: Semiology and Architecture AUTHOR: Charles Jencks
Semiotics is known as the science of studying systems of signs within a culture. Jencks bases his approach on semiotics to determine the meaning of architecture. Architectural semiotics allow us to perceive the architectural element as words in language and its meaning would be based on the shared interpretations of the society.
I agree to Jencks’s statement that any architectural form can be a symbol or referent. It’s true because realm of social behavior plays very significant role in the process of codification. The presence of society would perceive the building as a representation object and later convert the sign based on the social usage. However, I do not agree to his opinion that form could initially be arbitrary. This is because architecture should act as a communication tool to express the thoughts and idea of the designer. It should convey both the denotation of function and connotation of idea. This will then become a challenge to the architect to design an object that function as well as to communicate.
The semiological triangle suggests the non-direct but correlated relationship between percept, concept and representation. In my opinion, the value of an architectural object should not be measured merely based on the expression of form. Instead, it should be evaluate based of the level of communication between the designer and the user or the viewer. In another word, I think it’s a good attempt to approach architecture base on semiology. This is because the when a building act as a symbol or representation, it translate the abstract idea through user experience. Jencks highlighted that the concept meaning is multivalent, thus results in different perception towards an object. I think this is where and when context plays its role for further justification. Since the viewer have different ways to perceive a meaning, it requires efforts to gain an in depth understanding of the sign processes, based on different cultural and social background. In this case, architecture also serve as a place where meaning is generated, exchanged, and discussed.
WORD COUNT
336
Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5) Clarity in Opinions and Reactions (2.5) Logical Progression (2.5) DATE: ASSSESSED BY:
TOTAL MARK & GRADE
SYNOPSIS DESCRIPTION Grades Marks Key points (2.5)
ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
Clarity in Opinions and Reactions (2.5) 1.8 - Evidence of Appropriate use of Outstanding 2.5 outstanding Terminologies In Clarity in opinions understanding of Key discussing the Issues/ and reactions points through clear Concepts/Theories Supported with explanation strong Logical explanation 1.5 - Evidence of Reasonable use of Reasonable 1.79 understanding of Key Terminologies In clarity in opinions points through discussing the Issues/ and reactions reasonable Concepts/Theories with Supported with explanation Minor unfamiliarity Logical explanation 1.25 - Evidence of Some Acceptable use of Acceptable 1.49 Understanding of Key Terminologies In Clarity in opinions points through discussing the Issues/ and reactions acceptable Concepts/Theories with Supported with explanation Noticeable unfamiliarity satisfactory explanation
Logical Progression (2.5)
D
1 - Evidence of Some 1.24 Understanding of Key points through not quite acceptable explanation
Evidence of Terminologies however poorly communicated in discussing The Issues/ Concepts/Theories With
Weak Clarity in opinions and reactions Supported with Lengthy explanation
Poor Articulation of logical expressions ending with noticeable ambiguous statements
F
0 - Insufficient Evidence 0.99 of Understanding of Key points through weak explanation
Insufficient Evidence of Terminologies in discussing the Issues/ Concepts/Theories With
Improper opinions and reactions. Not Matching the Issues/ Concepts/ Theories Inadequate Reasons
Unable to Articulate / illogical expressions. Poorly written synopsis.
A
B
C
Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5)
Outstanding Articulation of logical expressions ending with welldeveloped paragraphs Reasonable Articulation of logical expressions ending with welldeveloped paragraphs Acceptable Articulation of logical expressions ending with some ambiguous statements
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
NAME: FOO WEI MIN LECTURER: MR NICHOLAS NG SYNOPSIS NO: 3
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS] ID: 0321577 TUTORIAL TIME: 4-6 PM READER TITLE: THE GEOMETRY OF FEELING AUTHOR: JUHANI PALLASMAA
In the text, Juhani Pallasmaa argues that the experience in a building is often neglected due to the intensive focus on form making in planning. Elementarism and reductionism is then brought in, to justify their dominance in architecture. ‘Isn’t an artistic work the opposite of the whole elementarist idea?’,Pallasmaa questioned. In my point of view, although element and composition play an important role in design stage, the end product should never be divided and analysed based on its basic element, instead, to be experienced as a whole. Furthermore, architecture should never be merely the combination of visual elements of form and space, as it would stifle its main purpose to transform a dull and featureless site into an imaginative place where human experiences and dwell in.
Pallasmaa also dictates that architecture should fulfill the basic conditions formulated for it, phenomenologically as a symbol of human existence. I could not agree more with this statement as I believe that experience and primary feelings are what one would look for in an artistic work, as it is priceless, simplest and the most sincere dialogue between building and user. I guess this answer to the enigma of the question why so few modern buildings appeal to our feelings. The reason does not lies between distinction between modern or tradition, but the effort made to express the essence within and evoke one’s experience. However, I do not quite agree with Pallasmaa’s sayings that architecture is always the home of spirits and the dwellings for metaphysical beings. These day, more consideration and focus are required in humanization of architecture, to understand different human needs as well as their relationship with the environment and built form. As a conclusion, instead of a play with form, architecture should be a study of geographical facts combining the practical purpose, incorporated with pleasant visual design to arouse of the images through multisensory experience. Here comes another question, how to hit a balance among all these?
WORD COUNT
326 words
Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5) Clarity in Opinions and Reactions (2.5) Logical Progression (2.5) DATE:
TOTAL MARK & GRADE
ASSSESSED BY:
SYNOPSIS DESCRIPTION Grades Marks Key points (2.5)
ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
A
1.8 2.5
B
1.5 1.79
C
1.25 1.49
D
1 1.24
F
0 0.99
Appropriate use of Outstanding Clarity in Terminologies In discussing the opinions and reactions Issues/ Concepts/Theories Supported with strong Logical explanation Reasonable use of Reasonable clarity in opinions Terminologies In discussing the and reactions - Supported Issues/ Concepts/Theories with with Logical explanation Minor unfamiliarity Acceptable use of Acceptable Clarity in opinions Terminologies In discussing the and reactions - Supported Issues/ Concepts/Theories with with satisfactory explanation Noticeable unfamiliarity Evidence of Terminologies Weak Clarity in opinions and however poorly communicated reactions - Supported with in discussing The Issues/ Lengthy explanation Concepts/Theories With Insufficient Evidence of Improper opinions and Terminologies in discussing the reactions. Not Matching the Issues/ Concepts/Theories With Issues/ Concepts/ Theories Inadequate Reasons
- Evidence of outstanding understanding of Key points through clear explanation - Evidence of understanding of Key points through reasonable explanation - Evidence of Some Understanding of Key points through acceptable explanation - Evidence of Some Understanding of Key points through not quite acceptable explanation - Insufficient Evidence of Understanding of Key points through weak explanation
Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions Reactions (2.5)
and Logical Progression (2.5)
Outstanding Articulation of logical expressions ending with well-developed paragraphs Reasonable Articulation of logical expressions ending with well-developed paragraphs Acceptable Articulation of logical expressions ending with some ambiguous statements Poor Articulation of logical expressions ending with noticeable ambiguous statements Unable to Articulate / illogical expressions. Poorly written synopsis.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
NAME: FOO WEI MIN LECTURER: MR NICHOLAS NG SYNOPSIS NO: 4
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS] ID: 0321577 TUTORIAL TIME: 4-6 PM READER TITLE: TOWARDS A CRITICAL REGIONALISM AUTHOR: KENNETH FRAMPTON
Frampton believes that moving towards critical regionalism is a solution to the dilemma caused by modernization. Modern architect tends to rationalize the construction process and building layout by using conventional building material and removing the topography. This results in placelessness as the site loses its idiosyncrasies and almost all built forms look universal in a negative way. These is done so due to the human needs and budget issues, causing an architecture masterpiece to be reduced to a commodity that only aims to be visually pleasing. I could not agree more with Frampton’s statement that the topography should be embraced. Mechanical equipment and technology knowledges should be used in ‘building the site’, to assist architecture in comply with the rules and regulations to satisfy user comfort instead of removing the topography causing loss in identity. This reminds me on The Therme Vals by Peter Zumthor, a hotel and spa half buried into the hillside, with great dignity and respect to the natural elements on site. On the other hand, Frampton also emphasizes the importance of tactile over the visual, substantiating the priority of tectonic over the scenographic. In my opinion, tectonic as a science and art of construction acts as a key to enrich the spatial quality in a building whereas tactile import various sensory inputs when one experiences it. There may or may not be a strong relationship between tectonic and tactile, but all haptic senses will then be stimulated based on the effort made in expressing the building. This is why selection of material for a building as well as its structural system are always important depends on the nature of building and its context. Lastly, I guess this has little relation to the scenario when wonderfully rendered perspectives actually help to bring a project to a higher level. This is probably because people in these days focus very much on the visual presentation and rendered images which allow tactile engagement through imagination and memories. I believe this pretty much give an idea on the user desire and importance of tactile engagement in architecture or any art work.
WORD COUNT
346 words
Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5) Clarity in Opinions and Reactions (2.5) Logical Progression (2.5) DATE:
TOTAL MARK & GRADE
ASSSESSED BY:
SYNOPSIS DESCRIPTION Grades Marks Key points (2.5)
ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
A
1.8 2.5
B
1.5 1.79
C
1.25 1.49
D
1 1.24
F
0 0.99
Appropriate use of Outstanding Clarity in Terminologies In discussing the opinions and reactions Issues/ Concepts/Theories Supported with strong Logical explanation Reasonable use of Reasonable clarity in opinions Terminologies In discussing the and reactions - Supported Issues/ Concepts/Theories with with Logical explanation Minor unfamiliarity Acceptable use of Acceptable Clarity in opinions Terminologies In discussing the and reactions - Supported Issues/ Concepts/Theories with with satisfactory explanation Noticeable unfamiliarity Evidence of Terminologies Weak Clarity in opinions and however poorly communicated reactions - Supported with in discussing The Issues/ Lengthy explanation Concepts/Theories With Insufficient Evidence of Improper opinions and Terminologies in discussing the reactions. Not Matching the Issues/ Concepts/Theories With Issues/ Concepts/ Theories Inadequate Reasons
- Evidence of outstanding understanding of Key points through clear explanation - Evidence of understanding of Key points through reasonable explanation - Evidence of Some Understanding of Key points through acceptable explanation - Evidence of Some Understanding of Key points through not quite acceptable explanation - Insufficient Evidence of Understanding of Key points through weak explanation
Appropriateness of Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions Reactions (2.5)
and Logical Progression (2.5)
Outstanding Articulation of logical expressions ending with well-developed paragraphs Reasonable Articulation of logical expressions ending with well-developed paragraphs Acceptable Articulation of logical expressions ending with some ambiguous statements Poor Articulation of logical expressions ending with noticeable ambiguous statements Unable to Articulate / illogical expressions. Poorly written synopsis.