The subject offers a thematic inquiry into architectural theory in the broader context of philosophical schools of thought and cultural and social conditions, which include modernism, postmodernism, phenomenology, semiotics, post-structuralism, and deconstruction. 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. Students will develop a written synopsis of a designated reading, and an in-depth and analytical research paper on the designated topic.

 

Project : The Image of the City

 

For this subject, it was important to relate to Kevin Lynch's 5 elements: Paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks. Choosing a city, and attempting to apply Kevin Lynch's theory was the first part of this project. I had chosen Damansara Utama.

 

The second part of the project mostly involved produciing a cognitive mapping of a suburb of Kuala Lumpur. I was designated to go to Masjid Jamek. This study would allow us to understand peoples’ perception and spatial behaviour in cities today. Using the cognitive maps students are required to present a critical understanding of emerging contemporary urbanism in KL city spaces (in relations to Kevin Lynch notions of imageability and how it influences people’s perception of the city. Mapping should contain: human facets (memory, identity etc ), spatial and temporal dynamics (traffic, people’s paths, barriers, etc.), architecture (stairs, benches, trees, etc.), microstructures (texture, material).