Theories of Asian Architecture
This module aims to educate students on the development of architecture in the context of Asia, and to understand the contemporary threats of modern development to these local architecture as well as investigating how they thrive in the modern contemporary world.
Tutors
Mr. Koh Jing Hao
(Module Leader)
Mr. Nicholas Ng
Mr. Prince Favis Isip
Theories of Asian Architecture (ARC 60704)
Project 1 Contextual Study Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
In this Assignment we were tasked to visit traditional streets and study the place identity based on their physical and non-physical contexts. We were also required to conduct analysis regarding what best represent the identity of the place and observe carefully the impact of development there This information was compiled in a personalized sketch journal along with a written summary.
This assignment made me pay attention to details of traditional streets, from building facade to the social cultural aspect of the area. It made me think deeply regarding the issues pertaining place authenticity and heritage conservation, which I now see their importance to ensure this beauty will not be erased by development. Hence, as future architects its important to practice sustainable development and respect these heritage areas. As for areas to improve on, I think I could include more details in my sketch journal like specific building elements, more examples of traditional food and so on, through this I would be able to provide deeper analysis.
Project 2 Poster and Seminar-Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture
Task 2 required us to design a research poster in a group. The theme was issues regarding Asian Architecture that ranges from conservation, place identity, place authenticity and so on. The research poster addressed a specific issue or concept in the heritage street from the previous task, points must be supported with findings and literature reviews, also students could provide solutions if needed.
For my group, we decided to evaluate adaptive reuse as a strategy to revitalize Lee Rubber Building in Jalan Tun HS Lee
Images credits in poster:
Chew, 2021
Wikipedia Contributors, 2022
Else Kuala Lumpur-Luxury Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Small Luxury Hotels of the World,nd.
This assignment was definitely eye opening for me because I now understood the real concept of adaptive reuse, which is an attempt to repurpose an old building by introducing some new things while attempting to preserve some of its originality, previously I mistakenly thought adaptive reuse should aim to leave the place's authenticity untouched. Else hotel provided a good example how these could be achieved by keeping the structure, implementing laws, and restorations. For improvements, I think we could compare this case study with other buildings in which adaptive reuse was done successfully, it would give us a clearer comparison and help us decide how justifiable was the adaptive reuse strategy implemented in Lee Rubber Building.