THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
The objective of this module is for students to describe the development of vernacular Asian architecture and identify the issue of this development based on interpretive research also to discuss the relationship between architecture and several context such as social, culture and intellectual.
PROJECT 1
Reading the Context of Traditional Streets
In this project, we were required to choose a street to do further study on its physical and non-physical context as well as its history and culture. The chosen street was Jalan Tokong-Jalan Tukang Besi in Malacca. A virtual site visit was conducted using Google Earth due to the pandemic. We were then required to produce a hand-sketched A4 size journal using the gathered information to show our understanding of the street and its context.
Through this project, I was able to study the chosen street, as it has been a long time since I visited Malacca, and this project had helped bring back some fond memories from previous visits. Other than that, I was able to identify the physical and non-physical contexts around the street, and to study the history and culture of the street. I wish to have similar project again in the future to improve my research better.
ASSIGNMENT
Infographic
In this assignment, we were required to select a type of Asian vernacular or traditional architecture to do further research on it. The chosen traditional architecture was Traditional Chinese Architecture as I had been very interested in this topic. We will need to research on several contents, such as its design thinking, the influence used for the design, its typology, layout conception structures, materials, constructions, etc. Using these information gathered, we were to produce an infographic poster to reflect our understanding on the chosen architecture.
REFERENCES
Jing Hao, K. (2021). Traditional Chinese Architecture : Contexts, Form & Variation. Lecture, Taylors Times.
Pang, K. (2021). Chinese Architecture: Features, Culture, Types, Decor. Retrieved 22 May 2021, from https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/architecture/
Traditional Chinese Roofs. (2018). Retrieved 22 May 2021, from
https://www.viewofchina.com/traditional-chinese-roof-types/
Architecture & Culture in China. (2021). Presentation, slideshare.
N.A. (2021). Chinese Ancient Architecture, Architectural Style, Construction. Retrieved 22 May 2021, from https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/architecture/#:~:text=Ancient%20Chinese%20architecture%20is%20mainly,which%20is%20unique%20to%20China.&text=The%20layout%20of%20a%20courtyard%20complex%20is%20also%20unique%20to%20China.
Through this assignment, I was able to learn more about Traditional Chinese Architecture, the history behind of it, and how the natural elements such as feng shui had influenced the design of it. This design thinking had been practiced by generations even till now, people view feng shui as an important element to be paid attention to while designing their home. I had also learn about the traditional construction and the material used and was impressed by its Dou-gong structure and Tai-liang framework which is fully made of timber.
PROJECT 2
Research in Asian Architecture
As a group, we were to choose a street from the previous Project 1 and to do further research and study and to choose our focus direction on it. The chosen street of our group is Jalan Tun HS Lee, located in central Kuala Lumpur, was our specific scope of study was adaptive re-use of traditional architecture. We had several discussion and had finalized our chosen title, Lack of Conservation and Preservation of Traditional Shophouse Facades. Later, we were required to produce a research poster based on the findings from the research and to present our research findings.
Through this assignment, I was able to learn more about this specific issue, the lack of conservation and preservation of traditional shophouse facades and was concerned that this issue applies to most of the streets around Kuala Lumpur, especially Jalan Tun HS Lee, our chosen street. Through these research and discussions, I had understand more on the importance of conserving and preserving the traditional shophouse facades, especially when our country is developing day by day. These traditional facades are a resemblance of our Malaysian culture and it is important to maintain our cultural identity and architecture significance that has been around since the 1800s.
Siheyuan. (2007). [Image]. Retrieved from http://lithiachinastar.com/culture-p8162
