Project 1A: Case Study
Jahn Gehl in the Life Between Buildings (1971) “examined the relationship between patterns of space use, especially outdoor activities, and the spatial properties of the physical world. He introduced the concepts of necessary, optimal and social activities. For this particular task, students are to read Jahn Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1). Subsequently, we are to examine patterns of social activities in a city and identify ‘contact points’. They are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity. We are expected to research for information from publications and other relevant sources. For this semester, our case study will be on cities in Asia. My group has been assigned with the Asian city, Luang Prabang in Laos.
Project 1B: Comparative Analysis Essay
Part 2 of the project requires us to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1) and local site research (Design Studio). Students are to examine similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities. A comparative analysis essay is a commonly used type of writing assignment where we are require to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or dissimilarities. We are expected to research for information from publications, internet and other relevant sources. For local site, we are expected to conduct own site observation (Studio). Essay is to be supported with images and diagrams relevant to support and interpret analysis of the site and its qualities.
Project 2: Synopsis
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, we are required to submit a synopsis in the form of a reaction paper. Its aim is for us to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper to the text. There will be a total of (4) synopses. A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to your personal perspective, you should identify experiences or insights that have shaped your perspective.
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I have been assigned to study and read Group A Reader, which includes:-
1. Doreen Massey, ‘A Global Sense of Place’ (1994) pp 1-8
2. Robert Venturi, et al, “Learning from Las Vegas: The Forgotten Symbolism of Architectural Form (1977) pp 3-19
3. Juhani Pallasma, The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses” (2007), pp 40-46