SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
ARC62304
Project 1: Contextual Study Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
The project focused on analyzing the construction and development of place identity through Jalan Tun Hs Lee in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, renowned for its cultural and historical depth. We investigated the physical and non-physical contexts of the street, such as shops, marketplaces, religious structures, architectural facades, and local trades, by going on a physical site visit along with making use of the given map. Our research was meticulously documented in a hand-drawn site plan, eight pages of in-depth sketches, and a one-page, 300-word summary in a manual sketch journal. Through this process, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of how place contexts influence identity and sociocultural meanings, as well as improve our ability to sketch, observe, and analyze Asian architectural contexts.
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Project 2: Poster and Seminar-Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture
For the chance to complete this research-driven project, which examines how globalization has affected Asian architecture, students must critically analyze the most significant aspects they observed during their site visits. Students will create an appraisal framework through group discussions and tutor guidance using a problem-based learning approach. The project involves identifying a significant issue with regard to place identity and architecture, adaptive reuse of historical buildings, sustainable heritage tourism, or urban cultural spaces. Following an in-depth review of existing literature, students will come up with a research title and design a research poster to graphically convey their findings. A 10-minute film presentation serves as the project's capstone. Improved critical thinking about the effects of globalization, a thorough account of the historical evolution of Asian vernacular architecture, and an analysis of current architectural challenges within the themes of tradition, modernity, and globalization.
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Reflecting on this research-driven project, I gained valuable insights into the intersection of globalization and Asian architecture. Through critical analysis of site observations and extensive literature review, I explored significant issues related to architecture and place identity, adaptive re-use, sustainable heritage tourism, and cultural spaces. Working in a group, we developed a comprehensive appraisal framework and presented our findings through a research poster and video presentation. This process not only enhanced my understanding of the historical development of vernacular architecture in Asia but also deepened my interpretation of contemporary issues within the themes of tradition, modernity, and globalization. The project honed my skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, highlighting the complex ways globalization influences architectural practices and place identity in the Asian