THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
(ARC 60704)
PROJECT 1-CONTEXTUAL STUDY SKETCH UP JOURNAL OF A TRADITIONAL STREET
Place identity is influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and political factors over time, affecting both its physical and non-physical characteristics. In a fast-globalizing city like Kuala Lumpur, traditional streets can experience significant shifts in their established meanings due to urban development. This project aims to explore the "lexicons" of traditional streets by examining their tangible architectural and spatial features, alongside their intangible socio-cultural attributes. This approach will help us understand the unique contexts that shape the distinctive place identity and socio-cultural meanings of these streets.
We are assigned to select one traditional street in Kuala Lumpur for an in-depth study. The task involves choosing a street notable for its physical and socio-cultural characteristics and investigating its unique place contexts. This includes delving into the street's history, socio-cultural importance, economic activities, and political influences over time. We identify and assess the street's tangible architectural and spatial elements (physical contexts) and its intangible socio-cultural aspects (non-physical contexts) that contribute to its identity.
By completing this assignment, we gain insight into how socio-cultural, economic, and political factors shape the identity of traditional streets. We conduct a thorough analysis and documentation of the physical and non-physical contexts of a selected traditional street in Kuala Lumpur, offering a detailed understanding of its evolving meanings and importance within a globalizing urban setting.
Through this project, I have gained a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. By examining the street's historical evolution, I have learned how socio-cultural, economic, and political factors have shaped its identity over time. This has provided me with a comprehensive knowledge of the street's past and present, highlighting the interplay between urban development and cultural preservation.
In addition to historical insights, I have also developed a profound appreciation for the cultural aspects of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. I have come to understand how the diverse cultural influences and traditions of the people living in this area have contributed to the street's unique identity. Observing the daily life and interactions within this community has revealed how culture deeply affects the street's character and the lives of its residents. This understanding has emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid urbanization.
Furthermore, this project has enhanced my skills in conducting research and presenting information effectively. I have learned how to gather and analyze various types of data, from historical records to contemporary observations. Creating infographics and sketches has enabled me to visually communicate the knowledge I have acquired, making complex information more accessible and engaging. This experience has not only improved my research and analytical abilities but also my proficiency in visual storytelling, which is essential for conveying the rich narratives of traditional streets like Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
PROJECT 2 - POSTER & SEMINAR: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
Building on our initial exploration of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, this assignment focuses on further expanding the study of the building by undertaking one of the following directions: architecture and place identity, adaptive re-use of traditional architecture, sustainable heritage tourism, or cultural space in cities. This research-driven project involves critical interpretations of the selected direction, culminating in the creation of a research poster.
We will delve deeper into our chosen direction, examining how it relates to Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and its broader urban and cultural context. Weekly facilitated group discussions guided by your tutors will help develop an appraisal framework, identifying and interpreting key issues and opportunities. Our tasks include analyzing key observations from our initial site visit, conducting a detailed analysis based on our selected direction, and developing potential solutions or proposals.
The expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of our chosen focus area as it pertains to Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, an appraisal framework developed through collaborative discussions, and practical proposals based on your analysis. Our final submission will be a research poster that effectively communicates your research and proposals.
Participating in this group assignment has been a transformative experience for me. My primary responsibility was to create a conceptual framework based on the research findings provided by my groupmates. This was my first time creating such a diagram, and at the beginning, I felt quite overwhelmed and lost. The task seemed daunting, and I wasn't sure where to start or how to organize the complex information we had gathered about preserving the essence of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee by addressing its dilapidation and neglect.
Fortunately, my groupmates were incredibly supportive. They took the time to explain the task to me in detail, breaking down the steps and helping me understand what was required. Their patience and guidance were invaluable, and they provided examples and suggestions that clarified my understanding. With their help, I gradually began to see how to structure the conceptual framework and how to represent the various elements of our research visually. This collaborative effort not only improved my diagram but also strengthened our group's cohesion and shared understanding of the project's goals.
Through this assignment, I have conducted deeper research into the issues of dilapidation and neglect affecting Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. I learned about the socio-cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to these problems and the importance of preserving the street's essence amidst urban development. Creating the conceptual framework allowed me to synthesize this information and present it in a clear, organized manner. This experience has significantly enhanced my research skills, my ability to work collaboratively, and my proficiency in creating visual representations of complex ideas. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this project, and I now feel more confident in my ability to tackle similar tasks in the future.
In reflecting on what I could improve in this assignment, I realize the importance of time management and proactive communication. Initially, my hesitation to ask for help caused some delays. In future projects, I plan to seek clarification sooner and engage more actively with my groupmates from the outset. Additionally, while my final diagram was effective, I recognize the need to further develop my skills in visual design software to create more polished and professional-looking frameworks. Enhancing my technical skills in this area will allow me to better convey complex ideas and improve the overall quality of my presentations.