1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (August 2017)
Name: Anith Syazlin Binti Ramli ID No.: 0325737
Lecturer: Mr. Prince Favis Isip Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: Intentions In Architecture Synopsis No: 2
Author: Christian Norberg- Schulz
The writer, Norberg-Schulz reacted on how the modernism notion works in terms of
representing the cultural structure from what their belief was in the past rather than an
actual method which worked out. In return, buildings works accordingly to their functions
with formal differentiation of forms but he questioned on whether or not the modern ones
shall follow what we had in past. In this context, the writer uttered out the problem of
defining the architecture and its purpose along with an integrated theory of architectural
description.
The writer noted that architecture is a replication to what had exist before. Hence,
the past becomes the foundation which provides us with solutions to solve the problems
where in this context, the historical analysis helped in making judgments of any possible
solutions. Norberg-Schulz pointed out that new concretization can either imitate the past
or completely break the tradition. Any forms of architecture shouldn’t be treated as only
from its aesthetic but equally, social, psychological and cultural effects shall be taken into
consideration as well.
This is parallel to a local insight where Malaysian architecture for instance, has
generally been characterized by an eclectic disposition. Ever since we gained our
independence, the nation including the architects as well as the general public have been
struggling to define Malaysian architecture. But to note, no consensus has been achieved
on what is Malaysian architecture. And why does this persists? This question must
perhaps be addressed by looking not at architecture per se but at the multi-racial society
that makes up Malaysia. In my opinion, the structural principles are valuable far more
rather than its motives.
As an architecture student myself, I would find myself to look for precedent studies
before I start designing to ensure that I have certain guidelines to refer as they come from
reconciling past knowledge and the problems can resolved by the tested methods. In the
2. nutshell, architecture cannot exist without sound knowledge as their components are not
invented afresh by every generation. It doesn’t necessarily to produce exact imitation of
the past but rather become an inspiration to meet new demands and new methods under
its own context.
Word Count: 358 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.
