SEMIOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: JASON LIM CHEE SHEN ID: 0316791
LECTURER: MR. NAZMI TUTORIAL TIME: 4-6
SYNOPSIS NO: 2 READER TITLE: SEMIOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE
AUTHOR: CHARLES JENCKS
Semiotic had become one of the major approaches in the interpretation and criticism of art and
humanity. Does everything come with reason? Jencks explained the meaning, the idea that any form
in the environment is addressed by the society, everything will have its own sign. For example, people
are the reason the word ‘’earth’’ exist. But ironically, even without the existence of human being,
earth exists. Hence, the existence of the earth persists, both avant-garde and nihilistic addresses
their way of thinking from different point of view. However, their statements are paradoxical.
I agree that Jencks define the current system of semiotic relationship between natural language as
part of a very special cover and semiotic can be considered part of the architecture. When society
sees a building, they will start filing in with their own perception. But, when the building is without a
function, will it still be a building?
In contrast, I disagree how the author is trying to assume ‘meaning’ ,derived from his environment.
Everything is born with a meaning, it cannot be define by those related or not related to them. The
perception of the thing may influence by their context, but the original meaning will not be distinguish.
In a nutshell, we should not apply immediate perception on anything. Before putting any judgement.
We should consider the effort behind it and understand how the others feel. We should not perceive
everything through peer pressure. The original meaning should be explain.
WORD COUNT 245
Key points (2.5)
Appropriateness of
Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions and
Reactions (2.5)
Logical Progression (2.5)
DATE: TOTAL MARK & GRADE
ASSSESSED BY: