critical

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Foo Shi-Ko ID No.: 0318262
Lecturer: Mr. Prince Favis Tutorial Time: 12pm
Reader/Text Title:
Towards a Critical Regionalism
Synopsis No: 5&6
Author: Kenneth Frampton
According to “Towards a Critical Regionalism” by Kenneth Frampton, the textrationalize the
involvementand capacity to inscribe architecture with the character of a region and hence to express the
placeness ofan architecture. Frampton is trying to argue that how the culture identity oflocal community
has been neglected and dictated by mimicry and technology which leads to the demonstration “condition of
absolute placelessness.” (p.10.)
Despite the fact that this may deem as an outdated opinion butI stand strongly with Frampton. While
committing to the notion of modernity, one should never disregard or forgotten regional culture as it is what
crafted the sense ofbelonging and placeness to the community. In understanding Frampton, he is implying
that instead ofdemolish the existing topography entirely, why don’twe re-enhance what was there yet
establish placeness attachmentofthe community through enrichmentof the senses?
Next, Frampton further justify how instead ofsurrender one to universal technique introduced by
mechanical reproduction, one should stand firm and effectively practices the implementation ofclimatic
response such as light, ventilation and climate. In addition to correspond to the text, each site has its own
unique climatic conditions and topography to allocate with and it is that which articulate the relationship of
the building to its space.
There would be no distinctiveness between each and every building ifeveryone just“bulldozing in
order to flatten space” as well as “exclusive use ofartificial light and air conditioner” instead ofadapting to
the site contextand using the natural light and air ventilation as their advantage. This simple gesture often
overlook simply by many architects today butit is essential and crucial how these little things foster the
sense ofplacemaking and shape the attachment of the community towards the building itself.
Concisely, itis Frampton’s beliefthat regionalism seeks to complementthe genius loci ofsite and
location when driving the formal aspects ofany given project. Personally,I feel that a building should reflect
the cultural background ofits region through its thoughtful design consideration ofthe local contextthrough
materials and spatial qualities ofspaces.

2. Reference:
"Critical Regionalism". Archinect. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 June 2017.
Ramesh. "Critical Regionalism". Slideshare.net. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 June 2017.
Word Count: 353 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.