Final Essay

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Clement Chen Kit Seong ID No.: 0319574
Lecturer: Mr Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time: 10am-11am
Reader/Text Title: “In The Cause Of Architecture”
1908
Synopsis No:1
Author: Frank Lloyd Wright
The essay entitled “In the Cause of Architecture” 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright is dedicated to discussing
Wright’s thought in relation to his principle of architecture and how it developed through nature. Wright
highlighted how important nature is by referring to her as the infinite source of inspiration for architects,
assisting them in the best way to develop their ideas. Wright’s statement was evident in his magnificent
creation, the Falling Water, where Wright physically integrates the use of the waterfall into concocting his
building design, complimenting nature in a harmonic stance.
Aside from that, Wright also stated 6 propositions of design guidelines namely, (1) Art is measured by its
reposed simplicity. (2) Individualistic expression. (3) Buildings shaped to harmonize with nature. (4) Colors
that reflects nature. (5) Use of bare materials. (6) A design with character and integrity. These propositions
allowed the possibility for architects to rise to their dignity of an idea. This was evident in Wright’s Robie
house, designed to suit the Prairie field context and the Robie family to all their necessities while using bare
elements of clay bricks and colors that blend with the surrounding context, making it the most “impeccable
expression” of Prairie style till today. This also shows what quality of style the building may possess due to
the artistic expression of a specific problem.
Next, Wright expresses his thoughts towards the industrial revolution where any fine-art sense is an affair
where it is out of joint and would not even pay for the bare drawings necessary for his conscientious work
and the struggle then was combining “good architecture” and “good business”. This led to the elimination of
individuality in architecture where buildings fall readily into 3 groups namely low-pitched hip roofs, low roofs
with simple pediments; and those topped with a simple slab. This resulted in the occurrence of repetitive
design and the lack of expression. I do agree with Wright’s statement during his time that is reflected through
the clients that we face in this era where profitability is realized and the expression of design is limited.
Lastly, Wright mentioned that when one individual forms the concept of various projects entirely, the unity
should be secured which is the essence of the individual work of art. Besides that, Wright also mentioned
that for an architect to do individual work, he/she must have a technique well developed and distinct to
him/her which if is fertile, is still growing with his/her growth. I agree with this statement where architects
take time to find themselves and develop their own design philosophy which makes every architect individual
and unique.
In conclusion, this essay is Wright’s interpretation of his design philosophy and the importance of design in
buildings to express itself. Even through the challenges faced during the industrial revolution, Wright’s
approach has been immaculately splendid, using nature and context as the basis of his architecture, making
architecture to be worthy in high rank as fine art and to inspire other architects to make each detail lovable
and expressive, opening Nature’s wealth of artistic expression.
Word Count: 508 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.1

2. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Clement Chen Kit Seong ID No.: 0319574
Lecturer: Mr Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time: 10am-11am
Reader/Text Title: The Eyes Of The Skin (Part 2) Synopsis No: 2
Author: Juhani Pallasma
The text “The Eyes of the Skin” Part 2 by Juhani Pallasma is a text explaining the privileging sense of sight
over the other senses in the western thought. In the first part, how sensory experiences have been integrated
through the body where the bodies and movement are in constant interaction with the environment and both
the world and body inform each other constantly is explained by Merleau-Pony philosophy. I agree on the
statement where it says “The city and my body supplement each other. I dwell in the city and the city dwells
in me”. This is because as we live in a city no matter where it is, our bodies and experiences adapt to the
city, creating a new experience for every city we are in and that no city we live in is completely the same.
Proceeding to the example given by Kent C Bloomer and Charles W Moore that explains “The body image...
is informed fundamentally from early experiences in our life, advancing later on and giving it meaning”. This
is evident for example in KL city where I grew up and remembered the places that I have been such as
Petaling Street where I experience the Chinese culture and street vendors selling food and goods, with the
scents of culture, reminiscent structures and holistic atmosphere creating an experience of a landmark for
where people will go there to eat and shop. To some extent, every place can be remembered, partly because
it is unique, but partly also because it has affected our bodies and generated experiences that we can hold
as memories. For example, the first time when we see an iconic landmark such as KLCC, we will marvel at
it and realize how far architecture has brought us and how small we are compared to the mega-structure
and will certainly remember that landmark for life.
Word Count: 302 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.1