This document summarizes a reaction paper analyzing Kenneth Frampton's theory of critical regionalism in architecture. The paper discusses how modern architecture prioritizes standardization and cost efficiency over local context and climate, resulting in placeless designs. However, current regulations encourage standardized, repetitive designs for efficiency. The paper argues that while modernism need not be rejected, architectural design should optimize the site context and utilize local materials to stimulate the senses and create a sense of place, instead of solely focusing on visual impression. In summary, the author advocates for a critical regionalist approach that responds to local conditions in tropical countries like Malaysia.

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Ong Seng Peng ID No.: 0319016
Lecturer: Mr Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time: 8am
Reader/TextTitle: Towards Critical Regionalism:
Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.
No.5&6
Synopsis No: 3
Author: Kenneth Frampton
Which one should be emphasized? Universal civilization or endemic culture? Standardization, cost-
efficiency and ease of regulation are benefits of Modern Architecture. In a given terrain, why some would
excavate the site and flatten it, and then justify their design to be “placeless” and “timeless”? Yet, in the end,
the building heavily rely on mechanical means cooling, heating and lighting, disregarding the surrounding
climate.
Nowadays,with technologicaladvancement,buildingshave to be standardized forcost-efficiency and
shorter construction period. There are sets of regulation nowadays that supports this culture, such as the
Industrialized Building Systems (IBS). Score will be given to the projectby the authorities to buildings thatare
efficiently built,based onseveralfactors such as the repetitionoffloor levels,adaptationofstandard measure,
ratio of repetitive floor plan etcetera. This further encourages the design to be “global”.
There is no problem if the buildings are not characteristically distinct. Regionalism does not reject
modernism, as today’s architecture is the reflection of our current times. It is the matter of optimizing the site
to suit the buildings within its in urban context.
The architectural design should at least focus on the sites surrounding, so that viewers are able to
geta hint ofplace, season, and day light. Architecture should be experienced with our different senses rather
than solely on impression of sight. To raise the public’s sensitivity towards the context, buildings should
respond to available local materials, climate and site context. Good regional architecture can utilize uniquely
localmaterials, stimulating the user’s sense ofsmell,touchand hearing besidesviewing.In a nutshell, thinking
critical on regionalism is importantfor the architects’ mind especially for a tropical country here in Malaysia in
orderto create sensible architecture that relates to its surrounding context.Architects tend to refer mainstream
architectural masterpiece from around the world yetneglecting our own remarkable examples.
Word Count: 313 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.