The document is a synopsis and reaction paper for a course on theories of architecture and urbanism. It discusses applying postmodernist ideas to architecture in Las Vegas. While modern architecture aimed to change existing environments, postmodernism in Las Vegas uses symbolic signage and references to the past. This creates superficial meanings but also acts as eye-catching attractions for passersby. The graphic signage along highways has become the defining architecture, effectively communicating complexity through symbols seen from a distance at high speeds.

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: KELVIN FONG JIA ZHENG ID: 0317166
LECTURER: MR NICOLAS NG TUTORIAL TIME: 4-6PM
SYNOPSIS NO: READER TITLE:
AUTHOR:
From the Las Vegas, “The forgotten Symbolism ofArchitectural Form”, the author questioned on why
the idea ofsymbolism from the post-modernism is applicable to the Las Vegas compare with modern
architecture? Las Vegas is a place where full with commercial advertising, gambling interests.
Commercial architecture which has wide used in Las Vegas tried to take it over by inventing and
enforcing a vernacular of its own, improved and universal. Whereas, modern architecture has been
anything but permissive, architects have preferred to change the existing environment rather than
enhance what is there. Therefore,we should be more understanding and less authoritarian in the plans
we make for. From my pointofview, I agree with the author that apply postmodernism architecture in
Las Vegas although there are weaknesses ofit. Unlike purist architecture, dressed in historical styles
and allusions to the past to convey literary. It create a superficial meaning for every signage which
mainly serve as eyes attraction for passerby to stay overatLas Vegas. Fromthe good side, the graphic
signage which bring continuities along the highway has becomethe architecture ofthis landscape.Las
Vegas is a city raised along the highway, car travelled with high velocity passing by the city. Therefore,
a graphic signage which express the verbal and symbolic connections stand along the highway is the
only way to communicate a complexity ofmeaning through hundreds ofassociations in few seconds
from far away. Besides,itis free from images of past experience and determined solely by program
and structure. The sign is more important than the architecture, said by the proprietor because the
signage express straightforward message through symbol and guide the customers to the shop
mentioned. Symbol dominates the spaces here because the spatial relationships are made by symbol
more than by forms. Therefore, architecture in this landscape becomes symbol in space rather than
form in space.
WORD COUNT 316 words
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:

2. SYNOPSIS
DESCRIPTION
ASSESSMENT
RUBRIC
Grades Marks Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of
Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions
and Reactions
(2.5)
Logical
Progression (2.5)
A 1.8 -
2.5
Evidence of
outstanding
understanding of Key
points through clear
explanation
Appropriate use of
Terminologies In
discussing the Issues/
Concepts/Theories
Outstanding
Clarity in opinions
and reactions -
Supported with
strong Logical
explanation
Outstanding
Articulation of
logical expressions
ending with well-
developed
paragraphs
B 1.5 -
1.79
Evidence of
understanding of Key
points through
reasonable
explanation
Reasonable use of
Terminologies In
discussing the Issues/
Concepts/Theories with
Minor unfamiliarity
Reasonable
clarity in opinions
and reactions -
Supported with
Logical
explanation
Reasonable
Articulation of
logical expressions
ending with well-
developed
paragraphs
C 1.25 -
1.49
Evidence of Some
Understanding of Key
points through
acceptable
explanation
Acceptable use of
Terminologies In
discussing the Issues/
Concepts/Theories with
Noticeable unfamiliarity
Acceptable
Clarity in opinions
and reactions -
Supported with
satisfactory
explanation
Acceptable
Articulation of
logical expressions
ending with some
ambiguous
statements
D 1 -
1.24
Evidence of Some
Understanding of Key
points through not
quite acceptable
explanation
Evidence of
Terminologies however
poorly communicated in
discussing The Issues/
Concepts/Theories With
Weak Clarity in
opinions and
reactions -
Supported with
Lengthy
explanation
Poor Articulation of
logical expressions
ending with
noticeable
ambiguous
statements
F 0 -
0.99
Insufficient Evidence
of Understanding of
Key points through
weak explanation
Insufficient Evidence of
Terminologies in
discussing the Issues/
Concepts/Theories With
Improper
opinions and
reactions. Not
Matching the
Issues/ Concepts/
Theories -
Inadequate
Reasons
Unable to
Articulate / illogical
expressions.
Poorly written
synopsis.