Modern architecture has lost its essence as buildings have become repetitive and lack distinguishing features. Private developments now dwarf surrounding public buildings in scale, making it difficult to identify locations. Additionally, modern skyscrapers depend heavily on fossil fuels without a clear path to sustainability. While overdevelopment has caused issues like traffic and pollution, architects often ignore these problems. An ideal city would feature a mix of classical and vernacular architecture within walking distance to create a sustainable community.

1. Theory of Architecture and Urbanism (ARC2224) (ARC61303)
Teo Kean Hui 0310165
In Leon’s theory, so called the modern “urban city” has lost its essence as the
buildings are repetitive and hard to recognize. Private realm is overwhelming public
realm in terms of scale, UOB building in Bangsar completely overtook the area as it
is much more higher than the building surrounding including for the condominium
nearby. There aren’t any symbolism, iconic building which make it difficult to identify
the location of Town Centre when it looks just like a big warehouse. Like what
happened in there is actually the public building such as the school are covered by
high rise private properties that make it difficult for outsiders to discover public
buildings. Besides that, modernism architecture like sky-scrappers are the fail
experiment of building typology that depends hugely on fossil fuel and has no way to
sustain itself.
Loads of social issue existed due to vertical sprawl and overdeveloped cities but
most architect chose to ignore it. Issues are not published and are often banned from
media because of the economic success these tall buildings have brought which also
leads to over development due to poor town planning and further on causing traffic
congestion, air pollution, slums and so on. There are difficulties in searching for
parking space there, LRT station nearby is actually inviting people to park at that
area to enjoy the LRT service. Modernism will die out in the next few decade while
traditional architecture will last for centuries as proved in the history. An ideal and
sustainable city should be the equal combination of classical and vernacular
architecture. Most building in Bangsar are operate using energy except for some of
the shophouses can still able to sustain on its own even without energy. It should be
not more than 80 acres where school, offices, shops and spiritual place could be
located and are all within walking distance. In Bangsar, resident will have trouble to
travel from place to place as most of the building stated are not in walking distance.
So, buildings areas location should not be sort out but to mix and remain every
building within walking distance to ease the community. There should not be building
height limit but number of floors should not be more than 5 storeys for example the
Paris tower which only has 3 storeys despite its height. In Bangsar, the building
arrangement are from higher building such as the private sky-scrappers gradually to
lower building such as from school to residential. If changes to be made, many
building will need be chopped of and standardise between 3-5 storeys as there are
buildings that extremely exceed the height limitation.