Reaction Paper 3 Critical Regionalism

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Joyce Wee Yi Qin ID No.: 0319602
Lecturer: Prince Favis Isip Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: Towards a Critical Regionalism Synopsis No: 3
Author: Kenneth Frampton
Through the text, Frampton talks about the integration and openness towards the universal language
in bridging the modern and the traditional through the relationship with nature forms. He pointed out
the key factors of balancing between the modern, tradition and nature forms to create a unique identity
of a place. Frampton also mentioned the affection of aggressive pacing taken by the modernization, the
universal technique that was ‘critically rationalizing’ the direction of architecture. Personally, I am inclined
that most of the works now deprives the beauty of layers in architectural formation as they progressed
too quickly without deep thoughts.
In my opinion, critical regionalism is about having moderate adaptation of modern with consideration
in terms of tangible context of the surrounding environment of a building. Architecture should be
equipped with both factors with sufficient consideration to concrete the intention of forming a unique
identity.
Similarly, to Pallasmaa’s theory in “Geometry of Feelings”, the author discussed on ‘visual versus tactile’.
I agree on the idea that architecture is not limited to what a person sees but also how the body and
the mind reacts to it. As tactility is what differentiates architecture from art, it is important that
architecture and spaces can be experienced in every sense rather than mere sight. Personally, I believe
that bodily and mindful closeness with the built form and spaces helps to develop exclusive
interpretation of the tactile values, making the idea intact.
In conclusion, bridging the tectonic and tactile is essential to fulfill both universal and cultural approach.
It is both space and place making to form an indisputable identity of modernization.
Word Count: 267 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.