This document contains a synopsis and reaction paper for a course on theories of architecture and urbanism. The paper discusses the book "The Eyes of the Skin" by Juhani Pallasmaa, which argues that architecture needs to incorporate sensory experiences and the body's interaction with spaces. The student agrees with this overall perspective but critiques the author's stance against visual-centric design as being too extreme. A rubric is also included for assessing the synopsis.

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: Wee Boon Bing ID: 0313569
LECTURER: Mr. Nicholas Ng TUTORIAL TIME: 2-4PM
SYNOPSIS NO: 3 READER TITLE: The Eyes of The Skin
AUTHOR: Juhani Pallasmaa
In the book of The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasmaa, I think the author is trying to show the
importance of combining the sensory experiences with architecture, he wants to prove that
architectural works need to incorporate with both the physical and mental structures while
experiencing the spaces, the presence of oneself also brings about to the impression of “memories,
imagination and dream”.
The Eyes of the Skin has become a classic of architectural theory and consists of two extended
essays. The first surveys the historical development of the ocular-centric paradigm in western culture
since the Greeks, and its impact on the experience of the world and the nature of architecture. The
second examines the role of the other senses in authentic architectural experiences, and points the
way towards a multi-sensory architecture which facilitates a sense of belonging and integration.
Since the first publication of the book, the interest in the role of the body and the senses has been
emerging in both architectural philosophy and teaching. This new, revised and extended edition of
this seminal work will inspire architects and students to design more holistic architecture, also
enrich the general reader's perception of the world around them.
From my point of view, his critique of the hegemonic eye seemed a bit fanatical at times. I can
understand how the mind and body are molded together and the ideal home could perhaps be a
forest for the senses, or a facilitator between the body and environment and mind, but I don't see
how more abstract designs and abstract furniture can prevent that. Hopefully the streamlined
environments or those that cater to the eye can be like meditation, in a same case as the less is
more, that can make these environments bring out differences and just as crucial sensation. I think
that more emphasis could have been put rather than on a complete war of terror on the eye.
WORD COUNT 321
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.