This document summarizes a reaction paper written by Lim Joe Onn about chapters 5 and 6 from the text "Towards Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance" by Kenneth Frampton. The chapters discuss the rivalry between international and indigenous architecture. Frampton stresses that Critical Regionalism is more natural than abstract modern concepts of form. He urges architects to carefully consider landscape features before construction to avoid destroying a site's character. Each site has unique geological, cultural, and historical traits that should be preserved. Architecture should also enhance, not destroy, these traits. Frampton also suggests using fenestration to cultivate place-conscious atmospheres and recognizing the importance of structural integrity. He notes that experiencing architecture

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Lim Joe Onn ID No.: 0318679
Lecturer: Mr Prince Favis Isip Tutorial Time: 8am
Reader/TextTitle: Towards Critical Regionalism:
Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.
No.5&6
Synopsis No: 3
Author: Kenneth Frampton
These chapters discussed aboutthe happening rivalry between international and indigenous architecture.
The author stressed that Critical Regionalism is analogous to nature rather than abstract, modern concepts
of form. Modernism prefers an entirely flat site due to economic considerations and its simplicity. Thus,
numerous terrains with individual topographies are flattened, ripping the site’s character away. The author
therefore urged sensitive contemplation on landscapes presentbefore constructing new buildings to oppose
cliché development techniques that are blighting our land. Each site is blessed geological, cultural and
historical uniqueness and these traits should be preserved.Architecture should enhance, notdestroy them.
Most new buildings rely solely on artificial lighting, rendering the interior atmosphere inauthentic and
placeless. To counter this phenomenon, the author suggested resurrecting temporal distinctions via
fenestration to cultivate place-conscious ambiences. Structural integrity, the building anatomy’s resistance
against gravity, is also essential as they bear weight for the existence ofspaces encountered. Compared to
its façade, the building’s framework is far vital.
People tend to focus on sightinstead of touch when perceiving architecture. Light intensity, humidity, smell,
and intangible emotions are typically ignored. The author mentioned that one should activate all five senses
when experiencing architecture as the tactile awakens smell,hearing and taste from the concealmentofsight.
This method intensifies the body and soul’s understanding ofarchitectural work, connecting the mind and the
constructed.
Many Malaysian architecture students disregard local culture, import foreign ideas and accept them as
‘modern’and ‘progressive’.Tropicalclimate and craftsmanship are long forgotten,making Malaysian buildings
unsustainable. Malaysian architects should celebrate our tropical contextvia all senses and not regurgitate
what they learnt from temperate countries. They should promulgate established vernacular architectural
traditions that advocate local civilization. Global standardization and homogeneity is a catastrophe due to
disrespecttowards rich natural and regional qualities.
Word Count: 300 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date: 6 June 2017 Page No.