The document discusses Jacques Derrida's theories of post-structuralism and deconstruction. Derrida believed that words and objects do not have single definitive meanings, and advocated "deconstructing" ideas to uncover multiple interpretations. He also argued that architecture should not be constrained by rigid methods and should allow for flexibility and new possibilities over time.

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2016) [10 MARKS]
NAME: ADIBAH BAHIAH BINTI AWANG ID: 0316318
LECTURER: PN NOR HAYATI HUSSAIN TUTORIAL TIME: 2.00 – 4.00
SYNOPSIS NO: 2 READER TITLE: ARCHITECTURE WHERE DESIRE CAN LIVE
AUTHOR: JACQUES DERRIDA
The text mainly speaks of Jacques Derrida’s thought on post structuralism and how it leads to
theories of deconstruction. Post structuralism is a concept that opposes structuralism, where words
and objects are tied to a definitive meaning. Post structuralism however, believes in interpretations
and possibilities. An object or a word may not necessarily come back to its original meaning, it
encompasses multiple definitions. The idea of deconstruction is to reanalyse every given object
without any pre conceived notion and unraveling it’s true meaning layer by layer, and the original
meaning may not be what it ends up to be.
The main idea is to question practice over theory. He pushes architects to exercise thought, and to
rethink the idea of thought itself. He also speaks of the negative aspects of deconstruction. How it
should not be seen as a method. Derrida (1986) suggested that, “The way is not a method, that
must be clear. The method is a technique, a procedure in order to gain control of the way, in order to
make it viable” … “ that there is a way which cannot be reduced to the definition of method.”
Deconstruction when seen as a method, restricts the very core of the belief itself. According to him,
there shouldn’t be a set of rules following how to use deconstruction as an interpretation. It should be
free, an independent thought. He also speaks of space and place, and how there shouldn’t be a
definitive solution in solving problems relating to space. A space should be free from ownership and
control, and it should be given possibilities to the future. Derrida (1986) implies that, “The
establishing of a place which didn’t exist until then and is in keeping with what will take place there
one day, that is a place.” He believes that architecture must outlive their creators in order to survive
through time and is a place where desire can live forever.
Though Derrida’s theories may be confusing to many, sometimes even contradictory - which leads to
misinterpretations saying that architecture should be detached from meaning, his words are in fact
very relevant to the the current state of urbanism. His goal is to ensure an everlasting city, that
adapts the transient nature of our current society, and future generation.

2. WORD COUNT 356
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:

3. 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.