Urban synopsis

1.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2018)
Name: Loong Bo Lin ID No.: 0321469
Lecturer: Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: Towards A New Architecture -
Architecture or Revolution
Synopsis No: 1B
Author: Le Corbusier
“Architecture or Revolution” in Le Corbusier’s belief was the only way to avoid class-based
revolution in industrialized architecture. At the beginning of the chapter, Corbusier states what he
means by “revolution” and the ground that paved the way for the modern revolution to take
place.
Based on my understanding, we are already aware of the changes that have taken place in our
society either consciously or unconsciously, and now in new need. The human nature, when
faced with an adverse situation, is to look for a shelter. At present the various castes of the
social norm can no longer afford dwellings that meet their requirement.
According to Corbusier, we do not completely understand the deep gap left between the current
development with the one that happened in earlier times in the history of human civilization. If we
look back and compare carefully, it will be evident to us that the body of tools that dealt with the
problems of the society back then were “in mans hand”, but now these tools have transformed
with such amazing rapidity. Industries have created its tools. Business has modified its habits
and customs. Construction has found new means. Such tools are capable of adding to human
welfare and of lightening human toil. If these new conditions are set against that past, then we
have revolution.
In my opinion, as I look within the challenges Corbusier recognizes: industry, tools, economy,
materials, processes, just to name a few, I see the opportunity of adapting new ways of thinking
and promoting a new era of design. In continuing with the revolution metaphor, I think we should
realize our progression and rotation is not one directional. Although we design for the future,
there were significant discoveries made in the past that we should value in our contemporary
designs.
Word Count: 300 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No. 1

2.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2018)
Name: Loong Bo Lin ID No.: 0321469
Lecturer: Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: Complexity and
Contradiction in Architecture
Synopsis No: 2B
Author: Robert Venturi
“Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture” was written by Robert Venturi as a criticism of
modern architecture and an explanation of his views on the postmodernist movement.
Venturi addresses architecture as the only place where redundant and simple construction, in
thinking and in material reality, takes shape. All other art forms indulge and promote complexity
in their art form especially in the multiplicity that occurs in poetry, fine art and even mathematics,
which build on the multitude of possibilities to creating the art.
According to Venturi’s perspective, he focuses on embracing contradiction and complexity by
recognizing the various contradiction present in architecture and the society that architecture
accommodates. I believe that a visually complex, constructed, environment is necessary and
can exist between regimented order and barren architectural forms. Although, oversimplified
architecture is able to make selective decisions and create a building that is successful in use
and memorable in appearance, it is bland for a program of living. The program of living is
referring to how people congregate in architecture because people are varied so they respond to
an environment that accommodates for this instinct that responds to change and chaos.
Venturi says the complexity of architecture has multiple meaning. The meanings contradict one
another when analyzed side by side, but he suggests that they should be addressed together,
not excluding one or the other for the sake of clarity in simplification. The clarity can lead to a
bare and bland architecture that stands alone separate from the people it accommodates.
Based on my understanding, the challenge to achieving a more valuable architecture is through
consciousness off all the potential parts and finding a way to bridge them all into one. An
architectural work can be richer by reevaluating the complexity and the all the parts that function
as the architecture.
Word Count: 300 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No. 2

3.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (AUGUST 2018)
Name: Loong Bo Lin ID No.: 0321469
Lecturer: Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: The Geometry of Feeling - A
Look at the Phenomenology of Architecture
Synopsis No: 3B
Author: Juhani Pallasmaa
Juhani Pallasmaa discusses in his essay “The Geometry of Feeling” that architecture as imagery
in which he gives deeper meaning to architecture. Pallasmaa feels that architecture has lost
connection to its intentional background by adversely evolving into specialist profession which
believes itself to be form of free artistic expression. Also, he confronted that we should not look
into form as the key element of design in a building. He highly prioritize the people’s experiences
whenever they are occupying a space inside a building. Therefore, the image of the building is
more important than the play of forms.
To a greater extend, Pallasmaa stated that architecture can also work in a form of art, which the
work of art is not based on the physical form, it exists only in the consciousness of a person
experiencing it, as it takes more than just a form for people to understand the art, but it takes
emotions and imagination for people to actually experience the art. It relates closely to what
Pallasmaa is trying to point out which is architects should emphasizes on the spaces forming
inside the building and bring in the poetic feelings into the spaces. ​From my point of view, we
need to transform our vision images into spatial experience with our entire body experience.
Beside our physical appearance in space, we also have to have some knowledge and practice in
perceiving the space to have an enjoyable experience inside space.
Besides, Pallasmaa suggested that architecture can somehow triggered or brings back
memories for the users, meaning that the spaces designed may caught their attention and make
the users have a personal and strong connection with it. It is my understanding that we can
create memory that reflects from what we experience in a building. It may be a good or bad
experience, but the important part is what reflects in our mind. I would say that I had been
guided towards understanding spaces and forms are equally important and it compliments each
other to make great architecture.
Word Count: 338 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No. 3