THEORIES OF ASIAN ARCHITECTURE

Project 1: Contextual Study Sketch Journal Of A Traditional Street

In this project, we were individually given tasks to study the context of traditional streets in Malaysia. We were given a task to pick our own site and conduct a study on the relations of the buildings on-site to the history, culture and society that evolves around the site to understand the contexts of place identity and also the significance impact of the buildings towards the surrounding site. On the outcome of this project, we are required to sketch the relevant buildings that has immense important especially to its street and area.

In this project, it was the first time we went truly on site to learn more about the site. Its fascinating how we walk pass many time, not knowing the rich history each building portrays. Some are even built before this country gain its independence, a testimony to the struggle of Malaysians fighting for independence. Its also sad to see some of the buildings are not well maintained and some are on the verge of collapsing. Interestingly, some of it has been reused as cafes and even hotels. That give these buildings a new shine of hope and continue to tell its importance to the next generation. Its fascinating to me how a building can tells us a lot on the society around it. To me it is really a testament of time. In this project, I could had done better in terms of sketching. Sketching something is easy but in terms of with details that are intricate, it is quite challenging. But overall it was a fun project to do as well as i get to learn from others how to sketch well.

Project 2: Poster & Seminar Contemporary Issues in Asian Architecture

In this assignment, we are assigned into groups. We were given task to pick an area to do our research based on a few keywords. Our group has picked cultural identity as our topic. We settled down on Petaling Street and conducted our research as a team. For this project, we are given a task to create a presentation board to explain our research and findings. Besides that, we also given a task to conduct a presentation video, explaining our research even deeper.

Jia En Yap. (2023, June 27). Exploring the role of REXKL in restoring the cultural fabric [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mEjfW-92OA

Credit to : Jia En Yap

In this project, it was quite interesting for me. It tells a lot on how we as society has changed drastically due to the rapid development of our country. It also reflects on how it severely impacted our society that we lose our own identity as a society. From how the interactions of society back then till the current situations, it has altered the way society way of life. It also makes us think of a way to preserve or even revitalise this cultural fabric by initiating programs or even a place where people can gather and socialize. In this case, we choose REXKL as our main attention. In this assignment, I could have done better in terms of conducting my research as well as to think more critically. But with the help of my group members, I managed to complete my part in making this project possible.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED?

In this module, I explored the rich history of South East Asia. We learned how and why it was built in a way that expresses the culture, languages, ethnicity, religion, politics and etc. Its elements are mostly reflected in its society and architecture. This module helped us to explore these subjects through several main key themes. Among them are sustainability, tradition, modernity, and globalization. We also learned in this module how rapid development shaped and changes the course of not only history but the way society lived and how it impacts society in every aspect of social life.

TGC'S I HAVE ACHIEVED

In this module, I have learned some interesting things along my journey in my second semester. Along the way, I learned how to determine the style of architecture of each building. I also learned about how each building corresponded to its surrounding which gives the surrounding area its own identity.

As we evolved in this era of rapid development, so does society. This learning led me to the first TGC'S, Lifelong Learning. Besides that, I learn how to identify the details of different are of building around southeast Asia as well as the local building around Malaysia. It is fascinating to see how the details of each building told a very unique story of history and culture. This not only reflected its history but also tells the current generations how we as a society have evolved. Using the method studied, I identified how we as a society have changed due to rapid development and how we can adapt the old and the new in a place where society can flourish together. This led to my second TGC'S, Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills. As a continuation, I find it a little bit difficult for me to talk to my lecturer as I am not used to meeting new lecturers and tutors. But after getting to know them well, I find it very interesting and fun to have a conversation with them. They tought me how to be criticall at all time, analysing and interpreting data as well as teaching me and guiding me along the way. This led me to my final TGC'S, Intrapersonal Skills which I have developed from all the guidance and teaching from them.