Reaction Paper

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS : REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
NAME : CHONG YI HUI
STUDENT ID : 0324404
TUTOR : MR. PRINCE FAVIS ISIP

2. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: CHONG YI HUI ID No.: 0324404
Lecturer: MR. PRINCE FAVIS ISIP Tutorial Time: 10AM-1PM
Reader/Text Title: URBANISM AS A WAY OF LIFE Synopsis No: SET B - TEXT 1
Author: LOUIS WIRTH
The reader “Urbanism As A Way Of Life” (1938) by Louis Wirth discusses the concept of “Urbanism” as a
representation of a way of life. Urbanism is more than physical structure of the city, its economic product or cultural
institution. Wirth also mentioned that there are more than one characteristic that contributes to urbanism which are
large population size, social heterogeneity and population density.
For Louis Wirth urbanism is characterised by extensive conflicts of norms and values between the urban
society and rural society. The differences between city dwellers are that they are more socially tolerant than rural
dwellers but they are not as friendly and impersonal. These are due to the living conditions in a city that are mostly
big, dense and socially diverse. Coming from a small town and now living in a dense city, Kuala Lumpur, I do feel
the difference in social behaviour among these two areas. When in a smaller town, society tends to be more
friendly greeting each other or just being kind to strangers. But when in a larger city, society tends to be more
closed to feelings and acquire new acquaintance but not as attached to each relationship.
Wirth also explained that the urban living is now becoming a way of life for modern cities. This is due to more
and more people moving into cities, the condition of living in a city has become the way of modern life. Therefore,
the living conditions or lifestyle in cities are being adapted by new modern cities in other areas.
In conclusion, there might be some negativity to Wirth’s reader in a way that cities are promoting
individualism, lost in tradition and declining social interaction. But I find that the hypothesis from Wirth concept of
“Urbanism” is when an area or city increases in size, the population also increase. Therefore, it is difficult for
society to adapt to the fast pace and competition of life and maintain the same friendly affection to each other.
Word Count: 330 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.

3. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: CHONG YI HUI ID No.: 0324404
Lecturer: MR. PRINCE FAVIS ISIP Tutorial Time: 10AM-1PM
Reader/Text Title: LEARNING FROM LAS VEGAS :
THE FORGOTTEN SYMBOLISM OF
ARCHITECTURAL FORM
Synopsis No: SET B - TEXT 2
Author: ROBERT VENTURI, ET AL
The reader “Learning from Las Vegas” (1977) discusses Las Vegas’ architectural communication elements.
It focuses on the idea of symbol over form in architecture which is what Las Vegas was and still is in the present
day. Besides, the reader also explained how being revolutionary for an architect is being tolerant to the existing
landscape rather than “tearing down Paris and begin again as Le Corbusier suggested” (as stated in the text).
The famous Las Vegas strip is evidence that the skyline of signages have become a necessary
communication means due to the vast space and highways which vehicles travel. The skyline signages make
themselves to be noticeable and attract people into the building like how light attracts insects. With these symbols
dominating, architecture is pushed to be second as the symbols outweighs the form.
In the topic “Architecture as Symbol”, the reader mentions how modern architects has shunned and
abandoned the symbolism of form and tradition of iconology. Modern architecture form are derived from
programme and structure. Thus, some critics argue the possible level of content from abstract form. Therefore, it
was bold and logical as to why Las Vegas has chosen symbolism over form and challenged the ideology of modern
architecture.
As stated before, architecture also means taking into account of the “traditional landscape” of a place. We
have to study and understand how different sizes of landscape requires different site responses. That is why Las
Vegas was built with the concept of symbolism over form as the landscape area is huge with highways. In my
opinion, it is important to draw the attention of potential users by creating symbolisms in architecture.
In conclusion, I am inspired by how the author(s) and Las Vegas go against the norm and disregard the
criticism on symbolism is not a form of architecture. Though I do believe that a balance between symbolism and
form is the best way to portray architecture in this case. This reader is inspirational in the sense that it sends a
message to architects, present or current, to step out of the norm and become more open minded and tolerant to
ideas in the architectural world.
Word Count: 360 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.

4. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: CHONG YI HUI ID No.: 0324404
Lecturer: MR. PRINCE FAVIS ISIP Tutorial Time: 10AM-1PM
Reader/Text Title: THE GEOMETRY OF FEELING A
LOOK AT PHENOMENOLOGY OF
ARCHITECTURE
Synopsis No: SET B - TEXT 3
Author: JUHANI PALLASMAA
This text by Juhani Pallasmaa, The Geometry of Feeling (1996) discusses the intention of architecture on a
more intangible level as the author stated that modern architecture has become more unappealing to the people
than those architecture of the past. This modern architecture style has detached itself from the deeper meaning
and became too abstract that the users cannot comprehend thus limiting their connection to it (architecture or
building).
Pallasmaa also stated that the artistic dimension of art is not physical as it exists only in the consciousness
of the user experiencing it in “The Architecture of Imagery”. Thus, architecture is as meaningful as the space itself.
The experience of architecture is not merely emphasising on the form itself but more through the images
transmitted by forms of space and their emotional value. With this being said, the exploration of form in architecture
in the present time are due to the lack of artistic understanding. As architects, we should keep in mind that even the
simplest of forms can arouse a wave of imagination of those experiencing it.
According to Pallasmaa in “The Primary Feelings of Architecture”, if a building is unable to influence the
emotional feelings of human with the images the building creates, then it fails to fulfil the basic intention of a
building. These feelings are the basic vocabulary that differentiates architecture from a large scale sculpture or
scenography. The author also states that experiencing loneliness is one of the basic feelings given by architecture.
Thus, in experiencing great architecture it even in the presence of people and noise, the user will be lost in thought
or just exchanging dialogues between the work. Therefore, a strong architectural experience creates a sense of
intimacy and silence or loneliness for the user.
In conclusion, the author really changed my perspective on the possibilities in creating a building as they are
more than just a play of form. It emphasise more on the poetic and aesthetic value of the space to arouse our
feelings and imagination. A building or space that has a sense of familiarity makes it more meaningful and
appreciative than others.
Word Count: 354 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.