Project: The Image of the City
Students are to conduct an in depth and analytical research regading the designated topic. Students are to explore the image of a given city based on Kevin Lynch's most famous work: The Image of the City. The project is divided into 2 parts; Part A requires students to identify Lynch's 5 elements within the given city: paths, edges, nodes, landmarks and districts. On the other hand, part B requires students to produce an essay with a cognitive mapping of the city.
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Objectives of the project:
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To provide critical perspectives on key issues with the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case studies and theoretical studies.
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To enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research.
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Learning outcomes of this project:
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Analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architecture theories.
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Analyse and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context.
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Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture.
Part A: Identifying 5 Elements
Project B: An Illustrated Essay & Cognitive Mapping
This part of the project requires students to create cognitive mapping of a selected significant urban space in the city of KL to understand one's perception and spatial behaviour in cities today. Using the cognitive mapping students are required to present a critical understanding of emerging contemporary urbanism in KL city spaces in relations to Kevin Lynch notions of imageability and how it influences people's perception of the ctiy.
Synopsis Reaction Paper
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of reaction paper. Its aim is for the students to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper of the text. A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on student's personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to our personal perspective, students should identify experiences or insights that have shaped our perspective.