ASIAN ARCHITECTURE

by Koh Jing Hao

Asian Architecture explores the history of South, Southeast and East Asian architecture as a whole within a systematic treatment of architectural design and construction, building science and technology, garden design and city planning through three key themes: sustainability, tradition and modernity & globalisation. These themes will guide the organisation of weekly lecture and projects, which will proceed from the establishment of a basic theoretical apparatus to the examination of specific cases. Students will develop understanding on Asian architecture and urbanism and interpret Asian architectural language through research poster and oral presentation

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the historical development of the main strands of Asian architecture

2. Identify a broad range of issues related to the historical and chronological transitions of Asian architectural history

3. Interpret architectural language in relation to the development of Asian architecture and urbanism based on the themes of tradition, modernity and globalisation

4. Analyse and discuss the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context within the Asian region

5. Differentiate the way in which many varied factors contribute to the development of Asian architecture and urbanism

6. Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of Asian architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant issues within the contemporary architecture and design.

PROJECT 1 - RESEARCH IN A.ARCHITECTURE

9th Oct 2018

In a group of 5, we have to carry out research on significant issues to generate critical understanding in Asian Architectural context. My group have narrow down the research area into heritage and conservation. After some research, we realized that documentation of heritage building can be challenging since there's not much references. Hence, we have chosen the research topic "How to Conserve the Tangible and Intangible attributes of the Royal Gallery Klang through Architecture Heritage Tourism." and The Royal Gallery in Klang has been chosen as our case study as there's little information on the architectural aspect of the building. We have come out with some research questions to help us to carry out this research easier.

After coming out with the topic proposal, we have a deep research in every questions by not just looking into conservation method of Royal Gallery but also comparison with other conservation works. We study through others research papers and conservation work and realized that graphics and text documentation play an important role in conserving the building. The Royal Gallery faced some problems when it is being conserved. We study about the problems faced and the solutions carried out by the architects. We also come out with our own suggestion by referring to other research papers. By studying the critical theories and principles applied to heritage conservation work, we understand that these theories can helps better in conservation work. Responsible parties can also help to conserve the building better locally or globally by providing aids in education and financial.

Through this project, we learn on how to carry out research in depth. There's a lot of critical thinking when we are doing this project. We realized that in depth research can let us understand more on how heritage conservation work is carried out and how others preserve it nicely.

PROJECT 2 - CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURE

30th Oct 2018

Second project focuses on contextual study of the building which is how the context and history of the specific place influences the design. I have chosen The 8D House by Dr.Tan Loke Mun which is located in Damansara as my case study. I've looked into the architect - Dr.Tan Loke Mun philosophy in design and how he tolerates his design with the surroundings. Tibet is an interesting place full with culture and history. Dr.Tan Loke Mun design is influenced by these culture and history and at the same time, he tries to merge the house with the site surrounding.