Theories of Architecture & Urbanism (ARC61303) (ARC2224) 1

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture) THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM [ARC61303] [ARC2224] Prerequisite: None

Project : The Image of the City 13 Weeks 60% of final mark Abstract Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the image of a city based on Kevin Lynch’s most famous work, The Image of the City (1960). The project consisted of 2 parts; the first is to identify Lynch’s 5 elements; path, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks within a selected city and the second part is to produce an essay with a cognitive map of the city. Learning Outcomes 1.Analyse architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories 2.Analyse and critique the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context 3.Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant theories within the contemporary discourse of architecture Brief This project comprises of 2 parts: • PROJECT PART I: IDENTIFYING 5 ELEMENTS (30 MARKS) • PROJECT PART 2: AN ILLUSTRATED ESSAY WITH A COGNITIVE MAPPING OF SELECTED URBAN SPACES. (30 MARKS) PROJECT PART I: IDENTIFYING 5 ELEMENTS (30 marks)

Lynch's most famous work, The Image of the City (1960), is the result of a five-year study on how observers take in information of the city. Using three disparate American cities as examples (Boston, Jersey City and Los Angeles), Lynch reported that users understood their surroundings in consistent and predictable ways, forming mental maps with five elements:

paths, the streets, sidewalks, trails, and other channels in which people travel;

edges, perceived boundaries such as walls, buildings, and shorelines;

districts, relatively large sections of the city distinguished by some identity or character;

nodes, focal points, intersections or loci;

landmarks, readily identifiable objects which serve as external reference points

Student is to select a city and identify the 5 elements in the city.

SUBMISSION: 5 A4 size illustrated diagrams of the city identifying the 5 elements accompanied with an introduction page of the city. Due Date : Week 6, 28 September 2015

Theories of Architecture & Urbanism (ARC61303) (ARC2224) 2

PROJECT PART 2: Cognitive Mapping (30 marks) Part 2 of the project requires students to create cognitive mapping of selected significant urban spaces in the city of KL to understand peoples’ perception and spatial behaviour in cities today. Using the cognitive maps 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 city. Mapping should contain: human facets (memory, identity etc ), spatial and temporal dynamics (traffic, people’s paths, barriers, etc.), architecture (stairs, benches, trees, etc.), microstructures (texture, material). SUBMISSION : 2000 words illustrated essay with 1A3 size cognitive mapping of selected urban spaces. Due date : Week 13, 23 November 2015 Assessment criteria

1. Critical analyse of architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories (Part 1) 2. Critical analysis of architecture and urban forms within its social, cultural and intellectual context (Part 2) 3. Structure, clarity and logical coherence of the arguments presented (Part 2) 4. References and research skills (Part 2)

* Kindly refer to Assessment Rubric for details on grading PROJECT PART 1: IDENTIFYING 5 ELEMENTS (30 marks)

No.

CRITERIA 1 2 3 4 5

Unsatisfactory/Fail Poor Satisfactory Good Excellent

Illustrated Diagrams

1

Introduction (5 marks)

No evidence of introduction of city

Has an introduction using appropriate language (although not necessarily with the best word choice), however lacked clarity.

Has written an introduction (at least inferable), using appropriate language (although not necessarily with the best word choice).

Has an understandable introduction, using some strong language, and appropriate descriptive words and /or phrases.

Has clear introduction, using strong language and appropriate descriptive words and / or phrases.

2

Illustrated Diagrams (Critical analyse of architecture and urban forms in relation to relevant architectural theories) (25 marks)

No relationship between theory and analysis

Little relationships between theory and analysis

Some relationships between theory and analysis.

Identified the theory and are interrelated with analysis

Identified the theory which are clearly linked to analysis

PROJECT PART 2: ESSAY & COGNITIVE MAPPING ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (30%)

No. CRITERIA 1 2 3 4 5

Unsatisfactory/Fail Poor Satisfactory Good Excellent

1

Essay: (Critical analysis of architecture and urban forms within its social, cultural and intellectual context) (15 marks)

No relationship between theory and analysis

Little relationships between theory and analysis

Evidence of some relationships between theory and analysis

Identified theory which are interrelated with analysis

Identified theory which are clearly linked to analysis

2

Cognitive Mapping (10 marks)

Arrangement of images and illustrations is confusing.

Arrangement of images and illustrations is unclear.

Images and illustrations are roughly arranged in a workable order.

Images and illustrations are orderly arranged with proper annotations

Images and illustrations are carefully arranged to add interest and clarity with correct annotations.

Mapping is unclear because there are so many errors.

Mapping is often unclear because of the number of errors.

Mapping is generally clear despite some errors.

Mapping is clearly illustrated with slight errors

Mapping is clearly with no errors.

8

References & Research Skills (5 marks)

No evidence of sources. Lack in-depth investigation.

Identified at least 2 sources. Evidence of investigation however lack of illustration and visual images.

Uses at least 3 sources. Evidence of investigation through illustrations and visual images

Uses at least 4 sources. Clear evidence of investigation through clearly identified illustrations and visual images.

Uses at least 5 sources. Indicated rigorous investigation with abundance illustration and visual images; cited and annotated.

References: 1. Kevin Lynch (1960). The Image of the City.