Asian Architecture
A module that approaches to Asian in the field of architecture, how settlements, buildings are built from last century to now modernised buildings. This module focuses on exploring 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
With two main projects to research and discuss significant issues to generate a critical understanding of tradition, modernity and globalisation in the Asian architectural contexts.
Project 1- To research on a topic proposed and develop it into a research poster, that includes a seminar presentation for further understanding of topic.
Project 2- To understand and link the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context within the Asian region.
Topic Proposal
Project 1: Research in Asian Architecture
Topic Proposal
This assignment is to identify the specific topic/ issues/significance of study and then define specific scope of study. In a group of 7, we chose to look into modular architecture and how expansion of a building can be in-cooperated into growing architecture.
Research Poster
Following the topic proposal we are given the task to do a research poster based on the topic chosen and discuss on the issues of affordability in urban housing. The further analysis is then turned into a research poster to do provide a visual representation of our findings.
Seminar Presentation
The research is then assessed and presented through a seminar presentation for further understanding and discussion. The seminar presentation is a 10 minutes presentation and in the form of presentationn slides.
Seminar Presentation
Research Poster
As a group, we came up with the decision of choosing Modernity in Asian architecture. For the topic proposal we came up with a few choices and led up to my group mate, Shan En's decision on the overall topic. We further analysed and choose the meaning of growing and modular architecture and find the suitable issue to discuss on. With many vernacular architecture examples and reading materials, we managed to compare and decide on Mru, Japanese and Malay architecture.
Reflection
I chose the task/ question: "How interlocking structural components contribute to a more flexible design which adapts better than changing needs?" Looking into Malay architecture, the structural components are based on techniques and skills that does not require any other materials than timber. Through this assignment, I learnt about research skills, and developing own research materials that justify owns' opinion through evidences. It is interesting to find out how vernacular architecture could be included into modern days building with innovation and sustainability.
Project 2: Contextual Architecture Study
Zhaojun Museum, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
Year of Completion: 2017
Zhaojun Tomb located by the Da Hi River nine kilometers south of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, is said to be the resting place of Wang Zhaojun, a commoner woman from the Han dynasty who married a Xiongnu Chanyu, nomadic chieftain from the steppes. Here, also sits the museum to commemorate Zhaojun, and also the first museum of Xiongnu's people. The building sits on a sloping mountain and faces the north.
Building in relation with the site
The aim for this assignment is to analyse how the selected architectural design responded to its contexts. The Zhaojun museum discusses on the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context, with the tomb, gallery and Shinto axis all orientated towards the Northern direction, following the culture of the Xiongnu people from the past.
As this is an individual assignment, I chose: Space organization and access hierarchy as a topic to research on based on the Zhaojun Museum. I looked into floor plans and design intention plus how the space organization and hierarchy are responded to the site. This museum is faced towards the main axis on site, where it is orientated towards the North direction, thus the museum follows its order,by creating a plaza in the centre and two galleries at the side.
Reflection
This assignment taught me to use the context to design architecture and through spaces, the context will compliment the architecture if it relates to the environment on site. I also learnt about knowing the identity and culture on site that makes the architecture interesting and meaningful for the visitors. This is to remind the people on the history and past memories on site, and through architecture, it speaks the same language too.