Theories of Asian Architecture

The subject 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 & globalization. These themes will guide the organization 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.

The module contains 3 main assessments which are Project 1 (Reading the Contexts of Traditional Streets), Infographic and Project 2 (Research in Asian Architecture).

Project 1 (Reading the Contexts of Traditional Streets)

This project introduces ways of reading the important "lexicons" of traditional streets through the tangible qualities of architecture and space, and the intangible socio-cultural attributes. It enables students to understand the specific contexts that construct the distinctive place identity and socio-cultural meanings of the traditional streets. Observations are captured in sketch journal and a written summary.

Infographic

The assignment requires students to produce an infographic showing their understanding of vernacular and traditional architecture as discussed in the lectures.

Project 2 (Research in Asian Architecture)

This project introduces ways of reading the important "lexicons" of traditional streets through the tangible qualities of architecture and space, and the intangible socio-cultural attributes. It enables students to understand the specific contexts that construct the distinctive place identity and socio-cultural meanings of the traditional streets. Observations are captured in sketch journal and a written summary.