CULTURE AND HISTORY I

CULTURE & HISTORY I

In this module, I got to learn about the architectural styles in different periods of human civilization, and how it relates to the needs of and reflects the society at the time. From the prehistoric era all the way to Marie Antoinette's Rococo, Architecture is constantly evolving and changing.

Throughout the entirety of the module, I was tutored by Mr Nazmi Anuar.

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities Acquired:

PRECEDENT STUDY & ANALYSIS

The assignments are research based and divided into three parts – online discussion and forum A), comparative analysis sketchbook (B), and final presentation board (C). Its aim is to increase students' proficiency in architectural language, design and ideas as well as enhance their knowledge in architectural history and criticism skill.

In a group of five to six, we were randomly assigned a specific civilization and building to focus on. I was put into a group with Ahmad Syafiq, Akif Nukman, Arron Goh, Andika Setiabudi and Anderson Wong. We were required to do a case study on the TEMPLES OF ACROPOLIS, ATHENS, in the ANCIENT GREEK ERA. Since there were a lot of buildings on the site, we decided to choose Parthenon as our main building to study on.

PART A: ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM

For our first assignment, in a group, we were required to individually answer a set of questions about our assigned buildings by doing an in-depth research. With these information we had to tabulate our information into an online forum provided on TiMES in a clear and concise format.

After discussing amongst each other, I decided to go with question number 4:

i. What is the function or purpose of the building?

ii. How the function or purpose of the building makes the building historically significant and meaningful?

To sum it up, this project was interesting. I liked that we were able to go into detail about the buildings rather than just researching the surface. The Ancient Greek era is something that I found myself to be quite fond of before this project so to learn about it was a plus point.

(click image to go to the forum)

PART B: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS SKETCH JOURNAL

In relation to all the information we have collected from the previous assignment, we were required to create a sketch journal and include our findings in it in the form of sketches and diagrams.

Most importantly, we had to produce a comparative analysis between our civilization and the ones before and after it. I decided to focus on Ancient Egypt as before, and Byzantine as after. I wanted to do an analysis on their purposes, plans, construction and etc.

Overall, I enjoyed doing this project because of the limitless ways we can produce it. We were allowed to use any medium of manual presentation and I got the opportunity to use watercolour for it. Other than that, researching about different civilizations was very eye-opening.

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PART C: PRESENTATION BOARD

To sum up the previous projects before this, we had to produce an A2 presentation board. Again, this correlated with the online discussion forum but with some additional researching.

Similar to the online forum, we had to answer a set of questions and then organise them into the presentation board; using diagrams and sketches.

The question I chose was:

4. Spatial Organization Analysis

i. Spatial Planning & Landscape/Site Siting

ii. Building Sequence and Process

iii. Public vs. Private

iv. Axis

v. Symmetry/Asymmetry & Balance

vii. Repetitive to Unique

viii. Additive and Subtractive

ix. Hierarchy

To conclude the final project, I found it very interesting and enjoyable. I feel that my enhanced knowledge in architectural language and design will help me in the upcoming semester.