THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
PROJECT 1A: LIFE BETWEEN BUILDINGS: USING PUBLIC SPACE
We were to examine the relationship between patterns of space use, especially outdoor activities, and the spatial properties of the physical world. Based on Jahn Gehl in the Life Between Buildings (1971), he introduced the concepts of necessary, optimal and social activities. For this particular task, students were to read Jahn Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1). Subsequently, the students are to examine patterns of social activities in a city (foreign city to be provided by instructor*) and identify ‘contact points’. They are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity. Students were expected to research for information from publications and other relevant sources.
Submission Requirements : Two (2) A3 size illustrated diagrams of the city Identifying Contact points (mimimum of 5) and intensity accompanied with an introduction of the city and images.
As for our group, we were assigned to the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.
PROJECT 1B: LIFE BETWEEN BUILDINGS: USING PUBLIC SPACE
Part 2 of the project required students to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1; Phnom Penh) and local site research (Studio; Medan Pasar). Students were to examine similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities. A comparative analysis essay is a commonly used type of writing assignment where students were require to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or dissimilarities. Students are expected to research for information from publications, internet and other relevant sources. For local site, students are expected to conduct own site observation (Studio).