THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM
PROJECT 1A - Case Study
Jahn Gehl in the Life Between Buildings (1971) “examined the relationship between patterns of
space use, especially outdoor activities, and the spatial properties of the physical world. He
introduced the concepts of necessary, optimal and social activities (Beatriz Campos,
For this particular task, students are 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.
PROJECT 1B - Comparative Analysis Essay
Part 2 of the project requires students to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from
case study (Part 1) and local site research (Design Studio). Students are 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 are
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).
Essay is to be supported with images and diagrams relevant to support and interpret analysis of
the site and its qualities.
PROJECT 2 - Synopsis
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, we are required to submit a synopsis in the form of a reaction paper. Its aim is for us to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper to the text. There are a total to 3 synopses