Contextual Study Sketch Journal
In this assignment, we are required to select our one of the streets on the locations provided in the project brief to research on. For instance, Chinatown (Kuala Lumpur), Kampong Bahru (Kuala Lumpur), Chow Kit (Kuala Lumpur) and Malacca streets. We were then asked to obtain basic understandings of the chosen street through researches online, and site visits etc. Later on, we proceed to segregate and organize our data collected to physical (religious buildings, shop houses, architecture style and façade, and market) and non physical contexts (traditional trades, local cuisines, historical events, and social institutions). Finally, compile 8 pages of research information into a manually drawn sketch journal.
Here's the showcase of my work :)
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What am I supposed to do ?
Our requirements for the project :
- 8 A4 sketches showing understanding of distinctive physical and non-physical contexts of the street
- Dateline : Tuesday 27/9
Progress
Research & Analysis
I have chosen Jalan Hang Kasturi, Malacca as my traditional street to further research on. For all the information that I have acquired for my final outcome, it was all gained and accessed from reports and researches online from reliable resources before my site visit to Malacca. Other than that, I have also done on site visit verification to ensure that all my information is up-to-date as well as interviewing residents or shop owners of Jalan Hang Kasturi. After that, I added my own observation, analysis and thoughts after doing in-depth research about the architecture history of the street.
Sketches
Later on, I plan and organize my sketches to ensure that the flow of information is smooth and easily understood by others. I have also got feedbacks from Mr Koh to further improve on my organisation as well.
Reflection
From this assignment, I have gained a lot of knowledge of design and history of buildings as compared to before. Through this assignment, I have learnt to appreciate the traditional streets, buildings and environment surrounding me. This has been eye opening journey to learn to observe the little details surrounding me in a different perspective as I get to learn more about the history and the evolution of the street, building and environment. This assignment has enhance my architectural knowledge not only on the history, but also in terms of design and construction details as well.
Though this was an individual assignment, I had the opportunity to practice my communication skills with others, such as with my tutor, Mr Koh, I have consistently asked for feedback every tutorial session so that I can further improve and enhance my work till my very best. Not only that, to gain more accurate or personal information about Jalan Hang Kasturi, I have conducted several interviews, calls and texts with the residents and the owner of one of the shops located in Jalan Hang Kasturi. Through this, I learnt to interview others without offending them, creating a friendlly and comfortable environment for interviews without it being too intimidating.
Improvements
Though this was quite a smooth process throughout, certain areas could be further improved. For instance, time management. Although I have submitted my work on time, my time spent in this assignment has slightly affected my progress on other modules. Perhaps in the future, I should create a more detailed schedule so that all modules progress can be even and not affected. Other than that, I could improve more on my sensitivity towards the surroundings. For example, not being too intimidating or scaring off strangers while asking permissions for interviews. After several trials and advice from my parents who had been observing me the whole time, I learn to approach others in a more natural and friendly manner.