THOUGHTS ABOUT
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE
"What have you learnt this semester (in theories) that has changed your perspective?"
Speaking of the things the I’ve learnt throughout the classes that changed my perspective, there’s a lot of changes since the beginning of semester. Never really think that Theories of Architecture could be such interesting subject, which in compare to previous history classes, far way better. I think if I were to compare the present self to the old self, it’s safe to say that after 15 blog assignments that requires enormous amount of thinking and analysing, I’ve transform into someone who is able to think more critically and to analyse one whole story better. For instance, movie. Giving my highest compliment to this movie critique assignment which I think really helps a lot in triggering our critical thinking. It’s really a fun thing to do, watching movie in the cinema as a class and writing movie review base on each of the topics given. Feels like we’re the legit movie reviewers after every movie critique assignments and guess what, we started to think a lot when watching movies. There will be discussions among ourselves after our movie outing and it’s all about how the movie should’ve ended. For example, we watched Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and analysing each character and the story is one of our favourite things to do, suggesting a new way and approach for the storyline, finding loopholes and flaws of the movie and critique about whys and hows. We’re all quite professional on these after Theories of Architecture classes, which I’m very grateful to have acquired this skill.
I remember that once my friends from other courses asked about the subjects that I have to take up, I explained about Theories of Architecture, and they’re all so awed and jealous that I have such interesting subject to choose. I was like please we’ll have to write blog on the spot and submit right after class in state of empty mind because of design studio. *No definitely not ranting :D They rather have such lively lectures and lecturer than to have relaxing assignments and all. Yeah, to be honest I cherish each lecture sessions despite how sleepy and tired I am.
During class, I love when videos are shown instead of conventional lecture slides. If it’s wasn’t because of Theories of Architecture, I would never be exposed to those interesting videos. TedX videos really inspired me a lot and I’ve learnt a lot from these videos. One of the most inspiring one is by Alejandro Aravena, an urban architect, which he talked about how he rethink design and designed flexible half-homes that each family could expand on. It was a complex problem but he came out with such simple yet practical solution that put community at first. What I learned is that we as an architect really really have to consider and put community at first because as an architect, we’re serving the community and we have to understand each of the communities although we’re not part of them. Jom Makan! Streetfeeding event also opened my insight on community architecture, through the actual experience of going out to serve the homeless. So in my opinion, architecture can really change the world thorugh society and built environment.
Next on, other than in class session, we’re also introduced to several public lectures and lecture series which I think it’s a real good exposure to the real world. The most inspiring talk is the one by Mr Dev, which although it’s not totally architectural related, but it gives enormous motivations and inspire us to stay positive in life. Picked myself up from all the messy thoughts of giving up because of this messy semester, thanks to Mr Dev for really hitting my spot. XD
All in all Theories of Architecture provided a full package of good hot stuff that affects my perspective not only in architecture, but also in life. All the knowledge and information that I’ve gained through this subject will definitely benefit me either as an architect or not. I’m really grateful that Miss Sue is the one who taught us this subject and thanks for making this interesting subject lively and amaaaaaazing. Keep that passion burning inside you Miss Sue, UCSI need more lecturers like you and keep on inspire other lecturers and students in the future.
:D