Coursework Template

Theorizing Architecture

Theories of Architecture and Urbanism [ARC 3233]PROJECT PART 1: STAGE 2

Theorizing Architecture

STUDENT:SHARIFAH DIYANA SYED HUSSAIN (1006AH78373)LECTURER: MS. IDA MAZLAN

Desa Park City is an upcoming urban development located in Kuala Lumpur. It consists of several residential development such as high rise condominiums, mansions and park homes. As for the commercial development, a waterfront with shop lots is part of the urban planning. A central park is also instilled in the planning to provide ample of open space for the society. The concept of the development embraces the ideal that people want to foster family, neighbourhood, community ties and values as a means to shape a good society. This provides a sense of place so that the individual and the family will not be lost in the rapidly expanding metropolis of Kuala Lumpur city.

Rem Koolhaas is mainly known for being an urban theorist rather than an architect. One of his popular theory is the Theory of Bigness. He described that it is the ultimate architecture. Architecture has gone beyond a certain scale to the point where the size of the building itself can represent an ideological program. He explained that the idea of Bigness does not simply refer to a large or massive building. It could also be a collection of buildings and structures that enhance the human experience created by the surrounding architecture. This could be seen in Manhattan, New York whereby the idea of looking at the overall city rather than focusing on a specific building. Another theory stated by Rem Koolhaas is that the idea of shopping is the last remaining form of public activity. He believes that shopping greatly influences the urban architectural environment through the development of such commercial buildings. He proposed that materialism have ultimate control over the architecture and structure of a city as the movement and experiences are tied to the location itself especially in todays society. He categorized this space as Junkspace which to him is what remains after modernism has run its course.

Based on his theory of Bigness, this could be implemented in Desa Park City which consist of several residential development and commercial development. Some of the development are high rise buildings with large scale which can be notified as a landmark for the city itself. This is also similar to the example in Manhattan, whereby the theory can also be seen through the overall city as a whole planning rather than a specific program. As for his theory on the idea of shopping as a form of public activity, this could be seen at the Waterfront in Desa Park City. It provides retail stores and a gathering area for the society. This creates movement and experiences between the developments. This theory can also be seen between the park homes, as it proposes parks in between houses to create a friendly community.

REFERENCES

Architecture Urbanism. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2015, from http://architectureandurbanism.blogspot.com/2011/02/rem-koolhaas-delirious-new-york.html

Craven, J. (n.d.). Rem Koolhaas - Modern Dutch Architect. Retrieved April 3, 2015, from http://architecture.about.com/od/architectsaz/p/koolhaas.htm

Desa ParkCity - The Best Place to Live in Kuala Lumpur. (n.d.). Retrieved April 2, 2015, from http://www.desaparkcity.com/

Fox, D. (2008). Rem Koolhaas: An Architecture of Innovation.

Otero-Pailos, J. (n.d.). Big in Context: Some Regressive Tendencies in Rem Koolhaas Urban Theory.

Rem Koolhaas Builds. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2015, from http://partners.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home/20000709mag-koolhaas.html

World Biography. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Koolhaas-Rem.htmlARC3233 Theories of Architecture and Urbanism2