Asian Architecture (ARC 2234): August 2013 1 | P a g e

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

Module: ASIAN ARCHITECTURE [ARC 2234]
Prerequisite: None
Credit Hours: 4
Instructors: Koh Jing Hao (603-56295260; jinghao.koh@taylors.edu.my),
Norhayati Binti Ramli (603-56295251; norhayati.ramli@taylors.edu.my)
Delliya Mohd Zain (603-56295261; delliya.mohdzain@taylors.edu.my)
Ida Marlina Mazlan (idamarlina.mazlan@taylors.edu.my)


Module Synopsis

The subject explores the history of South, Southeast and East Asian architecture as a whole within a systematic
treatment of architectural design and construction, building science and technology, garden design and city
planning through three key themes: tradition, modernity and globalisation. These themes will guide the
organisation of weekly lecture and projects, which will proceed from the establishment of a basic theoretical
apparatus to the examination of specific cases. Students will develop a written essay on Asian architecture and
urbanism and interpret Asian architectural language through verbal and video presentations.

Module Teaching Objectives

The teaching objectives of the module are:
1. To develop critical perspectives on architecture and urbanism in situations where tradition, modernity
and globalisation intersect through an exploration of the history of South, Southeast and East Asian
architecture
2. To provide tools for the analysis of specific architectural situations that inform third year design studios
3. To analyse architectural language and issues based on cross cultural awareness

Module Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the historical development of the main strands of Asian architecture
2. Identify a broad range of issues related to the historical and chronological transitions of Asian
architectural history
3. Interpret architectural language in relation to the development of Asian architecture and urbanism based
on the themes of tradition, modernity and globalisation
4. Analyse and discuss the relationship between architecture and its social, cultural and intellectual context
within the Asian region
5. Differentiate the way in which many varied factors contribute to the development of Asian architecture
and urbanism
6. Produce, orally and in writing, a critical interpretation of Asian architecture and urbanism in relation to
relevant issues within the contemporary architecture and design.




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Modes of Delivery
This is a 3 credit hour module conducted over a period of 14 weeks. The modes of delivery will be in the form of
lectures, tutorials, and self-directed study. The breakdown of the contact hours for the module is as follows:

Lecture: 2 hours per week
Tutorial: 2 hours per week
Self-directed study: 2 hours per week


Office Hours

You are encouraged to visit the instructor/lecturer/tutor concerned for assistance during office hours. If the office
hours do not meet your schedule, notify the instructor and set appointment times as needed.

TIMeS

TIMeS will be used as a communication tool and information portal for students to access module materials,
project briefs, assignments and announcements.







































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Taylors Graduate Capabilities (TGC)

The teaching and learning approach at Taylors University is focused on developing the Taylors Graduate
Capabilities (TGC) in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft
skills of its graduates.
Discipline Specific Knowledge
TGCs Acquired
Through Module
Learning Outcomes
1.0

Discipline Specific Knowledge


1.1 Able to put theories into practice. 1-6
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of studies. -
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of studies. -
Cognitive Capabilities
2.0

Lifelong Learning


2.1 Learn independently. -
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively. 1-6
2.3 Be intellectually engaged. 1-6
3.0

Thinking and Problem Solving Skills


3.1 Think critically and creatively. 2-5
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions. 2-5
Soft Skills
4.0

Communication Skills


4.1 Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes. 6
5.0

Interpersonal Skills


5.1 Understand team dynamics and mobilise the power of teams. -
5.2 Understand and assume leadership. -
6.0

Intrapersonal Skills


6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant. -
6.2 Reflect on ones actions and learning. -
6.3 Embody Taylor's core values. -
7.0

Citizenship and Global Perspectives


7.1 Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives. -
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement. -
8.0

Digital Literacy


8.1
Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related
technologies.
-











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General Rules and Regulations

Late Submission Penalty

The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical
certificate. Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the percentage
grade assigned to the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each subsequent day late.
A weekend counts as one (1) day.

Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if they
are satisfied that a student has given good reasons.

Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentation will result in zero mark for that presentation.

The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used if the
late submission was for a good reason.

Attendance, Participation and Submission of Assessment Components

Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as
absent. The lectures and tutorials will assist you in expanding your ideas and your assessments. A minimum of
80% attendance is required to pass the module and/or be eligible for the final examination and/or presentation.

Students will be assessed based on their performance throughout the semester. Students are expected to attend
and participate actively in class. Class participation is an important component of every module.

Students must attempt all assessment components. Failure to attempt assessment components worth 20% or
more, the student would be required to resubmit or resit an assessment component, even though the student has
achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment. Failure to attempt all assessment components, including
final exam and final presentation, will result in failing the module irrespective of the marks earned, even though
the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment.

Plagiarism (Excerpt from Taylors University Student Handbook 2013, page 59)

Plagiarism, which is an attempt to present another persons work as your own by not acknowledging the source,
is a serious case of misconduct which is deemed unacceptable by the University.

"Work" includes written materials such as books, journals and magazine articles or other papers and also
includes films and computer programs. The two most common types of plagiarism are from published materials
and other students works.

1. Published Materials

In general, whenever anything from someone elses work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the
results of a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may
include a sentence or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.

Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied
from another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student.

While the former can be treated as a simple failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as
cheating in an examination.

Though most assignments require the need for reference to other peoples works, in order to avoid
plagiarism, students should keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that these
sources are clearly quoted in their assignment. Note that plagiarism also refers to materials obtained from the
Internet too.
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2. Other Students Work

Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice.
However, with the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the
work of other students into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or
sections. When two students submit papers that are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be
penalised.

Student Participation

Your participation in the module is encouraged. You have the opportunity to participate in the following ways:

Your ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
Your input is sought to understand your perspectives, ideas and needs in planning subject revision.
You have opportunities to give feedback and issues will be addressed in response to that feedback.
Do reflect on your performance in Portfolios.
Student evaluation on your views and experiences about the module are actively sought and used as an
integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.

Student-centered Learning (SCL)

The module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL)approach. Utilization of SCL embodies most of the
principles known to improve learning and to encourage students participation. SCL requires students to be
active, responsible participants in their own learning and instructors are to facilitate the learning process. Various
teaching and learning strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, site visits, group
discussions, presentations, working in group and etc. can be employed to facilitate the learning process. In SCL,
students are expected to be:
active in their own learning;
self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities;
able to cultivate skills that are useful in todays workplace;
active knowledge seekers;
active players in a team.

Types of Assessment and Feedback

You will be graded in the form of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will provide
information to guide you in the research process. This form of assessment involves participation in discussions
and feedback sessions. Summative assessment will inform you about the level of understanding and
performance capabilities achieved at the end of the module.

Assessment Plan

Assessment Components Type
Learning
Outcome/s
Submission Presentation
Assessment
Weightage
Project 1:
Case Study
Individual 1 Week 5,9,12 - 50%
Project 2:
Documentation Study
Group/
Individual
1-4 Week 13 - 30%
Online Tests Individual 1-4 Week 8,14 - 20%
TGC Portfolio Individual 1-4 Week 15 - Pass/Fail


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Assessment Components

1. Project 1 (50%): Case Study

This project involves producing, orally and in writing (a paper of 3,000 to a maximum of 4000 words, double-
spaced), a critical interpretation of Asian architecture and urbanism in relation to relevant issues within the
contemporary architecture practises and design. The paper is to differentiate the way in which many varied
factors contribute to the development of Asian architecture and urbanism. The final topic of the paper should
be evolved in discussion and consultation with the tutors and should be finalised by the third week of the
course. Students will present the summary of the paper with images in class which contains an outline of
the paper covering issues and themes explored, as well as a bibliography.

2. Project 2 (30%): Documentation Study- An Asian Street

This project will involve an interpretation of architectural language in relation to the development of Asian
architecture and urbanism based on themes of tradition, modernity and globalisation. Students are required
to select specific site in Asia as a case study to conduct a self-investigation through observation and
documentation in the form of a series of photography work with a written summary, supported by sketches
and diagrams.

3. Online Tests (20%)

Test questions will be provided based on assigned readings to further increase students architectural theory
vocabulary and enhance the understanding of the subject.

4. Taylors Graduate Capabilities Portfolio

The Taylors Graduate Capabilities (TGC) Portfolio is a document that collates all assessments produced in a
module and reflects a students acquisition of the Module Learning Outcomes and Taylors Graduate
Capabilities.

For students enrolled in the 2011 Programme Structure

The TGC portfolio is an edited A3-size bound document that includes all the assessments produced in the
module. Visual diary and process of work (packaged) are to be included as part of the portfolio
submission. Students must reflect on their learning through the TGC Portfolio Form.

For students enrolled in the 2012 Programme Structure onwards

Each students is to develop an ePortfolio, a web-based portfolio in the form of a personal academic blog.
The ePortfolio is developed progressively for all modules taken throughout Semesters 1 to 5, and
culminates with a final Portfolio in printed form produced in the final semester. The printed Portfolio must
encapsulate the acquisition of Programme Learning Outcomes and Taylors Graduate Capabilities, and
showcase the distinctiveness and identity of the student as a graduate of the programme.

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Marks and Grading Table (Revised as per Programme Guide 2013)

Assessments and grades will be returned within two weeks of your submission. You will be given grades and
necessary feedback for each submission. The grading system is shown below:

Grade Marks
Grade
Points
Definition Description
A 80 100 4.00 Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding
capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of
module matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base.
A- 75 79 3.67 Very Good
Evidence of good grasp of module matter; critical capacity
and analytical ability; understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literature.
B+ 70 74 3.33
Good
Evidence of grasp of module matter; critical capacity and
analytical ability, reasonable understanding of relevant
issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature.
B 65 69 3.00
B- 60 64 2.67
Pass
Evidence of some understanding of the module matter;
ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting
from his/her university experience.
C+ 55 59 2.33
C 50 54 2.00
D+ 47 49 1.67
Marginal Fail
Evidence of nearly but not quite acceptable familiarity with
module matter, weak in critical and analytical skills.
D 44 46 1.33
D- 40 43 1.00
F 0 39 0.00 Fail
Insufficient evidence of understanding of the module
matter; weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or
irrelevant use of the literature.
WD - - Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically
mid-semester [refer to Description 1 below].
F(W) 0 0.00 Fail
Withdrawn after census date, typically mid-semester
[refer to Description 2 below].
IN - - Incomplete
An interim notation given for a module where a student
has not completed certain requirements with valid reason
or it is not possible to finalise the grade by the published
deadline.
P - - Pass Given for satisfactory completion of practicum.
AU - - Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for information
only without earning academic credit.

Description 1: Week 3 to week 7 (inclusive) for long semester, or week 3 to week 5 (inclusive) for short
semester. A short semester is less than 14 weeks. Not applicable for audit and internship.

Description 2: After week 7 for long semester, or after week 5 for short semester. A short semester is
less than 14 weeks. Not applicable for audit and internship.




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Module Schedule

Week/Date Topics/Readers
Lecture Tutorial
Self-directed
Study
Hours Hours Hours
Week 1
26 Aug
Introduction to subject

Project
Briefing

2 2 2
Week 2
2 Sept
(Last day to
add/drop a
module)

Lecture 1
History of East Asian Architecture: Chinese &
Japanese

Project 1
Tutorial 1:
How to write a
case study
paper?
Project
2 2 2
Week 3
9 Sept
Lecture 2
History of Indian Architecture

Project 1
Tutorial 2
Project
2 2 2
Week 4
16 Sept
Public Holiday
- - Project
2 2 2
Week 5
23 Sept
Lecture 3
History of South East Asian Architecture 1:
Malaysian

Project 1
Review:
Submission
of Topic &
Issue (10%)
Project
2 2 2
Week 6
30 Sept
Lecture 4
History of South East Asian Architecture
2:Indonesian & Others

Project 1
Tutorial 3:
Final review
Project
2 2 2
Week 7
7 Oct
(Last day for
subject/modul
e withdrawal
with
WD grade)
Plagiarism & Referencing Workshop

- Project
2 2 2
Week 8
14 Oct
(Online
Student
Registration)
Lecture 5
Modernity & Nation State


Project 2
Briefing
Online Test 1
(Lecture 1-4)
Project
2 2 2

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Week/Date Topics/Readers
Lecture Tutorial
Self-directed
Study
Hours Hours Hours
Week 9
21 Oct
(Last day for
Online
Student
Registration)
Project 1: Presentation (10%)
Project 1: Submission of Abstract (10%)
- - Project
2 2 6
Week 10
28 Oct
Project 2 : Documentary Photography
Lecture

Project 2
Tutorial 1
Project
2 2 2
4-9 Nov Mid-semester Break (Non-contact Week)
Week 11
11 Nov
(Online
Course
Evaluation
and
last day for
subject/mod
ule
withdrawal
with
F(W) grade)
Lecture 6
Post modernity, Post-Culturalism and
Globalisation in the Transformation of Asian
Architecture and Urbanism

Project
Tutorial 2
Project
2 2 2
Week 12
18 Nov (Last
day for
completion
of
Online
Course
Evaluation)
Lecture 7
Complexities of Tradition, Modernity and
Globalisation
Project 1: Submission (20%)


Project 2
Tutorial 3: Final
review
Project
2 2 2
Week 13
25 Nov
Submission of Project 2 (30%)
- - Project
2 2 2
Week 14
2 Dec
-
-
Online Test 2
(Lecture 5-7)
-
- 2 -
Week 15
9 Dec
(Study
Leave)
Submission: TGC Portfolio



Note: The Module Schedule above is subject to change at short notice.





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References

Main References:

1. Carrey, M. (2010). The illustrated encyclopedia of Islamic art and architecture: An essential introduction
to Islamic civilization's unparalleled legacy of art and design, with more than 500 colour photographs
and artworks.London: Anness Publishing, Ltd.

2. Chan, C. Y., BalaiSeniLukis Negara (Malaysia), &PertubuhanAkitek Malaysia. (1987). Post-merdeka
architecture: Malaysia, 1957-1987. Kuala Lumpur: PertubuhanAkitek Malaysia.

3. Chen, V.F. (2007). The Encyclopedia of Malaysia : Architecture. Kuala Lumpur: Archipelago Press.

4. Ching, Francis D.K. 2007. A Global History of Architecture. Wiley

5. Gardner, H., &Kleiner, F. S. (2010). Gardner's art through the ages: A global history. Australia:
Wadsworth.

6. Goad, P., Lim, T. N., Bingham-Hall, P., & Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia. (2007). Recent Malaysian
architecture. Kuala Lumpur: PertubuhanAkitek Malaysia.

7. Inaba, K., & Nakayama, S. (2000). Japanese homes and lifestyles: An illustrated journey through
history. Tokyo [u.a.: Kodansha International.

8. Liang, S., & Fairbank, W. (2005). Chinese architecture: A pictorial history. Mineola, NY: Dover
Publications.

9. Nishi, K., &Hozumi, K. (1996). What is Japanese architecture?: A survey of traditional Japanese
architecture. Tokyo: Kodansha International.

10. Nithi, S., Mertens, B., & Freeman, M. (2006). Architecture of Thailand: A guide to traditional and
contemporary forms. London: Thames & Hudson.

11. PertubuhanAkitek Malaysia. (2000). 80 years of architecture in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: PAM
Publication.

12. Powell, R., & Bingham-Hall, P. (2004). Singapore architecture: A Short History of Singapore
Architecture. Singapore: Pesaro Publishing.

13. Rthai, C., & Freeman, M. (2002). The Thai house: History and evolution. Trumbull, CT: Weatherhill.

14. Shan, D., & Wang, D. (2004). Chinese vernacular dwelling. Beijing: China Intercontinental Press.

15. Thapar, B. (2004). Introduction to Indian architecture. Singapore: Periplus.

16. Tjahjono, G. (1998). Indonesian heritage: Architecture. Singapore: Archipelago.

17. Wang, Q. (2004). Tushuo min ju. Beijing: Zhongguojianzhu gong ye chu ban she.

18. Yeang, K. (1992). The architecture of Malaysia. Amsterdam: Pepin Press.