Project: ‘Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space’

Introduction

Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the idea of “Life Between Buildings Using Public Space” (1986) by Jahn Gehl. The project consisted of 2 parts; the first is case study and the second part is to produce a comparative analysis essay. Jahn Gehl, is a Danish architect and urban design consultant based in Copenhagen whose career has focused on improving the quality of urban life by re-orienting city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist. He published his influential Life Between Buildings in Danish in 1971, with the first English translation published in 1987. Gehl advocates a sensible, straightforward approach to improving urban form: systematically documenting urban spaces, making gradual incremental improvements, then documenting them again. Gehl receives many awards for his efforts and participates in and advises many urban design and public projects around the world (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Gehl)

PROJECT PART 1: 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, http://www.journalofspacesyntax.org/) 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. Students are expected to research for information from publications, internet and other relevant sources.

Board:

https://www.slideshare.net/ChengWeiChia/roppongi-group-to-aumarch-2017

PROJECT PART 2: A 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 (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:

https://www.slideshare.net/ChengWeiChia/introduction-78383844

Synopsis:

 Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of a reaction paper. Its aim is for the students 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 will be a total to 3 synopses. A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raised through the text. In addition to your personal perspective, you should identify experiences or insights that have shaped your perspective.

Synopsis 1

https://www.slideshare.net/ChengWeiChia/synopsis-1-78383870

Synopsis 2

https://www.slideshare.net/ChengWeiChia/synopsis-2-78383878

Synopsis 3

https://www.slideshare.net/ChengWeiChia/synopsis-3-78383887