Culture & History 2

Project : Precedent Studies

Part A: Presentation Board (group)

In group of five , we were asked to select one building from the given list and conduct architectural analysis on the selected building. We chose Koshino House by Japanese Architect Tadao Ando. In addition to the general information on the Architect, building, concept and dictum, we also had to individually provide analysis on 5 specified topics:

1. Spatial Organization

2. Structure, Materials and Construction

3. Components

4. Massing/Form

5. The External Façade

This information needed to be compiled in the form of diagrams and sketches that included short annotations.

Reflection:

Through this project we understood how important the evolution of architecture was during the Modern Masters period and how revolutionary their ideas, concepts and principles were at that time. We also understood the value of precedent studies and how it contributes in helping us understand the various design strategies used by the Architect. Group work and proper coordination amongst group members as well as effective presentation skills were other important experiences we gained during the course of this project

Part B: Analytical Essay (individual)

This was an individual task where we were required to write a comparative analytical essay of our chosen Modern Master with another Modern Master. We still had to keep to the topic we chose individually during the precedent analysis board. The essay needed to include an in depth analysis of the underlying concepts and philosophies of both Modern Masters. My topic was "Structure, Material and Construction". I chose to compare Ando’s Koshino House with Salk Institute by Modern Master Louis I. Kahn.

Reflection:

Through this project, I got a thorough understanding of not only the life philosophy of Tadao Ando but also Le Corbusier. I realize the value of their contribution to architecture and how their buildings and design principles have made long lasting impressions on many architects that followed after.