THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM

(ARC2224)

PROJECT : THEORIZING ARCHITECTURE

PART 1- ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Name : Tan Wei Sheng

Student ID : 0307857

Lecturer : Ms. Ida

Submission Date: 20th April 2015

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Diagram 1: Figure Ground Mapping of Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Kuala Lumpur City Centre is located within the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur. The

area is connected by 5 major roads, Jalan Ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Binjai, Jalan Kia

Peng and Jalan Pinang. The roads are major arteries whereby it connects the Centre with other

districts. The centre can be access through mainly public transport and road networks which is

found abundant throughout the centre. The centre is the midpoint of the light rail transit as well

as the local bus services.

Diagram 2: Main Paths of Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The urban planning of Kuala Lumpur city center is done in a piecemeal fashion before.

Therefore a deformed grid can be seen as the typology of the area. The development of the city

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

centre can be divided into residential, commercial, office, hotels as well as mixed used

development. At the centre of the centre lies the KLCC park designed by Roberto Burle Marx, It

holds a jogging track, public swimming pool and playgrounds. The park can be sen as a large

scale public space which caters to the community in the city center itself.

Le Corbusier : The Contemporary City

One of Le Corbusier unrealized theory was the " Contemporary City ". The scheme was

designed to cater to three million inhabitants. The theory was created, due to the lack of

principles of modern town planning and the rule of conduct of town planning.

Diagram 3: Pedestrian Paths Separation

There were several key characteristics of this theory. The ideal site to build is a level site

due to over intensifying traffic flow a level site is seen as a normal solution towards a problem.

The divisions of different districts as well is divided into three major parts, The City, The

Industrial City and The Garden City. Each of the districts has its own specific function although

are combined into a single township.

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

Diagram 4: Centralised District

The theory also suggests that roads and traffics should lie below street level away from

dwellings and pedestrian. There will also be two great roads connecting the north-south and

east-west axis of the city. It is also emphasized that open spaces must be increased and filled

with parks and landscaping.

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

Interpretation : Kuala Lumpur The Contemporary City

Diagram 5: Diagram Depicting Kuala Lumpur City Centre by Le Corbusier

Applying the theories of Le Corbusier to planning of Kuala Lumpur City Center a more

direct circulation and path is generated. The city core of the center which comprises of

skyscrapers is seen. The main roads of the city centre is rerouted towards the north- south and

east- west axis which makes the city more easier to navigate compared to before. Extending

from the city core are the residential areas. The theory suggested that the residential areas

should be kept away from the business district due to its function as a resting area.

Moving out from the rectangular plane of the residential areas are the industrial and

farming area. This area according to Corbusier's theory are meant to be a green lung where all

the pollution of the core get absorbed by this area. The area also occupy the largest area as

described by his theory itself.

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

Diagram 6: Sketch Depicting the office district by Le Corbusier

Key characteristics of ' The Contemporary City' such as the elevated pedestrian

walkways which helps reduce congestions and intersections helps makes the city move faster.

As Le Corbusier theory suggest a fast city is a livable city. Greenery is also one of the key

aspect of the theory. Nature is a thing which human's can relate to and feel comfortable with.

Therefore, trees and plants are planted throughout the entire district to elevate the sense of the

user's.

By applying the theory into Kuala Lumpur City Centre a more forward city is seen. The

way the roads links each other made it possible to commute from the residential district to the

office district without a hassle. The Industrial district as well helps clear pollutants from the core

of the city whereby it is a really relevant aspect in today's architecture world.

Theorizing Architecture: PART 1 Analyzing " Through The Eyes " of an Architect

References:

1) Le Corbusier (1960); and Peter Blake, Le Corbusier: Architecture and Form (1964)

2) The Machine and the Grand Design (1969), Le Corbusier's city planning project

3) Le Corbusier - Great Buildings Online (2011) . Retrieved from

http://greatbuildings.com/architects/le_corbusier.html