Theories of Asian Architecture
Project 1: Contextual Study Sketch Journal of a Traditional Street
Reflection
When I was a kid, I used to get lost in my little world of doodles and daydreams. I didn’t have fancy tools or a clear goal—just a notebook, a pen, and a big imagination. Fast forward to this project on Jalan Lebuh Armenian, and it felt like stepping back into that same creative headspace, only this time, the canvas was an actual street full of life, history, and color.
Exploring the street was like peeling back layers of a really old, intricate painting. The shophouses, murals, and temples weren’t just “there”—they had a vibe, a personality that drew you in. I couldn’t help but notice the little things, like how the sunlight hit the tiles or how the faded walls told stories of a past I could only guess at. It wasn’t just about looking; it was about feeling connected to the space.
That said, the day wasn’t all smooth sailing. The heat was intense, and I was constantly wiping sweat off my face while trying to keep my sketches from smudging. My friends and I laughed it off, though, turning every struggle into a shared joke. It was messy and exhausting, but in the best way possible.
What surprised me most was how much I learned without even realizing it. Sketching those buildings wasn’t just about getting the details right—it was about understanding why they mattered and how they fit into the bigger picture of the street’s history. By the time I handed in the project, I felt like I’d captured something more than just lines on paper.
Looking back, it wasn’t just about the architecture or the assignment—it was about the experience. I’d love to go back one day, not to sketch again but to just wander and soak it all in without a deadline looming over me. It’s the kind of place that leaves a mark on you, long after you’ve left.
Reflection
For this assignment, we worked as a group to select a traditional street from a curated list provided in Project 1. After some discussion, we chose Armenian Street in George Town, Penang, as our focus. Together, we explored the street’s distinctive features and examined the challenges it faces, particularly the overgrowth of mural art and the impact of modernization. Our observations were documented through detailed sketches and collaborative discussions.
The project required us to identify the key phenomena affecting the street and uncover the underlying issues tied to these changes. From there, we proposed strategies to address the challenges, using case studies to support our solutions and provide context. To present our findings, we created a visually engaging poster that summarized our research and ideas. We also prepared a set of presentation slides to narrate our insights and deliver a cohesive explanation of our work.
Reflecting on this project, it was both an eye-opening and rewarding experience. It pushed us to look beyond surface-level aesthetics and critically analyze how rapid modernization and the overgrowth of mural art could alter the street’s cultural identity. While the project was challenging, especially in balancing creative and analytical aspects, it helped us improve our teamwork, presentation skills, and ability to convey ideas visually.
The experience deepened our appreciation for Armenian Street’s heritage and reminded us of the importance of preserving its authenticity amidst change. Despite the hard work and occasional struggles, we left the project with a sense of pride and a better understanding of how design and culture intersect.
