Mapua Institute of Technology

Architectural Essays and Reviews

ASSIGNMENT: Architectural Criticism

Can any architecture built and inhabited in the tropics not be tropical?The point of initiation for most of tropical architecture is the climate. The modern tropical architecture has been an adaptation of modern trends and materials used in design and construction to the climate and the lifestyles originating from the tropical climate. This leads to an exploration of open and semi-open spaces, verandahs and balconies, natural light and ventilation and, open plans.However, the city and the modern lifestyle wrapped around modern technology do not always encourage such natural living. Strong breezes and natural ventilation welcome in hot humid conditions, means that, it brings in dust together with that, some materials deteriorates have a negative effect on high tech electronic equipment and fungi might grow faster destroying them.What is tropical architecture then? Is it just a representation of “tropical” features, or, buildings responding to the “Tropical Lifestyles”? What is then the tropical lifestyle in a modern Asian city and what would be the tropical architecture of the future?

The Bonifacio Global City in Taguig has become a premier business district in the country. Dubbed the Bonifacio High Street, a kilometer-long boulevard of greenery lined with novel retail and office centers is one of the newest commercial areas at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The Bonifacio High Street marries business and leisure with an impressive lineup of well-designed office spaces, and over 150 retail shops and restaurants that are envisioned to boast the latest in creative concepts.

The Piazza at Serendra is a place where amenities are nestled in a lush tropical landscaping that provides both wide, open spaces and private nooks for personal space. A suburban feel is granted by how two-thirds of the entire Serendra development has been dedicated to greenery and open spaces. And finally, exclusive amenities and a unique retail promenade ensure that urban conveniences are but a few steps away.

You are expected to develop an architectural criticism on either Bonifacio High Street or Piazza at Serendra, based on one of the following themes.

1. Interpretation of Modern Tropical Lifestyle in an Asian mega city2. A “Breathing Space” in the new commercial centre

While doing your criticism, take the following steps as a guide;

Study the design of the buildings and development including its layout plan, floor plans, sections and elevations.

Interview the users and if possible, interview the architect Do background research to find out the concepts involved and the approach to design Develop a thesis (a point of view) based on your selected theme. Develop a line of reasoning to strengthen your thesis by taking the design of the building and the

development as an example and discussing various aspects of it.

Mapua Institute of Technology

In your critique, you could complement and agree with the design as a representation of your selected theme, and develop a line of reasoning to strengthen it, or, you could disagree or question it on the basis of your own line of reasoning. Either way, your criticism should be well reasoned out.

Critical Essay

The essay based on your architectural criticism, should be word processed on letter size white paper and should be not less than 1200 words. You are expected to include maps, plans, drawings, photos and sketches to support your theses. It should have a cover page, references and be stapled or bound on one side. The essay should be written individually.

Due Date of Final Essay: Monday, 16 th December, 2013