BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

(ARC61303/ARC2224)

SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)

Name: Ong Seng Peng ID No.: 0319016

Lecturer: Mr Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time: 8am

Reader/Text Title: Learning from Las Vegas Synopsis No: 1

Author: Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, Steven

Izenour

Multi-media signboards or symbolic representation are some of the effective ways to convey

information, it informs items sold in particular shops as well as services or functions of the building. While

“modern architecture abandoned a tradition of iconology”, we can learn from Las Vegas. People get their way

around relying on signboards or symbolic representation, sometimes they enhance the outlook of the buildings

and the streetscape. Also, the stark LED light make the whole town appear to be livelier at night, cultivating

more leisure activities, making the signboards entertaining to the viewers as well. Other aspects such as the

interior fittings make the casinos come alive. Architects need to see things in a layman’s perspective, not just

purely focusing on form, space and other conventional aspect. Architects need to accept other factors such

as technology, building program, multi-media and so forth that can greatly affect the experience within the

building.

Nowadays, most buildings are very influence by Modernist or Minimalism styles, architecture

becomes less distinctive. Buildings designed can be placed anywhere in the world. Unlike in a historical town,

public and private space are clearly distinguished. Buildings that are more important have more articulation

from inside out. Streets are designed to be easily accessible for humans. Look at the mega city of Tokyo

today, due to its huge population and swift development, traditional houses which are culturally significant are

no longer practical. People embraced Modernism due to high value of land and effectiveness of construction.

In the urban context, many buildings are arrange close together. It’s a neo-symbolism in the modern word. It

would be hard to distinguish the building’s function if the signboards are absent.

The author has a point, when the context gets too big, people start to lose the sense of direction.

Signboards and other similar symbolic representation actually leads people through the space.

Word Count: 307 Mark Grade

Assessed by: Date Page No.