BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: Wong Cho Mun ID No.: 0322723
Lecturer: Mr. Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time: 10am
Reader/Text Title: Learning from Las Vegas Synopsis No: text 2 (set B)
Author: Robert Verturi, Denise Scott Brown, Steven
Izanour.
The authors begin by introducing the Las Vegas Commercial Strip and explain how modern architecture rather
than enhancing the existing environment has instead preferred to change it. The first part of the book focuses
the intent of the architecture or planner to look at the context and consider it in design, which was mostly
reaction to the predominant modern tendency of the time, that of the modernism.

Based on the commercial values and methods, the author stated that Las Vegas only analyzed as a
phenomenon of architectural communication. Just like analysis of the structure of a Gothic Cathedral no need
to include a debate on the morality of medieval. Analysis of existing America urbanism teaches us architect
make for both inner city renewal and new development to be more understanding and less authoritarian in
the plans. The author also stated that during the last 40years, theorist of modern architecture (Weight and Le
Corbusier sometimes excepted) have highlight on space as the essential ingredient that separates
architecture from painting, sculpture and literature. Therefore, building in Las Vegas recombined and creating
unique building that attract viewer attention. The author also state that Las Vegas is a communication system.
Symbol in space before form in space inform us that communication dominates space as an element in
architecture and landscape. Attractive billboards and straightforward indications persuade drivers to enter the
spaces behind each façade. The front became more important that the back as competitions fight for attention.

To conclude, I feel that learning and adapting from vernacular architecture as they respond well to their sites
climatically and culture is necessary for young architects. We also need to question our self how we look
things so we can understand that we are able to look place objectively and this is a way to becoming
revolutionary. I think this article is highly recemented to young Architect as it is a good example of a
revolutionary movement that critically responded to existing urban environment.

Word Count: 327 Mark Grade

Assessed by: Mr. Nicholas Ng Date Page No. 2