Talk Architecture

Send us Fan Mail

The current practice of architecture may not be of concern with the theory of architecture, but more than 2,000 years ago in Rome, the theory of architecture was regarded the same as the practice of architecture. Quoted by Vitruvius on "Utility, Strength, and Beauty" as the fundamental principles of architecture, the architect, builder, and engineer in the Roman times in Antiquity were not separated entities but are one and the same. The 10 books of Architecture, talked about the practice and qualifications of the 'architect', construction and materials, building types, and also, the aesthetic principles of the orders. In this day and age, the aesthetics, structure, and functional aspects are dealt with separately. At the very least, the theory of architecture enables the architect to reflect on the current situation of the profession and in the many themes and studies, we could reflect on what had gone before and what has transpired since and the state we are in, so that we may be able to decide on the future better.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Vitruvian Man", illustration in the edition of De architectura by Vitruvius; illustrated edition by Cesare Cesariano (1521) from Wikipedia

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

This is a podcast outlining the questions and discussion points that will be addressed in this session: “Session #1 - School of Architecture ” the topic of "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?"
The host of Talk Architecture, Naziaty Mohd Yaacob will be discussing with Amna Emir, Cheah Ee Von, Huat Lim and moderated with Nur Izzati among others.
You won't want to miss it!
Please be at the session hosted by the clubhouse room:  School of Architecture. Tuesday, 21 Sep at 8:30 PM MYT @clubhouse

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Core programs for design thesis" poster by Ahmad Zaldarriaga Sadain 

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

In the second part of a recent podcast in series 6, we continue with the discussion of how the theory of architecture includes the human perspective in terms of "function". Based on the Bloomberg City Lab article written by Anna Zivarts, on April 23, 2021, entitled "The ‘15-Minute City’ Isn’t Made for Disabled Bodies", we discussed further how it is important for architects and designers to relearn about "function". Additional training on how to "design with empathy" would make designers be good designers and include all persons when they design as they would be thorough in the understanding of the barriers and the critical dimensions needed to design for disabled persons.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Leaf" using acrylics by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

In series 6, we continue with the discussion of how the theory of architecture includes the human perspective in terms of "function". Based on the Bloomberg City Lab article written by Anna Zivarts, on April 23, 2021, entitled "The ‘15-Minute City’ Isn’t Made for Disabled Bodies", we discussed how urban planners are not having the conversation to include disabled persons when they suggest concepts such as the "15-Minute City", where the idea of "speed over access" is prioritized. The design of a city is based on an able-bodied perception focused on efficiency. The host suggests that the lack of understanding of the needs of disabled persons is the reason for the oversight.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Aidan's drawings" by Aidan Azlan

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

Concluding part of the journey: Amna A Emir on "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?" (Part 2)

Amna related her Part 2 Diploma years unit journey as a student at the AA school of architecture and concluded skeptically on whether Malaysian Architecture Schools can be like the AA.  It is notable that the AA student even in the first year considered the shaping of their school of thought parallel to developing the thesis. Amna pointed out the results of the learning outcome after each year, either program or strategy, and that is really an important factor for any academic to recognize, that differs from the production and technical work. Do listen in to find out!

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Decayed leaf" by Amna A Emir

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

Special Guest 2: Amna A Emir on "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?" (Part 1)

Amna takes us on a  journey as a student at the AA school of architecture, in this podcast episode, bringing us, close to her experiences, from Year 1 to Year 3.  Some points discussed include - Amna using her intuition to find and fit into a unit, appreciating the total freedom of creating her own brief, the idea of traveling, the idea of education not fixed to a place, finding your school of thought, with the many diverse units available, and finally finding it in Year 3. Let's take a ride back in time during the late Alvin Boyarsky's time and find out what Amna's first three years at the AA school were like.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork): "Bridges" by Amna A Emir

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

Teaser: Our guest for the next interview session on  "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?" will be:
Amna A Emir, designer, architect and mother, and a director at Neuformation, and we shall have a really good insight on what happens to the student as Amna will take us on a  journey as a student at the AA school of architecture. Amna did say earlier in another podcast (30 January 2021 - Architects are Artists) that AA is the place to have the "convergence of a laboratory of thoughts",  so what does that mean? What really happened at the AA school? See you soon.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (art work): "Self-portrait" by Amna A Emir

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

"The concluding part, with Huat Lim, AA Dip. The 3rd in our series on "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?"

In this conversation, Huat argues further on the need to "ask deeper questions", such as probing more about nature, when the topic is "bio-mimicry". We need to cultivate a questioning mind and not assume things. Other subjects discussed are the influences on his education and the necessary approach to design. Huat concluded with: Yes, Malaysian Architecture Schools can be like the AA school. So do listen in to find out how!

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork) of "sketch " by Huat Lim

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

Special Guest 1: Huat Lim, AA Dip. The 3rd in our series on "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?"

All the questions asked, including 'what is the difference between AA grads and non AA grads', 'is designing a kitchen as complex as designing a building', 'how AA school teaches you to think', and many more right here in Part 1 and later Part 2, more on the problem with architecture education, and how to ask questions.

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork) of "Point 92" ZLG Design

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan Mail

A teaser on the upcoming interview and conversation with Huat Lim, Managing Director of ZLG Design on the topic of "Can Malaysian Architecture Schools be like the AA School?" We will unpack a lot of stuff on the learning experience as Huat graduated from the AA school in the early 80s.

Huat Lim contributed as a part-time tutor in my 3rd-year design studio back in 2000 and 2001. I was conscious that I needed a strong theoretical and critical approach to assist with the studio learning back then and found out that Huat had been an external tutor in the AA school in the mid-80s. Now zoom into the last few years and we found Huat teaching as a part-time tutor in three private universities and colleges and has been consistently contributing with his lectures on a variety of intriguing topics. His experience as a design practitioner is prolific, with working on the Stansted Airport and Nimes Art Museum with Fosters and Associates, the Singapore Library with Ken Yeang, and producing works such as Boh Estate Visitors Centre and Point 92, among other notable works. 

© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
Photo (artwork) of "profile pic" of Huat Lim

Support the show

Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere!