Students are required to present an in-depth and analytical research study on the designated topic. Students are to explore the idea of “Life Between Buildings Using Public Space” (1986) by Jahn Gehl. The project consisted of 2 parts; the first is case study and the second part is to produce a comparative analysis essay.

Objectives:
1. To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies.
2. To enhance the understanding of the complexity of architecture and the ability to undertake independent research.

This project comprises of 2 parts:
• Part 1: Case Study
• Part 2: A Comparative Analysis Essay

Part 1
Students are to read Jahn Gehl’s Life Between Buildings (Chapter 1). Subsequently, in group, students are to examine patterns of social activities in a city (foreign city to be provided by instructor*) and identify ‘contact points’. They are to classify the varying degrees of contact intensity.
The city given for our group is Nguyen Hue, Ho Chi Minh.

Part 2
Part 2 of the project requires students to write a comparative analysis essay based on findings from case study (Part 1) and local site research. The local site studied is Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR).
Students are to examine similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of ‘contact points’. And the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities.
A comparative analysis essay is a commonly used type of writing assignment where students are require to critically analyze any two subjects, finding and pointing out their similarities and/or dissimilarities. Students are expected to research for information from publications, internet and other relevant sources. For local site, students are expected to conduct own site observation.

The comparative analysis are compiled into an A4 essay report.