Context - Chin Yi Hong 1001542729

' Context ' is a wide definition which consists of different kind of factors . It is an important purpose in design stage no matter it happens in the past or at the present . 

In a broad sense , it includes the culture , the economy , the population and even the language of a specific area ; In a limited and common sense , it can be the surroundings , the circumstances , the environment , background , contour or settings that determine , specify , or clarify the significance of an occurrence . It brings negative impacts due to the human activities or environmental factors . For examples , the circulation or the vegetation of the surrounding which brings in the physical or visual effect . It is interrelated to the boundary lines . 

Differ from the ' context ' , the other terms like ' site ' , ' situation ' and ' location ' are the '  position ' derived from the finalized design after considering different kind of issues , environmental impacts or any other purposes in advanced . For example , the design team has to consider everything which mentioned before while determining the actual location of the building such as the shopping mall has to be located at the most populated area to play an important role . 

To me , ' Context ' can be considered as a sign of the times or a difference between civilizations as it is predominantly a physical , social , economical or political issue . Depends on the human activities which derived from the culture and the population  , it reflects and displays the phenomenon of the area or even an era .  


" A Sign of the Times " 

For me , the most suitable city to reflect this quote is Kuala Lumpur . Kuala Lumpur was a swampy area before it was found by Yap Ah Loy - the man who played an important role in developing the city of Kuala Lumpur . Undergoing a long process of development , the context of Kuala Lumpur has totally changed from an unconspicuous area to a metropolis .

Old Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Nowadays

" A Difference between Civilizations "

Kuala Lumpur 's skyline

Ipoh Shophouses

In details , the development of different areas or different times is different . For instance ， Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia , the population flows in from every directions and this purpose makes it rapidly developed due to the needs of the population . Therefore  , many buildings are designed as high-rise building to adapt the new civilization . The pictures shown in figure reflect the difference between the civilization of different areas . 



Case Study

For case study , I would like to use the Marina Bay of Singapore as an example . 
Marina Bay serves as the most significant spot of Singapore is the most important hub for economical , social or political factors . 

the Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline

" It is the human intelligent enlightenments " , by Moshe Safdie - the founder of Marina Bay Sands . The designer’s appropriate interpretation of cultural context of this architecture has endowed it with vitality and energy , making it the paradigm of soul dwelling and spiritual home of human beings . It ushers a door for modern architectures to be built with rich flavor of spirituality . 
As Tom Schumacher said , " urban form is seen as possessing a life of its own, irrespective of use, culture and economic conditions " , with this concern , Marina Bay is able to be the most populated spot .

First of all , in architectural factor , Marina Bay represents all things modern and super-stylish of Singapore , from trendy dining destinations to exciting leisure spots which marveled at the collection of architectural icons that dot the impressive skyline or brag about having seen some of the best views in the world . In economical factor , Marina Bay is the biggest attractive spot and also the pivot point in which tourism here is going to explode and it controls the economy of Singapore . In social factor , due to the rapid development , the quality life of the residence will be enhanced . In political factor , Marina Bay represents the civilization of Singapore . It can be considered as a pillar stone which pushes Singapore forward to be a First World Country .

Hack back to the subject , in context , the relationship between Marina Bay and its context is interrelated . By considering the factors on above , Marina Bay is located at a pivot point to play an important role in environmental factor . It is located beside the sea as an obvious vision to attract people .

location of Marina Bay

The picture shown in figure is the downtown Marina Bay development plan . It is aimed at not only economic progress but also national unity and identity . More than an international and business financial hub , it is envisioned to be a dynamic , waterfront ‘ Garden City by the Bay ’ , a place in which to ‘ explore , exchange and entertain ’ , juxtaposing ‘ live , work and play ’ . It seeks to provide for public recreation and amenities , encouraging mixed uses for a vibrant urban environment as Le Corbusier said , " for the task before us is to satisfy men's hearts " . Part of the concept was a continuous waterfront promenade that combined with a cultural loop , that included arts and leisure facilities as well as green recreational spaces . 

Marina Bay and its Context

The picture shown in figure shows how Marina Bay connecting with other attractive spots . It has transformed the whole area become the central part of Singapore . It differentiates the eras of Singapore by showing the development .

Overall , the relationship between Marina Bay and its context is closely related . It is more into the economical and political factors which emphasizing the development . It is like a hierarchy within the area which stands out from the context of itself . By solving all the issues and impacts , it fulfills the needs of new generations by advanced technological skills which lead Singapore to a higher position .

Reference :
http://www.asianurbanepicenters.com/?p=919
http://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/marina-bay-area.html
https://www.scientific.net/AMM.209-211.126