Reading Response: Abbas, M. A. & Tsutsui W.M.

There are three types of architecture, real, surreal, and hyperreal.

Real architecture refers to buildings designed for practical purposes and functionality. Tokyo and Hong Kong have many real structures such as office and residential buildings, transportation hubs, and public infrastructure.

Surreal architecture means structures that challenge our perceptions and expectations of what a building should look like. Tokyo and Hong Kong incorporate surreal buildings such as the Tokyo Skytree and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Hyperreal architecture mainly talks about buildings designed to create an experience that is more intense and exaggerated than reality. Cities like Tokyo and Hong Kong are known for their bright lights and neon signs, which make them feel artificial and hyper-stimulated.

Although the authors use these three words to evaluate Hong Kong and Tokyo, we can also see the differences. Hong Kong’s urban architecture is characterized by its previous colonization, the political changes brought about by the establishment of the new China, and the cultural attitudes chosen by the Hong Kong people, while Tokyo’s architecture is characterized by its natural disasters, the effects of World War II, and the subsequent economic recession and oil shortages.

Name: Xu Deming

UID: 3036100662

1 thought on “Reading Response: Abbas, M. A. & Tsutsui W.M.

  1. CCHU9034 says:

    A structured piece of writing with an attempt to comprehend architecture with the approach of classification. Sufficient examples referenced from the writing are used to support your point of view. You have also demonstrated your abilities to compare Tokyo and Hong Kong with relevant historical and contextual backgrounds.

    Reply

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