Learning Objectives

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. To discover the relationship between cultural influences and the architectural development in South Vietnam

2. To have a deeper understanding of urban planning issues and the interplay of the matrices of determinants involving physical attributes, commercial feasibility, social fabrics as well as political factors in particular relating to Generation Z (Those born between the early 1990s and the early 2000s).

3. To be aware of the impact of rapid urbanization on the environment and the need for sustainable development in the urban planning process.

4. To gain an insight of Singapore’s strengths in urban planning and sustainable environmental management skill-sets

Friday, May 27, 2011

Day 3: Reflections – Stacey Yip

Cao Dai Temple

This temple has an integration of 3 different religions: Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. The colours red, yellow and blue represents the religion respectively. The purpose of this fusion of different religions is to allow them to live in peace and harmony. The god in Caodaism is symbolized by the left eye. This was because the left eye is closer to the heart. On the ceiling, there were some pictures of 4 supernatural animals. The dragon represents power (of the King), phoenix represents beauty, unicorn represents prosperity and the turtle represents longevity. Catholic was also incorporated as there was a hierarchical system present in the temple. The temple had 9 steps where their God is at the highest rank. During prayers, caodaist would sit accordingly to their rank. The stars on the globe and on the ceiling represents the universe.

Chu Chi Tunnel

The southern Vietnamese men protected themselves using the traps they used to hunt animals to “trap” the invaders moreover they built themselves a complex network of tunnels. The soldiers were generally small in size and was able to hid in the tunnels they dug for themselves in times of need with clean air entering the tunnel through a hole on the surface. The tunnels were built using simple equipments: a hoe and a weaved basket. They used the Saigon River as an escape route and as a water source. People that were not fighting in the war helped find bomb shells and remake it into their own weaponry.

My experience during the short trip inside the tunnel was a memorable one. The enclosed walls made it very warm and uncomfortable. Movement was limited and cramp. I had this feeling of when the tunnel would end and we would finally be able to leave this dark place and see the light, I never thought that I would miss the light that much.

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