Reading Review 2

Submitted to Ma’am Soha Macktoom

Submitted by Sohrab Raza - 21567

a) Main Argument of Each Author

Chang and Anthony D. King claim that during the period of British colonialism, the British had
great influence over the tropical architecture. When the British controlled certain areas, they had
great influence over how the buildings were designed and built in those areas. They did this by
controlling the knowledge about architecture in those certain regions. They used their power to
shape how buildings looked and worked in those areas. Furthermore, this also gave rise to a
sense of superiority in the hearts of the colonizers. This control was exercised through
institutions like the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and various publications and
guidelines. As a result, the British had a significant say in how buildings were designed and built
in tropical regions.
Hannah’s argument in the second reading is a bit different than the above. Hannah does seem to
agree that such the colonizers had an influence over the architecture. However, she also argues
that people like architects and local builders also had a sway in how buildings were designed and
built. Instead of highlighting one authority influencing something, she presents a broader
perspective.

b) Significance of the Reading

We already understand that influential groups have control over things like economy and politics.
But we also need to understand that these groups might also have great influence over how our
buildings have been built and what are the implications of that. Perhaps these buildings suit the
interest of the colonizers rather than the inhabitants of the region. It might be the case that a
region faces dire climate change primarily because of how these buildings are built. This review
is supposed to be free of bias, but I wouldn’t let someone else grow rice on my field when I
actually want to grow wheat.
Hannah’s reading is also significant because she depicts that the process is not influenced solely
by one authority. She shows that many different people and ideas come together to shape
architecture. It's not just a top-down process.
 c) Greatest Impact on Southern Cities

I believe that the conception provided by Chang and Anthony D. King had more impact on the
architecture of the southern cities. Firstly, there was a direct power dynamic and the British held
absolute power over how the architecture was designed. And not only were the practices
standardized, but there were also uprisings of racial discrimination and a feeling of superiority
among the colonizers. Everything was done in favor of the colonizers’ interests.

d) Positionality and Biases

Chang and Anthony D. King’s work seems quite emphasized towards the British’s use of power
to influence knowledge. Although the arguments are critical, we cannot say for sure if there are
any biases in their work.
Hannah’s argument is more inclusive. She considers the possibility of other factors coming into
play. There don’t seem to be biased opinions in the arguments of Hannah.
The positionality of the former definitely has an effect over the argument and its credibility,
considering the sensitivity of the matter.

e) Unanswered Bits

Chang and Anthony D. King did not cover the long-term aspects of the colonial architecture in
the Southern cities. Do any of the buildings designed by the colonizers have any adverse effects
on the climate of the city? This might be one question left unanswered by the authors.
Hannah, on the other hand, did not talk about whether there might have been disagreements
between the colonizers and the local builders and architects. Were there instances of conflict
within the ‘networks’ and how did these instances impact architectural decision-making?