Junk Space

Upon research of Junkspace this image stood out among the rest. It is not of the city, public space, or a building, but with close examination a compiling of boxed and mirrors that reflect them. “Junkspace is additive, layered, and lightweight, not articulated in different parts but subdivided,”… The photograph seems to be a discussion on this layering of objects and the distortion that creates an entirely new thing. " http://cargocollective.com/eugina/13-JUNK-SPACE-Photography "

 

This image corresponds to an article about the transformation of 4 cities’ alleyways into public spaces. Junkspace is being used as a form of activated public space. The city is trying to win back the unused, and often times desolate, spaces to benefit the public interest. Unlike Koolhaas’ argument that Junkspace has infiltrated all of our spaces and cannot be removed, these cities are stating that it is possible to change a space for the better. " http://urbanful.org/2014/12/29/laneways-coming-life-north-america/ "

 

This shopping center like many in America is showing its age. Built to house the workings of a capitalist society driven by the consuming of goods, it is losing its importance within the public. Strips of commercial shopping are replacing the large mall experience. These spaces were developed to be longer lasting facilities, but are now just reminders that architecture in today’s society is transient and replaceable always changing.

Like many downtown cities Asheville went through a period of decline, ad has only been revitalized within the last 30 years. This article talks about the development of the downtown as a historic restoration. At one point there was a proposal to demolish a large portion of the city and rebuild a commercial center. Wanting to retain the characteristics of the city, the people rejected the idea. Here it can be seen that the value of actual public spaces opposed to retail shopping centers was valued more by the society. 

 

Downtown Asheville has many surface parking lots which are utilized during weekends and events, but these open spaces are not fully consumed during the day. As public spaces that are incorporated into the landscape of the city they should bring value to the public and function in some beneficial way at all times. How do we occupy these spaces when they are not in use and activate this junkspace within the city?