Junkspace grows by itself
This lecture reminds me a very special precedents about junk space, the 'Kowloon Walled city' in Hong Kong. It is a solid 2.7 hectare block of unrestrained city. At last century, it was the most densely populated place on earth, with 3,250,000 people per square mile, compared to Hong Kong’s mere 17,000. Our history gave us the best opportunity for this city to grow. To avoid putting further strain on relations, China and British developed a 'hands off' approach to this city, leaving the enclave more or less ungoverned by police, building codes, health laws, or any other form of regulation. The population of the city boomed as refugees and small business to take advantage of this city where you didn't need a visa, a license to operate, or to pay any tax.
Because the buildings are so dense that the interwoven series of stairs and passageways make you could travel from one end of enclave to the other, without ever touching ground. Only the people who live here can find their way out.
I think there were no architects who intentionally designed this amazing junk space. It was growing by itself at the right time, right space, and from the right people. There is no limitation, no codes for buildings here. And the land is so limited. Then this amazing junk space was made gradually by people who lived here. Like Koolhaas mentioned, what important is the interior. There gradually grew some communities who were in charge of their safety and life. It was not the end of the world.
I think to be an architect, we can provide the basic infrastructure for people. If there is needs, the amazing junk space will grow by itself.
This is a really interesting example architecture driven by people and communities. At first glance we cringe at the chaotic nature of it, but I think the major concept of creating minimal architecture for people to transform and occupy it in their own way is neat. I believe architecture functions better when the people who occupy it are personally invested and connected to it.
ReplyDeleteJunkspace grows with or without architects. It's a bigger phenomenon than us or any one profession. As far as junkspace is concerend we are all architects. We can only operate within it, acknowledging our limitations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lauren's comment above, but the fact that building departments, codes, and health departments - government agencies - were leaving the building alone to grow development is not in the best interest of life, safety, and wellness of the public. All buildings should be inspected to make sure they are safe and can handle the loads associated with them. I am in support of an organic growing community - even one that makes its own decisions, but it first needs to be regulated for safety. If the building(s) were to collapse, that would be a terrible thing for the community.
ReplyDeleteI think people desire to live in spaces that feel natural and also organized. This creates an interesting problem for architects. Where is the line between organic growth that is naturally infused with feelings of authenticity, and organization which creates a safer, more easily navigated and understood space?
ReplyDeleteI really love this example of Kowloon as I'm familiar with this project and while talking about Junkspace this city does come to mind. Its an interesting take to think about the ways junkspace forms, whether through architects or through civilians. I feel like the example of Kowloon was created through a need from the people but it was something that grew bigger than intended.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting example. It worth a deep study on it. However, I don't think "junkspace" has a strong connection with "junk". That is just a concept that Koolhaas tries to define the emerging phenomenon of architecture spreading immoderately and finally connecting each other.
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