Based on my understanding of this weeks lectures and readings, "everyday urbanism" is about developing an awareness and an appreciation for the aspects of daily life (routines, processes, habits, matters of course) as well as aspects of built physical space that we inhabit which are typically not emphasized because they may be ordinary, less glamorous, or simply expected. These lessons suggest that we as students of architecture, should consider these "everyday" occurrences and attempt to elevate them and make them exceptional in addition to the "specialized activities" in which we tend to naturally focus on. Additionally, it is important to think about the user and how spaces may be "inhabited" in ways we may not anticipate. It would be ideal to develop solutions that allow spaces to adapt overtime or simply become canvases for the "art" of the user.
I personally really enjoy and appreciate architecture which gives a more humble impression and becomes a sort of backdrop for activity rather than defining the activity. I really enjoyed the case study of the Hillside Terrace in Tokyo where the outdoor spaces produce the feeling of walking through an old city with designed complexity and density and where the outdoor spaces begin to intertwine with the indoor spaces. I also really appreciated its approach to "group form" where separate elements of the campus are related not necessary through form or a rationalized order but rather through "voids" and the flows that connect one to the next.
I agree that tactical architecture in cities/communities/neighborhoods that are rapidly changing is incredibly important for allowing the user to gain some agency over their space and have the ability to use architecture as a "canvas." However, we must also acknowledge and tackle concerns raised about the concept of "generous architecture," as highlighted in Johanna's post. While advocating for tactical architecture is essential, I believe it should be tempered with the understanding that we need to ensure public and shared spaces offer more than just the bare essentials.
ReplyDeleteI agree that one of architecture's jobs is to elevate the everyday, and Hillside Terrace seems to do that in some ways. I feel that everyday urbanism, however, tends to coopt users' improvised ways of using space rather than learning from them and improving urbanistic approaches for all.
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