SPIRIT
contents
1
What is AxB?
AxB represents the core concept of our design philosophy. A and B are unknowns which represents two entities, be it public & private, or a bee & a flower, or animals and humans… “x” is the relationship between the two entities; it could be the exchange of sights, sounds, or the sharing of space!
In biology, the relationship between two organisms where both are beneficial from an exchange of services or goods is called mutualistic; whereas in architecture there is no specific terminology to define the subjective experience from actions such as co-habitation or co-existence. It is simply a widely accepted fact that we live in close association with people, and much effort has been given to isolate ourselves from our chaotic environment.
Examples in nature
eg: flower (A) & bee (B)
The bee and flower exchange goods in the form of pollen; the bee extracts and transports pollen back to the hive; the flower takes the opportunity to spread its seeds.
eg: anemone (A) & clownfish (B)
The sea anemone and the clownfish exchange a service; the sea anemone provides a home for the clownfish; in exchange the clownfish protects the sea anemone from predators.
Core philosophy
Our core design philosophy at the studio has always been focused on the dual existence and interrelationship of A and B programs. How do we extract the essence of A and B, such that they retain their thematic identity, yet simultaneously encourage the exchange or sharing of two spaces? Though it may seem that all programs are able to be mixed and matched, but exchanges without discipline and limits will only create disorganization and waste positive energy.
Examples in architecture
eg: six-turtle orphanage
public (red) - children (white)
The public (red) enters the orphanage via the bridge and into the courtyard infront of the church. Guests can walk into the church and through the corridor connecting the dormitory and out into the hills. The dormitories (white) are for the children to live in, and each house is connected by the corridor. The children can run around inside freely, and in order to protect the privacy of the children, there are no windows facing inwards.
eg: hsinchu zoo
public (red) - animals (white)
By walking down the left or right stair nodes, the public (red) can enter an underpass to further observe the animals in the Pits (white). In order to respect the privacy of the animals when looking at them up close, the underpass peeks at them through crevices and cracks. The two worlds red and white intermingle through the underpass, yet do not cross over, or else you will be eaten.
eg: night market
Chaos often breeds life,
while order often breeds habit.
-Henry Adams
High volume of information exchanged in a high density area.
keywords
mixed-use
life as we know it
mutualism
co-habitation
neon lights and signs
vendor a, b, c, d, e, f….
chaos breeds order
flexibility
informal structure
informal life
public vs private space
density and flow
the finale of capitalism
phenomenon
The night markets of Taiwan are filled with chaos, yet it is precisely from this mess that radiates a form of vernacular energy. The alluring deconstruction of sanitation rules, privacy invasion, and survival of the fittest (or loudest) are just a few of the elements which compose this symphony of lives.
Through the kaleidoscope of vitality, a closer inspection reveals the co-habitation of a multitude of functions. The natural exchange of programs and the transfer of sight, sound, touch and space has raised the question: How do we extract the essence of A and B, such that they retain their thematic identity, and at the same time creates a mutualistic sharing of space?
The night market is an open system, and we are the particles which flow through it. Can you imagine a regular night in the market where pedestrian flow is without hindrance, therefore increasing a maximum exchange of consumerism? Or perhaps the eating areas of the vendors have glass enclosures, allowing us to eat in peace and a sanitary environment?
From this nightly performance of congestion and the exchange of goods and senses, we see possibilities in the improvement of these micro relationships in the larger system. The x in AxB is precisely these possibilities; how do we retain who we are, yet at the same time create an improved version of ourselves?
2
Beneath the arcade
Beneath the slab (red), the vitality of the city flows from one 3.64m module to another.
keywords
3.64m module
expansion of space
shelter from sun & rain
corridor of the city
dashed line
storage usage
commercial & retail display
for the public
for private use
exchange of function
sharing of space
informal Taipei
co-habitation
private seizure
phenomenon
The emergence of the arcade phenomenon in South-East Asia is one out of necessity. It is a tool to alleviate the stress of urban density; it is a silent acknowledgement amongst neighbors to provide shelter for pedestrians from sun and rain, and it has since evolved and integrated our lives within this 3.64m space. Today, it serves a multitude of functions, from being a corridor which connects city blocks, to a showroom which displays retail goods; it is the front and back yard equivalent of American homes, we drink tea here, and we attend funerals here.
I urge you to walk in these spaces and observe the ingenuity of owners finding creative ways to get the most out of their allotted space while still providing a narrow path for pedestrians. More importantly, this phenomenon has led to an intermingling of functions; the arcade has brewed a concoction of dangerous and enchanting functional hybrids which challenges all architectural textbooks.
Beware that it is not the informality which is most alluring, but the effect it has on the relationship between the humans who are performing different tasks. Where else can you find the co-habitation of vendor booths, dining areas, parking lots, storage units, and the living room of an old man?
3
Rebirth of rooftop platform
“Is it not against all logic that the uppermost layer of a city converses only with the stars?”
-Le Corbusier
phenomenon
The skyline of Taiwan’s cities have always been a nightmare. The most poetic city of the skies has been overrun due to lack of government regulations. The deterioration of waterproofing, the unbearable temperatures of rooftop platforms along with concepts of storage functionality and green houses are all factors which slowly gave rise to the illegal occupation of rooftops we see today. This has raised much concern over architectural aesthetics and even dangerous construction methods.
If the social aspect of rooftop platforms can be given more notice then more diversity will be allowed for the public’s benefit. If we were to utilize these rooftop extrusions to create gardens or playgrounds for rest and pavilions for gazing, perhaps we can solve the problem over saturated and disorganized skylines of Taiwan’s cities!
4
Light structure
phenomenon
“…A column split in two, T-shaped joint extends onto structure, the formation of light structure, the separated column allows for electrical and plumbing wiring to pass through (and air-con, internet…) embedded within this spatial framework. The derivative joint detail, the wall claws need to be designed with the whole framework in mind. The rhythmic modular floor slabs uses custom metal deck modules, then lightweight concrete is poured upon…”
5
Membrane
phenomenon
Abiding by the unspoken agreement of co-habitation, the countryside of Taiwan is uniformly sloppy and disorganized. It is through this organic sprawl which gives birth to an aesthetic theory of Taiwan.
Many architects and artists have attempted to illustrate the vernacular image. Store signs, pigeon cages, power lines, neon lights, folding sheet metal, C-channels… are all elements which can be extracted from the local style of common architecture. Through the kaleidoscope of life, any such chaotic scenery can be elevated to a higher level of interpretation.
Through an analogy of bones and skin or light structure and wire mesh, this allows “the logic of construction” to be concealed under “the irrrationality of the facade”, unifying both conflict and harmony in this aesthetic system.