Identity Theft by Chooi Si chok

IDENTITY THEFT Written by C hooi Si C hok / I D : 566065 The University of Melbourn e / ye ar 2013 2 1 s t Cent ury Arch it ect ure / ABPL 9 0117 _2 013_SM2 Printed in Aust ralia

IDENTITY THEFT CH OOI SI CH OK

This book is dedicated to my family for their endless support and to companions who have inspired me along the way.

IDE NTITY THEF T IN TRODU CTI O N

THRE E F RAM EWORKS

PROGRAM / P ERF O RMA NCE / TECTO NI CS

PROGRA M

IDEN TITY W I TH I N

PE RFORM A NCE IDEN TITY B ETWE EN

TE CTO NICS

IDEN TITY B EYO ND

C ONT INUITY IN DI VERSITY CON CLUS I O N

CO N FR O N T E D WIT H T H IS MUTAT I O N , T H IS NEW UR BA N C O ND I TION, WE REF USE TO R E COGN ISE T H AT WE A R E P O WE R LE SS TO FO R E STALL IT - R EM KO O L HA AS, 1 996-

A RC H I T E CT U R E CAN N OT CHA N GE T H E E C ONOMIC M A C H I N AT I O NS OF GLO B A L I Z AT ION. - G R A HA M O WEN , 2009-

IDENTITY THEFT

Boundaries between time and space have disintegrated. Globalization unleashes the interchanging of identities continuously replicated, continuously decentered, continuously transformed, continuously reinvented, continuously amalgamated. These pieces, though fragmented and fragile - come together in forming a nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity. But identity is no longer original; it is derived from various places, increasingly disconnected from its roots.

What then is authenticity? How can we achieve an authentic identity separated from the mass which has subconsciously defined our existence? Somewhere along the way, we have become lost in translation, losing the sense of being at home. We experience disorientation, which must give way to orientation once again., for within the sub - conscious of each duplicate lies an inevitable search for identity.

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TO LOSE THE SENSE OF FORM IS TO LOSE YOUR WAY, TO LOSE YOUR SELF, TO LOSE YOUR MIND. -MARK WIGLEY, 1996-

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Annett Zinsmeister, Virtual Interior container 5, container 6, container16, 2012, LED, Aluminium lightframe, diasec edition 3, in Impakto [online database], <http://www.annett-zinsmeister.de/Ausstellungen/09_paraflows/rahmen.html>,(accessed 11th november, 2013).

A spatial installation dwelling upon the search for identity in a world where goods and information have crossed borders. Projected images of design elements which have been commonly associated with particular identities are taken from unexpected places.

THREE FRAMEWORKS ---

“TO SEEK THE TIMELESS WAY WE MUST FIRST KNOW QUALITY WITHOUT A NAME.” -CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER, 1979-

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There is a fundamental quality which is the foundation of life and spirit in a person and a place, never identical but particular to the place which it occurs. 2 This “quality without a name” ceases to be defined by a singular entity. It is collectively informed by the multitude spirits of people and forces of nature.

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ARCHITECTURE FORMS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION, TRANSLATING THE IMMATERIAL INTO THE TANGIBLE. ---

With the understanding of identity as interchangeable, continuously evolving and emergent from the collective, architecture in pursuit of place shall be continuously relevant through the provision of fundamental frameworks for the collective writing of place. These frameworks are generic to place but aspire to discover an emergent identity unique to place itself. It creates a forum that surrenders control to a multitude of natural forces, enabling the duplicate to readapt into a hybrid. Three open-ended, architectural frameworks enables the organic manifestation of identity; program, performance and tectonics.

Chooi Si Chok, I am Unique , 2013, altered photograph.

Architecture reimagines the engagement between form and society to discover identity in a globalized world.

PROGRAM | IDENTITY WITHIN

Firstly, in search of an authentic identity, one must discover oneself. A duplicate detached from life along the streets loses its ability to interact with place. It reduces to a stagnant, “modern” shell lacking in character and identity of place. Architectural programming explores the concept of dwelling in space that reflects each society’s unique way of life. Whether it is prescriptive to enable a specific program such as bicycle ramps “experiencing the Danish urban way” 3 spiraling up the Denmark pavilion designed by BIG architects or the complete opposite depiction of a liberated spatial program such as “Eating oysters with boxing gloves, naked, on the 9th floor ” 4 it | captures identifiable characteristics The facade of a building reveals its context within. An of society its context alternate configuration authentic with unexpected to elements engage curiousity, signifying open-ended programs which shape the and translates them into space. way we live. Chooi Si Chok, Portals , 2013, altered photograph.

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PROGRAM | IDENTITY WITHIN

In search of authentic identity, one must discover oneself. The “duplicate detached from life along the streets loses its ability to interact with place. It reduces to a stagnant, “modern” shell lacking in character and identity of place. Architectural programming explores the concept of dwelling in space that reflects each society’s unique way of life. Whether it is prescriptive to enable specific programs such as bicycle ramps spiraling up the Denmark pavilion designed by BIG architects “experiencing the Danish urban way” 5 , or the complete opposite ; a liberated spatial program such as “Eating oysters with boxing gloves, naked, on the 9th floor ” 6 - it captures identifiable characteristics of society. Program authentic to its context translates society’s identity into space.

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PROGRAM BECOMES AN IMPORTANT FRAMEWORK TO REGAIN IDENTITY. IT ALLOWS OCCUPANTS TO WRITE SPACES WITHIN ACCORDING TO THEIR UNIQUE LIFESTYLES.

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Program is a system generated from societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s values. In identifying these values, the architect must know life on the streets. The architect must immerse oneself into the behavioral patterns of society and identify inner authenticity picked apart from the superficial surface of modernity. An architecture that resonates to unique social patterns such as circulation, pace, attractions, repellents, dimensions of the public and private strengthens the notion of how a particular society uses space, creating a habitat where collective desires can flourish.

Chooi Si Chok, Dwelling , 2013, altered photograph.

A blank wall invites exploration into ways it can engage with life on the streets.

Chooi Si Chok, Have it Your Way , 2013, altered photograph.

Public activities in the expression of an individual manner bring flavour to a society. Collectively, a society uses public spaces unique to their identity.

Chooi Si Chok, In Between , 2013, altered photograph.

Spaces in between buildings form important spatial connections which link the city into a single network. An architecture that emphasizes connection unites society to discover their identity.

PERFORMANCE | IDENTITY BETWEEN

Identity of place forms when it extends beyond the boundaries of self-contained embodiments. Through a network of interaction, a cohesive spirit unfolds. How can connection between spaces contribute to the people and people contribute to spaces? This suggests the surrender of the architect to the public in exchange for an openended, transient nature of place. “Utopia” for the architect becomes “death of the author ” 7 . The limit of a single person’s thought then gives way to the collective manifestation of many.

--SPATIAL EXPERIENCE TAKES FORM OF AN EVOLVING GRADIENT DEFINED BY SOCIAL PERFORMANCE. --23

--VARIETY THRIVES INTO A MELODIOUS HARMONY, BREAKING AWAY FROM THE HOMOGENEITY OF GLOBALIZATION.

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Spatial experience is not self-contained, nor is it thought out by an ultimate master plan. Pieces of privatized urban fabric returned to the public realm enable the creation of regional network of links formed by people. Architecture is not alone in discovering identity - it forms ties with people through fashion, music, politics and art. Together, these elements inform and become informed by each other to orchestrate a social system where no elements of identity stand alone; they are identifiable individually just as much as identifiable to one another.

The architect and planner plays an important role to provide “stages” which connect “performances”, encouraging social contact. Connections in physical planning and the power to manipulate possibilities for social contact are important in the design of spaces between buildings. 8 Upon these stages the various performers naturally correlate to each other as they originate from one place. Collectively they discover their identities between each other to form a united language .

| Victor Enrich, Tango 2, Tango 3, Tango 4. 2012, prints, | [online database], <http://victorenrich.com/pictures>, | (accessed 18th october, 2013).

in Victor Enrich

Playful reiteration of a typical post-modern office building depicts the return of privatized urban space to the public. It questions the possibilities in engaging beyond self-contained existence.

Chooi Si Chok, Expression , 2013, altered photograph.

A vibrant platform emerges when boundaries between private and public spaces dissolve into one another.

TECTONICS | IDENTITY BEYOND

Materializing the immaterial is a key medium of communication between architecture and people. The language of tectonics has the power to resonate or rebel to the spirit of place. Similar to languages, it needs to be understood in order for conversation to take place. A one-sided conversation through homogenized construction loses its significance for it lies in isolation. Thus, adoption of new construction techniques and materials require translation into the local context for it to function. Architecture | reaches a sense of belonging when An inversion of Le Corbusier ’s horizontal strip windows along the modernist facade challenges the exploration of foreign tectonics resonate with local tectonics beyond conventional means. climate, resources and topography. Chooi Si Chok, The 6th Element , 2013, altered photograph.

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“CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION IS IS THE THE MOTHER TONGUE OF THE ARCHITECT. THE ARCHITECT IS A POET WHO THINKS AND SPEAKS IN TERMS OF CONSTRUCTION. CONSTRUCTION.” 8 -AUGUSTE -PERRET, PERRET, 19521952-

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TECTONICS | IDENTITY BEYOND

Materializing the immaterial is a key medium of communication between architecture and people. The language of tectonics has the power to resonate or rebel to the spirit of place. Similar to languages, it needs to be understood in order for conversation to take place. A one-sided conversation through homogenized construction loses its significance for it lies in isolation. Thus, adoption of new construction techniques and materials require translation into the local context for it to function. Architecture reaches a sense of belonging when foreign tectonics resonate with local climate, resources and topography.

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CONSTRUCTION IS THE MOTHER TONGUE OF THE ARCHITECT. THE ARCHITECT IS A POET WHO THINKS AND SPEAKS IN TERMS OF CONSTRUCTION. -AUGUSTE PERRET, 1952-

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--THEIR ‘BRANDING’ REFLECTS THEIR CRY FOR ATTENTION, IN ORDER TO ATTRACT, AND IN ORDER TO SURVIVE. -WINY MAAS, 2002-

--Globalization runs on the system of staying relevant or becoming irrelevant. Thus, societies undergo pressure to constantly sustain their relevance by redefining identities. Place establishes identity when its influence goes beyond boundaries. ” Traditional” tectonics can still be relevant in a globalized world. by reinventing local materials and detailing according to the modern criteria : time, cost and quality.

Negative perceptions towards traditional tectonics as being irrelevant are not definite. The tendency of societies in retaining their regional tectonics within their context must be overcome through international appeal. “Modern” tectonics are but iterations originating from another society. The key is to readapt traditional tectonics according to a globalized context, establishing influence beyond borders.

| Victor Enrich, Defense, Medusa. 2012, prints, in Victor Enrich | [online database], <http://victorenrich.com/pictures>, | (accessed 10th november, 2013). U se of tectoni cs i n tra nsl a ting co ntempo rar y id entity.

Chooi Si Chok, Spinning Pottery , 2013, photograph.

The main atrium in Leeum Gallery, Seoul recalls the spinning of traditional pottery. Architect : Mario Botta Client : Samsung Cultural Foundation Completed : year 2004.

CONTINUITY IN DIVERSITY ---

ARCHITECTURE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BRINGING A SOCIETY TOGETHER TO DISCOVER AN IDENTITY WITHIN, BETWEEN AND BEYOND THEIR BORDERS.

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Sense of place is important to counteract duplication of urban experiences in varying places. 11 Within a world of no boundaries, the interchangeability of identity is inevitable. Authenticity cannot be defined by an objective identity but is rather collectively discovered within frameworks of discussion. It reflects and responds to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;quality without a nameâ&#x20AC;? within the spirit of a place. Identity undergoes rapid evolution and has become challenging to capture; it is no longer a single moment in time. Therefore, the architectural translation of place progresses beyond static master plans into establishing frameworks of conversations.

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Annett Zinsmeister, Virtual Interior container 5, 2012, LED, Aluminium lightframe, diasec edition 3, in annett - zinsmeister [online database], <http://www.annett-zinsmeister.de/Ausstellungen/09_paraflows/rahmen.html>,(accessed 11th november, 2013).

The answer remains a timeless path; it lies within collective individuals of society discovering a common language particular to place. Globalization may bring homogeneity - but it is only a mask on the surface. Beneath that suppressive mask lie a richness that is intangible and incomprehensible to the foreigner, waiting to be rediscovered. Diversity of identities between societies is crucial as they accumulate to inspire a place that is alive with innovation, free from the stagnation of globalization.

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Annett Zinsmeister, Transformation and Faltung, 2012, CPrint in annett - zinsmeister [online database], <http://www. a n n e t t-z i n s m e i s t e r. d e / A u s s t e l l u n g e n / 0 9 _ pa ra f l o w s / ra h m e n . html>,(accessed 11th november, 2013).

An architecture that is diverse, breaking beyond spatial conventions - shaped by the people.

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Annett Zinsmeister, Outside in I, 2005, Spatial installation in anti-utopias, tumblr [online database], <http://anti-utopias. tumblr.com/post/52721041250/annett-zinsmeister-outsidein-i-spatial>,(accessed 11th november, 2013).

Plattenbau based on a planned economy explores perceived architectural utopia and diversity through variants of a modular construction system.

Chooi Si Chok, Elixir of Youth , 2013, photograph.

The urban landscape merges various elements together to capture imagination within minds of the people.

Notes 1.

R. Koolhaas, “ Understanding the New Urban Condition : The Project on the City , ” GSD News, Winter/Spring 1996 , p. 13 .

G. Owen, Architecture, Ethics and Globalisation . (New York : Routledge, 2009 ), 3.

.M. Wigley. “Lost in Space: at the end of a promenade,” In The Critical Landscape , eds. Michael Speaks, (Rotterdam : 010 Publishers, 1996 ), 34.

C. Alexander. The Timeless Way of Building .(NewYork :Oxford University Press, 1979 ), 17 .

“Denmark Pavilion, Shanghai Expo 2010 / BIG,” ArchDaily, last modified September 2013 , http://www.archdaily.com/ 57922

R. Koolhaas, Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan , (New York: Monacelli Press, 1995 ), 155 .

R. Barthes, “The Death of the Author ”, In Image, Music and Text, eds. Stephen Heath, (New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1978 )

J. Gehl. Life between buildings: using public space. (USA : Island Press,

2011 ), 15 .

A. Perret. Contribution a une theorie de l’architecture. (Paris : Cercle d’Études Architecturales Chez A. Wahl, 1952 ), 48 .

10 .

W. Maas, “Worlds of regions_New regionalism.” In KM3 : excursions on capacities [the 3D city], eds. Winy Maas and Tomoko Sakamoto, (Barcelona: Actar, 2002), 96 .

11 .

Ash Amin. “The Good City,” Urban studies. 1010 ( 2006 ) Doi: 10.1080/00420980600676717