Spirit of Void : re-Colonization d a n i e l s e e
Design Statement
VOID re-COLONIZATION My thesis is that the spirit of a place is found within the void. The understanding of the different characteristics of void as subtracted space should transcend physical boundaries and include existential qualities such as meaning, movement, usage, history and time. The design project site located at Petaling Street is currently an open parking lot, a void among the dense surrounding urban fabric. But a look back in history reveals its rich heritage and links to Kuala Lumpur's founder, Yap Ah Loy and the Malaysian Chinese community. The spirit of a void exist according to our actions and is also an embodiment of social information, signifying the time and event that happened. Our ability to understand the spirit is our ability to have an awareness to dwell on ourselves in relation to our built surroundings. The long lost Madras Theater that used to occupy this urban void is the physical embodiment of the social and cultural heritage of the local community, but what remains today are only historical records, memories and meanings associated with what used to be. An architectural space can only be build and exist through measurable means, but the spirit of the void truly becomes part of the user and community when it is immeasurable, and is taken over by the spirit of its existence. Void re-colonization is the notion that the community retake the urban void, rejuvenating the void space and ensuring the continual existence of its spirit and memory. The hotel and cultural convergence hub will be adopted by the local community and the hotel users to encourage deep social and cultural involvement. The involvement with both the local communities and hotel users will re-embody this urban void with the spirit of movement, history, culture and meaning that will constantly evolve with time. The re-colonized urban void will be perceived uniquely and differently by individuals, as the spirit of the void will be reinterpreted and perceived based on our individual conception of the void.
Initial Site Sketches
Initial Idea Sketches
Initial Idea Sketches
Initial Idea Sketches
Final Presentation Panel
Final Presentation Panel
1A, 1B and Concept Diagrams
Isometric Plans
Isometric Plans
Total floor area = 3150 meter square
Sectional Perspective
Overall Perspective
Detail Section
“The spirit of a place is within it’s void, not in it’s boundary” - Louis I. Kahn