NYP . Kukoh Towers . 20

Kukoh Towers The Fragmented Reality of Jalan Kukoh

“Architecture is one of the reflections of the permanence of a civilization” – Charlie Rose

INDEX 1. Brief and Introduction

04

2. The Research

05

2.1 What drives Skyscrapers

06

2.2 Visit Test Bed Site (Keppel)

07

2.3 What is Policy?

10

2.4 Learning from Policy

12

3. Site (Jln Kukoh)

15

3.1 Site Visit

15

3.2 Genius Loci

21

4. Intention

22

4.1 Program Statement

22

5. Form & System

23

5.1 Form

23

5.2 System

25

5.3 System Development

26

6. Programme

27

6.1 Programme Statement (expanded)

27

6.2 The Programme

27

6.3 The Policies

29

7. Final

31

8. Construction Manual

33

8.1 System Assembly

34

8.2 Housing

36

8.3 System Detail

37

9. Research

41

Kukoh Towers is a project by Daniel Soh (Architecture Student) in response to the brief ‘reThinking Tall Towers’ . Coordinated by Mr Guk John, Mr Lee Weoi Ming, Ms Low Chiou Jing, Mr Tan Micheal, Ms Lim Wei Ling and Ms Zalina Sapie of Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design, Department of Architecture. My profound thanks, for without them this project would not be.

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Brief

Introduction

The age of the tall building as a single iconic piece of sculpture, standing in isolation from its surroundings, is to be critiqued and questioned. Charles Jencks terms this cacophony of tall buildings as ‘generic individualism’ driven by strong commercial forces. The brief calls for an exploration of the interaction between tall towers and the creation of places for social interaction. At the same time, designers have a responsibility to ensure that these permanent urban structures engender a future-oriented urban response to the greatest challenges of our time: unprecedented population growth; mass urbanization; climate change; environmental degradation; social, political and economic change; and the rapid advance of myriad technical innovations.

Ever since the beginning of humanity, the built environment has always reflected the ideology and state of civilization. Practical, religious, flamboyant monuments dot the ancient worlds.

“Architecture is one of the reflections of the permanence of a civilization” – Charlie Rose.

Today the skyscraper is the prideful equivalent of the Tower of Babel. As humanity enters a phase of unprecedented prosperity, skyscrapers have spread around the world.

Showcasing the wealth of the nation’s housing them. Skyscrapers aren’t merely a building, although most end up that way. It has a responsibility to, nurture and facilitates our growth as a species.

Students should think critically about the relationship between a tall building and its urban setting; how this typology can be inspired by the cultural, physical, and environmental aspects of its site; how the Programme of the building is influenced by the micro and macro site/urban conditions; and how the building responds to global issues. Students are advised to research on an appropriate “guru" as a design driver.

Some of the multi-layered elements that participants can consider includes: local climate, urban grain, neighbouring buildings, city requirements, community requirements, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, efficiency of material, space and usage, aesthetics, local, social, cultural conditions, materiality, new technology, structure, innovative Programme, adaptability, mobility and lastly, infrastructure

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What is the link between the Human (Human Condition) and the built environment? What is the state of the Human Condition?

Why Glass Towers are Bad for City Life Ted talk by Justin Davidson Why do people hate modern Architecture?

YouTube video by Articulutris Learning from Vegas Book by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi

misc references Guidelines on Greenery Provision and Tree Conservation for Developments_Version 3 GUDG Greenery provision within development_4Sept15 Guidelines at a Glance: Commercial

Singapore Songline Book by Rem Koolhas Notopia the Singapore paradox Article by Charles Jencks Architecture for the People by the People TedTalk by Alastair Parvin

Research extracts included on pg41

fig 1.1 - 1.4

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2.1. What drives Skyscrapers Architecture that follows the modernist methodology of ‘form follows function’ has fallen greatly, from a dominating ideology at its peak, to a style that has greatly outlived its pragmatic era. Instead of adapting in tandem to the influx of citizens migrating to the cities and ever-changing political, social and racial needs, it has remained static. A ‘one size fits all’ mentality. Architecture has yet to change its form or Programme for a long time. Our cities are filled with rigid, un-metabolic giants that numb us. Architecture has back-slid to becoming ‘just a shelter’ from the elements.

Privacy

As money and people get so involved in the design, Architecture has lost its ability to influence, instead, it gets influenced.

Throughout time the Human Condition has changed and evolved. A clear indication of the state of the Human Condition would be the built environment. More specifically, housing.

Housing is a place of sanctity and escape from the world. As such it has always been a closely guarded necessity in the human psyche. To understand the influence of humans on the built environment I looked to Keppel…

Influenece

Living in a Skyscraper Status

Land Scarcity Land Value

govt

Laziness

Bigness

maximising GFA

Architects & Planners

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2.2. Visit test bed site: Keppel, Greater Southern Waterfront

… well known for its elegant and extravagant lifestyles. So, I felt it was the perfect place to investigate. I was not surprised to find that the embodiment of the Human Condition not only present in the verticality of our build environment but also in the horizontality of the planning. It is almost as if, pride and isolationism prevailed all over the estate. For example, the walls were not only enclosed but gated. Retaining walls and trees were blocking the view from the north of the viaduct. The lack of social spaces and single programmatic fixtures dot the surrounding passages.

From the visit to Keppel, I feel that the Human Condition in Singapore is bad. Residents in these expensive estates crave distance.

However, I strongly believe that “humans” as a general is not to be blamed for these behaviours, rather we have been conditioned to accept it. External factors such as setting, policy, infrastructure and economics also play a part. These stimuli when not set right it will create a vicious loop, and inevitably condition us to tolerate skyscrapers. Proven by history, the Human condition is a shapeable entity.

Good environment encourages positive Human Condition and vice versa.

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2.3. What is Policy?

To control an area of large, planners and agencies use Policies.

By definition, ‘Policy’ is a course or principle of action. In Architecture, Policy is Programme.

However, the reverse is not true. Both Policy and Programme set out to bring about action.

But Policy is enforced Programme. A unique attribute of Policy is that is governed by people, empowered by people and carried out by people. As a result, Policy has a unique advantage over Programme as it doesn’t rely on intervention and suggestibility. Policy doesn’t discriminate, it just acts. Despite the negative connotation, Policy is full proof, thus it is the agent that builds our world. Like the

Human Condition, Policy is adaptable and is constantly adapting to what is required.

However, like the Human Condition, it has also deteriorated. Given its power and influence, Policy has much potential. It makes up for where Programme lacks and holds impeccable responsibility to groom the Human Condition.

Simple rules for a complex society Article by cityjournal.org Greece Case Study 1 West Bank – Jenin Case Study 2

Case study 1: Jenin and her Defensive Architecture

Narrow alleys and hidden tunnels provided cover for palestinian soldiers while Israeli troops were exposed

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Case study 2: Greece and her policies

Polykatoikia

Vernacular activated by the policy of containment

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2.4. What can we learn from Policy?

Policy can affect the Human Condition, be it for better or for worse. It does this by dictating the quality of the environment and in turn, the Human Condition will determine the next set of policies that will come into effect. Around the world, Policy takes defaults for architects and developers who do not consider themselves a Programme. In a world too afraid to make mistakes, Programme has lost its appeal.

In Singapore, Policy has been used to create a built environment that is inclusive and uniform. But as we enter the 21st century do we still need stringent Policy to govern us?

Architecture in Singapore has evolved to keep up with the times, but our Policy is not future-ready.

How can we retain the spirit of the law yet make sure Policy does not enforce our

Programme when it does not need to? What can be left to Programme and what needs to be controlled by Policies?

The growing of Programme is indeterminate and should be left for the users of the space to control. Together the relationship between Programme, Policy, the Human Condition and Architecture, each supplementing one another, will be able to create a sustainable environment and transform the built environment to be worthy of the first world city title Singapore is renowned for.

What can we learn from shortcuts?

Tedtalk by Tom Hulme MVRDVs’ Almere Oosterwold Proposal by MVRDV Architecture firm

University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

desire paths, the University of California had planned for a student space in the middle of the campus. Seeing as how the turf will always be damaged by passing students, the University instead let students navigate the topography forming dirt paths. The university then paved over the dirt paths that have been formed

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The push for modernising the environment is a natural Human instict, however the tools have evolved

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Often understood as contradictory, any design here is an one of

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Education allows a better critque of our environment and an awareness for good spaces

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While working together, Policy, Programme, and the Human Condition will supplement each other

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I had previously investigated Keppel, associated with being a ‘rich’ district in Singapore. And in Keppel, it's evidently clear how negative Policy and Architecture can affect the Human Condition. The poor or the less fortunate, have a limited capacity controlling their Programme. They suffer more from discriminatory Policy and bad planning.

In my research, I discovered an estate nestled in the heart of the Central Business District.

By some accounts, Jalan Kukoh is said to be home to one of the poorest families in Singapore. How saddening. I decided to look for myself. (although controversial, this goes to show how important the relationship between the human condition and the environment is) My job investigating this estate isn’t to fix social injustice. But to introduce development in a controlled and sustainable manner. Allocating a framework of Policy, Architecture and Programme to shape their new landscape. Thus, grooming the Human Condition, which hopefully will in turn demand better and more sustainable Architecture, Policies and Programme.

3.1 Site Visit To build for the residents of Jalan Kukoh, it became my prerogative to investigate their needs and find out the influence of Policy (if any) has on this estate.

At the site and alighting from the bus, I can see why some say that Jalan Kukoh is a time capsule. Although old, architecturally the area is not in chaos. The grass is well maintained, facilities such as laundromats and convenience stores lined the 5-foot walkways of the ground floor. There are social services and renovation and interior design companies etc. I started to investigate deeper into the estate, ascending into the blocks when I saw the “damage”. Interestingly this damage is caused by both poor planning and years of bad habits. For example, the kitchen and yard windows were overlooking a void space that

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served as a connecting space for the ground floor. The façade folded and weaved. This privacy to people’s kitchen invited people to throw trash right out of the window. Another example would be the corridor spaces which were dimly lit and incredibly cramped. This neglect of ventilation encouraged residents to also treat this space with disregard, throwing items from wrappers to huge paintings out into the corridor. Interestingly are the communal spaces in this estate. There is an abundance of them. Given the culture of Highrise littering makes me wonder why people are still keen on hanging out under the blocks, but they do it anyway. These communal spaces are either properly established self-made. Staircases, ledges and railings have been transformed. Architecture that lacks, empowers residents to create and Architecture that fails, breeds ill-mannerism.

If that is true should we start, not building?

No, but the resident’s desire to adapt their environment should be elevated.

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Location Jalan Kukoh Singapore Singapore 161001 - 161013 Location Jalan Minyak Singapore Singapore 163004 - 163016 1°17'18.1"N 103°50'24.0"E

Chinatown

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predetermined pathways have been created for the user. However, erratic pathing is faster for most. These paths, when they intersect with roads and cars forming programme Stairs (to new elevation) Sheltered Open space

to Pearl Hill City Park

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Roads

if the demographics of the estates seek the programme of roads, it will be intuitive if the roads are not a secondary option

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Hidden line Roof Lower levels

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ented

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enius Loci 3.2. Genius Loci The Genius Loci of the area could be captured in an interesting relationship I observed while on site. Residents especially the elder seem to congregate at social spaces. But these spaces are always close to main roads and pathways. Those that are more secluded seemed to be untouched. I suspect that as Jalan Kukoh became a time capsule, resisting EnBloc, their surroundings changed tremendously. Longtime residents struggle to

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embed memory with imagery as their neighbours change their appearances drastically. In a constant state of disorientation, the residents hold dear to this estate, it is the only semblance of home they can remember. To try and understand the world outside this bubble, residents look to the streets as vehicles and information arrive at their doorstep. Their Fragmented reality is their defence against change.

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Some of the priorities of the poor as highlighted by Beisi Jia, B. E Architecture firm, Melbourne. Building, especially for the poor, is risky. Associated individual’s wellbeing is highly reliant on their environment, the last thing that would help these residents would be Architecture intervention that removed What are the priorities of the gets poor? almost as fast as itSome will be constructed. of the priorities of the poor as highlighted byNot Beisi Jia, to B. E Architecture firm, �elbourne. Building, es�ecially �or the is risky.may Associated indi�idual�s wellbeing is highly mention the elderly�oor, that find the noise reliant on their en�ironment, the last thing that would hel� these residents would be Architecture inter�ention that gets and dust unbearable. remo�ed almost as �ast as it will be constructed. �ot to

intention

1 - high r

mention the elderly that may find the noise and dust unbearable. As such is crucial that Architecture at Jalan �ukoh must be long-lasting. �o achie�e that a building must be firstly well-liked so that it doesn�t get EnBloc. �t must be durable, sustainable, usable. �o elaborate, the building must be durable. As little maintenance works, as little �oints o� �ailure, sturdy. �t must be sustainable, the Architecture should not only be green but sustainable to the comm����y. �nciting new o��ort����ies, bringing �eo�le together, oscillates �rogramme, maintaining tran�uility and �osters comm����y.

Economically the building also should not be too e��ensi�e, and the Architecture is sustainable when it has ways o� generating �assi�e income. �he building must be usable. �he Architecture must be �le�ible, it must adhere to the needs o� its user and it must be customi�able to changing times, needs, beha�iorism, mannerism, culture and conte�t. �n other words, the usability o� a building is linked to how metabolic it is. �tatic structures tend to �oorly accommodate changing times.

As such is crucial that Architecture at Jalan Kukoh must be long-lasting. To achieve that a building must be firstly well-liked so that it doesn’t get EnBloc. It must be durable, sustainable, usable. To elaborate, the building must be durable. As little maintenance works, as little points of failure, sturdy. It must be sustainable, the Architecture should not only 1. Durableto the community. be green but sustainable 2. Sustainable Inciting new opportunities, bringing people together, oscillates3.Metabolic Programme, maintaining tranquillity and fosters community.

Economically the building also should not be too expensive, and the Architecture is sustainable when it has ways of generating passive income. The building must be usable.

The Architecture must be flexible, it must adhere to the needs of its user and it must be customizable to changing times, needs, behaviourism, mannerism, culture and context. In other words, the usability of a building is linked to how metabolic it is. Static structures tend to poorly accommodate changing times.

Research Compiled by Beisi Jia And as we design for the poor, the Programme and Architecture must be attempt to alleviate some of the needs of the residents.

• • •

Durable Sustainable.

Metabolic

2 - reside

3 - reside addin

4 - pigeo

4.1. Programme Statement An autonomous region that satisfies Singapore’s need for growth, using Architecture to ensures users can build Programme

expanded Programme statement on pg27

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5.1. Form The form is derived from an organised assembly from different aspects of the research and findings. In these findings, the Genius Loci of the estate will encompass the development of the form. ‘The fragmented reality of Jalan Kukoh.’ The roads into the estate are conduits of information. Under the umbrella of the Genius Loci, the intention comes into play. From our research, it is imperative that additions to the estate be made metabolic. To avoid the destruction of not only the essence of the estate but also to keep it future proof. As an estate that is focused on residents being able to build programme, what does that translate to in terms of form? Well, residents will need clarity to build while removing the burden of construction constraints, residents can then

Sketch 1

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focus on development rather than regulations. As such residents must be balanced in a state of knowledge and ignorance. Perpetuum mobile, a page out the government’s books. And Lastly Harmony.

During the assembly of these intricate individual component’s harmony is the spirit of construction. Wherein form and the research is taking with a grain of salt and balanced in all aspects and orientations.

• • • •

The Conduit Metabolic Perpetumm mobile Harmony

Sketch 2

Sketch 3 24

5.2. System As the Form developed, qualities of the Architectural system started to emerge. In due process, the system and Form were joined and developed concurrently. Elements from the Form were borrowed to the System and found their physical equivalent’s. The resultant product was a form/system hybrid, making this component extremely important in the architecture of the estate. Following testing and revisions, the system was refined, and it was evident that the form of the building need not mirror the system instead the system was to determine the form of the building and not the other way around. In the good spirit of indeterminism, the system and form were designed to be not only modular but also intertwined, allowing the system to control the placement of the houses and the form to enable the physical restrictions of the system. In this manner, the true power of metabolism can empower the creation of the estate.

Sketch 1

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The conduit – circulation for residents Metabolic – the extensions of the system enabling it to assemble and conform Perpetumm mobile – the moving motor of the system

Harmony – the flooring and structure that attaches and provides platforms for programme

5.3 System development Version 1

Translation of form into actual components and joinery that can be manupilated to different arrangements and rotations to perform a myraid of tasks

in isometric view, arms can be attached and detached based on the physical limitations of the machine

Conduit frame, vertical acting as a lift shaft while horizontal acts as circulation. Steel box frame allows openings to be cut

Version 2

Conduit The Building Block. its surfaces provide traction for the wheel, and anchor for the ledges. Its interior is hollow allowing circulation.

Harmony

Perpetumm Metabolic Mobile

The ledge. acting like a clothe hanger off the sides of the Conduit, providing a platform for various construction jobs

The Wheel and motor. The wheel enables the system to navigate and anchor

Robotic arm. Attaching to the existing structure and placing more. the mechanism that binds the system together.

Final system iteration and explanation on pg33 - pg40

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6.1. Programme Statement (expanded ) An autonomous housing typology that challenge the status quo of monothematic, with a socially, environmental and contextually sustainable model for scalability. Free from the deteriorating ‘Human Condition’ and Policy’s tendency to micro-manage. Instead relying on Architecture as a conduit to grow.

6.2. Programme Kukoh Towers is a new typology of high-rise dwellings focusing on indeterminate urbanism. Kukoh Towers will be integrated with the existing Jalan Kukoh residential. In Kukoh Towers, the role of the government will be minimized, instead, Kukoh Towers will be fully developed by its residents, guided by Architecture and a new set of Policies.

Policies are the policy of spatial justice, the policy of non-compliance and the policy of indeterminism. (see below for in-depth Policy explanation). Residents of Kukoh tower will need to follow these policies throughout their stay in this estate. Of course, Kukoh Towers does not exist outside the law, so freedom goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. In Kukoh Towers families will be gathered together in groups of 8. These 8 families will be called a UNIT and serve as Kukoh Tower's building blocks. A UNIT will be responsible for their own space. They will be given standardised housing, with equal public and private space. (in accordance with the policy of spatial justice) Afterwards, based on generated needs, the UNIT will be assigned a task. UNIT mates are to work together and welcomed to utilise the space around them.

With every task completion, the UNIT will be given materials for the customization of their homes. These materials can be crafted into modular attachments that enable, facilitate and motivate quicker completion of future tasks. There is no regulation on the use of the

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materials and modular attachments, so long as they help you connect with your neighbours. You can build your modular attachments for aesthetic, utility, entertainment, functional purposes or even in combination with other families. This is where your creativity is welcomed to shine. In a UNIT’s push to complete a task you will find yourselves lacking in other resources This is where neighbouring UNITs should team up to share and collaborate, allowing everyone to achieve a better quality of life. As extension are added and tasks are completed, the UNIT will become more efficient. Space would have freed up as the UNIT uses more of the modular attachments. This allows the UNIT to be compacted, shaping around the formed Programme. However, a UNIT original space remains unchanged, the UNIT must still maintain all previously allocated zoning.

Peripheral spaces will instead be universal spaces (walkways, access, services and circulation). This allows initial placement of houses to be denser in anticipation of the compaction of the UNITs. All in all, families will work together with the Block Managers to create a sustainable UNIT. Many sustainable UNITs will create a sustainable block and in turn a sustainable estate. Over time the estate will change and morph according to the Programme and policies and will blossom into a lively and people-oriented typology. As a testament that scalability is indeed sustainable if done right.

8 Families form a UNIT Space provided Standardise Housing Recieves Tasks Modular attachment provided Programme forms Unit becomes more effecient Space frees up densely packed UNIT is formed

1

2

1

H M I H MKT_R2_H_M_I_01 I KT_R2_H_M_I_01

H M I KT_R2_H_M_I_02 Housing Modular Iterations

Housing Modular Iterations Housing Modular Iterations

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009

TOWERS RESIDENTIAL KUKOH TOWERS KUKOH RESIDENTIAL SINGAPORE SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009160001 - 160009 28/01/20 1 : 150 on A3

28/01/20 Revision 2

28/01/20

Revision 2

1 : 150 on A3

Daniel Soh

Daniel SohNYP

Revision 2 Status Assembly issue 02

Daniel Soh

1 : 150 on A3 Status issue 02 Status Assembly issueAssembly 02

NYP

NYP

1

2

H M I KT_R2_H_M_I_01 Housing Modular Iterations

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL

SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009

SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009 28/01/20 1 : 150 on A3

28/01/20

Revision 2

1 : 150 on A3

Status Assembly issue 02

Daniel Soh

H M I KT_R2_H_M_I_02 Housing Modular Iterations

NYP

Functional

Condense

Revision 2 Status Assembly issue 02

Daniel Soh

Growing

NYP

Entertainment

Utility

Collaboration

Organic programme

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6.3. Policies 1.

The Policy of spatial Justice

1.

(1:1)

Every family will be responsible for swarf of public space that is equal to the size of their homes.

2.

The Policy of non-compliance 1:1

(we make our own money, limiting government power)

As masters of our own dwellings, this project aims to demonstrate the incredible will of people when they are not spoon-fed by the government. We wish to be able to decide for ourselves the state of our architecture and the grow our own policies free from intervention.

3.

overlap

2.

The Policy of indeterminism

(everything can change and thus must be ready to)

As the architecture grows around programme, it is programmatically impossible to ensure the building remains the same. As such the form and system are designed to facilitate the relocation, resizing and reorientation of houses, circulation and even structure. purify

grow

3.

move

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add/subtract

Policy (rules) will govern the estate, Shaping the environment and allowing Programme to grow...

oi who cut section

oi who cut section

LEVEL 1 cut @ +800

LEVEL 2 cut @ +3200

CLAW

WHEEL

CONDUIT

CRANE

FLOOR

CONNECTOR

ARM

System of Construction Arm Crane Claw

13 14 12

Wheels

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Conduit 10 Connector 11 Flooring 15

REFER TO A3 CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

CRANE

LEVEL 2 cut @ +5400

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GS E KT_R3_GS_E_01

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Getting Started Embedded

 1x

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL

200cubic

1x

4x

14x

SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009 26/02/20

Revision 3

Getting started

1 : 150 on A3

Status Assembly issue 02 NYP

Daniel Soh

Anchoring

1

Plot A

980m2

Plot B

930m2

Plot C

1540m2

Plot D

1295m2

GS L KT_R3_GS_L_01 Getting Started Locations

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009 26/02/20 *varies*

Revision 3 Status Assembly issue 02

Daniel Soh

NYP

SJ

EXV

1: 1500 1: 2500

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Scale

System Assembled

KT_R3_S_A_01 S A

Cast iron rods

universal joinery

trimmable length

Steel casing

NYP

Status Assembly issue 02

1 : 150 on A3

Daniel Soh

Revision 3

26/02/20

SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009

KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL

1

Refer to pg 6

Refer to pg 9

Refer to pg 7

Refer to pg 7

Refer to pg 5

8.1 System Assembly

8

1

1 : 150 on A3

System Assembled

KT_R2_S_A_Cl S A Cl

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8.2 Housing

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The last step in the Form/System development was the creation of the housing modules. The Housing modules were designed not in tandem to the Form and System but rather closely related to the Programme (see below). And as such for additional clarity refer to Programme first. The Housing modules were designed with spatial justice in mind, the surrounding area around an individual module equals (more or less) the space within the house. Houses were designed to be expanded easily. Material for the walls comes together with the stock house and serves as a clear indication the space a household must maintain. Also, Houses were designed to be closely packed with others in the Unit (see below). To serve as an extension to the form and system of the building, the houses were built with a KT_R2_H_D_01 H D centralized load and hooks jutting out of the Housing Details roof that allows the entire module to be easily

picked up/relocated or expanded according to the wishes of the residents. In terms of the adaptability, metabolic aspects of the houses, these hooks serve an important role. The façade of the building is also unique, residents are advised to mount their belonging to the floor and ceiling as the walls can be moved higher or lower up to a maximum of 2 additional levels. If users chose not to expand their homes, the façade will fold unto the ground where it will serve as a simple demarcation of each resident’s space. This flexible façade allows houses to be expanded and contracted easily based on the needs of the users. Those who do not wish for much space can opt for a more spacious exterior ‘yard’. Those with pets might also opt for such an option. Overall the housing modules are designed to be easily manipulated and distributed to the residents quickly.

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KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL KT_R2_H_D_01 H D Housing Details SINGAPORE 160001 - 160009

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KUKOH TOWERS RESIDENTIAL

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Housing Modular Elevation

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H M P KT_R3_H_M_P_01 Housing Modular Plan

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H M P KT_R3_H_M_P_01 Housing Modular Plan

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2. Reseach from pg5 Why Glass Towers are Bad for City Life Ted talk by Justin Davidson

Touch is important for Humans, we enjoy the texture, of coarseness and roughness of surfaces. Along with space and beauty they are the building blocks in the development of humans. Sadly, touchable cities are disappearing. Today, standardised, Industrial templated panels of double-glazed glass coat our cities. Without the element of touch, humans lose the connection with shelter and our environments. This trend can be attributed to Architects rejecting the full range of architectonic materials and colour pallets. In simplify Architecture, we destroy cities. Whats wrong with glass? Glass’s biggest weakness is inability to be expressive. As more people live in cities, we need to create buildings honours the full range of the urban experience in order not to lose touch with our cities

Why do people hate modern Architecture?

YouTube video by Articulutris

Modernist Architectural is a vision often credited to Louis Sullivan famously saying, “form follows function”. In recent years it has become “form follows finance”. Modernist Architecture at its conception was a proficient ideology for a world in need of ‘fast’. A ‘one size fits all’ model. But at the core Modernism fails to acknowledge the ‘human’ in life. Modernism with its glass facades and towering overhangs does little to showcase the history and Programme. It doesn’t embody the vernacular and the hecticness of life. And as Architecture and economics get every so intertwined, we need to see if Architects want to proceed radical revolution through mass-producing skyscrapers or if we can take a step back and let Architecture be a tool in a thoughtful evolution.

Learning from Vegas Book by Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi

Learning from Vegas illustrates the messiness of everyday human life. The Las Vegas Commercial strip and which neon signs as far as the eye can see. Las Vegas’s Architecture is more than what you would expect out of a typical American city. The vernacular of the ordinary life is extrapolated to the iconography of the Las Vegas scenery. Historical justifications also embed themselves in Las Vegas Architecture, bringing about the extravagant life of its people.

Programmatically, Las Vegas is a gold mine. As the city ages, so does its people and so does its Architecture. History layered through the city.

Singapore Songline Book by Rem Koolhas

In this book, Rem Koolhas visited Singapore, it was clear the ‘west’ was no longer a place, it was an ideology that has spread to the east who are accepting it faster than ever. Rem was curious, how did Singapore implement democracy without bureaucracy. The problem that has held the west back from rapid progress. Rem Koolhas later discovers that the east does not practice democracy alone. Alone, democracy cannot survive. Singapore’s constitution is infused with the ideology of Confucianism. In 1958, during Singapore’s period of semi-autonomy from the British, HDB was established and started constructing Toa Payoh estate. Despite HDB’s speed and efficiency, pragmatism has prevailed even within what seemed like a flawless infusion of the west and the east. In 1963, 3 UN officials visited Singapore after much considerations they published their manifesto, rather than a grand masterplan they proposed a master-Programme for Singapore. This manifesto criticized the masterplan drawn by the British and aimed to deal with all aspects of life. The master Programme created a mosaic of action maps that covered the island

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in a ring-like fashion leaving the centre open to nature and cross-city travel. In 1965 Singapore gained its independence. There was a greater need than ever to push HDB housing out to the masses, to get the races in check and garner confidence in the newly established government. The ruling party People’s Action Party set forth motion of ‘Perpetuum Mobile’ which meant keeping people in a state of permanent disorientation. Having a long to-do list to complete, the government felt that red tape should be the least of their problems. Perpetuum Mobile ushered in an era of modernism without the problems of modernism. HDB followed suit. Initially, there was resistance, a group known as the SPUR, argued that post-modernism should be the approach to mass densification.

SPUR pressed the government to slow down its rate of demolition and reinstallation of copy-paste designs. SPUR took the liberty to propose their own typologies. At the end of the day, SPUR’s proposition was mostly ignored. The government created URA in 1967. Under the URA some of SPUR’s design was incorporated, in the government’s efforts to move away from a grid pattern. URA also tried to take the UN manifesto with a pinch of salt developing and ignoring where necessary.

Notopia the Singapore paradox Article by Charles Jencks

Architectural diseases, Generic Individualism and Bigness. The latter, Bigness, states that beyond a certain size Architecture acquires Bigness. Bigness’s blatant disregard for the context has led to mammoth-like structure whose only goal is the satisfy ‘money’.

Generic individualism was a response to the disease of Bigness.

Architects struggled to make a name for themselves, they sort out Generic Individualism which tried to set themselves apart from the rest of the ‘Bigness’ buildings. Both Bigness and Generic Individualism are Architecture diseases along with Monothematits, viral repetition and Blasphemesis, which is iconic malapropism or run-away iterations.

Architecture for the People by the People TedTalk by Alastair Parvin

When people think of Architects or designers, they usually associate them with professional, with the capabilities of solving big problems, global warming, social housing etc. Architects have been for the longest time have been working for the richest 1% of the world population. Contrary to belief, there is the economics behind Architecture. Form Follows Finance. The richest 1% used to build for the rest, in the form of philanthropy, communism, socialism. But as the meritocracy of the 21st century kicks in, architects must find ways to turn our client from 1% to 100%. An answer may lie in vernacular architecture, which has existed for the longest time.

Builders often lack the tools and expertise to build effectively.

Developments in cheap hardware such as CNC, 3D printing etc, opens the door the Opensource design. New tools that are easily accessible by the masses and makes it so the factory is everywhere and the designer is everyone. Open source allows ideas to be shared and Architecture to be truly for the masses.

2. Reseach from pg10 Simple rules for a complex society Article by cityjournal.org

New York is well known for its skyline. Its silhouettes are as easily identifiable in a sea of cities around the world. In 1916 and 1961 the New York zoning regulations were enacted. Before 1916, The Equitable Building (1915 ) was completed, designed by Graham, Anderson & Probst & White. The Equitable Building was so huge that it cast a shadow on the ground 7 blocks long. This, of course, sparked outrage among New York’s residents. As a result, the 1916 zoning regulation followed, introduced 3 zoning laws for the ever increasingly populated city sprawl. They divided New York into 3

residential, commercial and unrestricted.

To enforce zones,zones, residential, commercial and unrestricted.

To enforce these these regulations the planners also introduced ‘hierarchical zoningzoning regulations the planners also introduced ‘hierarchical zoning’zoning’ large tall buildings to be broken which which meantmeant large and talland buildings had tohad be broken down down (Massing).

To do so, planners an ingenious of introducing (Massing).

To do so, planners had anhad ingenious idea ofidea introducing setbacks a developer must offset from the property line every setbacks which which a developer must offset from the property line every it reaches a certain This wasimportant also important for time ittime reaches a certain height.height.

This was also for pedestrians and commuters whothe used theallowing road allowing for pedestrians and commuters who used road for daylighting.

Subsequently, 1961 saw the introduction even stricter daylighting.

Subsequently, 1961 saw the introduction of evenofstricter guidelines for developers also introducing measures for greenery guidelines for developers also introducing measures for greenery and and spaces. public public spaces.

Greece Greece

2 Important policies help shaped the urban fabric of the urban Greek urban 2 Important policies help shaped the urban fabric of the Greek ThePolicy First Policy was theof‘Law of Horizontal and the sprawl.sprawl.

The First was the ‘Law Horizontal living’ living’ and the was the ‘Polykatoikia’ 2 policies came about after the secondsecond was the ‘Polykatoikia’ These These 2 policies came about after the of the civil Greek civil war which in The 1949.

The newly end ofend the Greek war which ended ended in 1949. newly formedformed of Greece felt threatened by a resurgence in Communism nationnation of Greece felt threatened by a resurgence in Communism amongst the working The government thus put forward amongst the working class. class.

The government thus put forward a plan a plan to big avoid big industrial concentrations.

To dothey this,kickstarted they kickstarted a to avoid industrial concentrations.

To do this, a small building economy that had the blueprint of 'Polykatoikia'. small building economy that had the blueprint of 'Polykatoikia'.

Polykatoikia to fragment andcontrol thus control the population.

Polykatoikia aimed aimed to fragment and thus the population.

Although was meant as a social housing the working Although it was it meant as a social housing projectproject for thefor working class, theofidea of the Polykatoikia wasadopted soon adopted by all social class, the idea the Polykatoikia was soon by all social classes in Greece.

'Antiparochi', is the exchange land and classes in Greece.

'Antiparochi', which which is the exchange of landofand construction between the landowner and constructor, an construction between the landowner and constructor, playedplayed an important in the deployment this scheme.

Polykatoikia important role in role the deployment of thisof scheme.

Polykatoikia with itswith its domino function, allowed to be constructed with low skilled genericgeneric domino function, allowed it to beitconstructed with low skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

This vernacular movement workers and entrepreneurs.

This vernacular movement and and involvement from residents increased the density involvement from residents greatlygreatly increased the density within within the the city. Residents, tenants and landowners soon became of a mass city. Residents, tenants and landowners soon became part ofpart a mass urbanization process in Athens Polykatoikia into a huge urbanization process in Athens turningturning Polykatoikia into a huge economic resource. economic resource.

WestWest BankBank

Jenin is Jenin a Palestinian is a Palestinian refugee refugee camp located camp located in the West in theBank.

West As Bank. a As a HamasHamas outpost outpost responsible responsible for thefor most thesuicide most suicide bombers, bombers, Jenin has Jenin has equipped equipped itself with itself‘Defensive with ‘Defensive Architecture’.

Architecture’.

The Urban The Urban sprawlsprawl has has been adapted been adapted over the over years the of years Israeli of Israeli airstrikes, airstrikes, shelling shelling and even and even infantry infantry encroachment encroachment to be an to impenetrable be an impenetrable fortress. fortress.

In the 2002 In the 2002 Israeli Israeli invasion invasion of the West of theBank, West other Bank,extremist other extremist outposts outposts were were quicklyquickly captured captured but Jenin but stood Jenin its stood ground. its ground.

The Residents The Residents banded banded together, together, refusing refusing evacuation. evacuation.

To avoid To the avoid operation the operation be deemed be deemed a a failure,failure, the Israeli the Israeli minister minister invaded invaded Jenin with JeninB-9 with caterpillar B-9 caterpillar bulldozers bulldozers backedbacked up withupIsraeli with Israeli soldiers. soldiers.

The onslaught The onslaught startedstarted a a 3-day 3-day isolation isolation of the city, of the cutting city, cutting off electricity, off electricity, food, and food, water. and water.

FleeingFleeing residents residents were also weredetained. also detained.

For theFor first the 2 days first 2ofdays the of the battle, battle, airstrikes airstrikes from helicopters from helicopters rainedrained upon the upon city, the killing city, killing civilians civilians and soldiers and soldiers alike. The alike.

B-9 The bulldozers B-9 bulldozers cut through cut through the main thearteries main arteries of the cities of the flattening cities flattening buildings buildings killing killing all within all within it. Afterit.the After attack, the attack, the Israel the forces Israel forces blocked blocked accessaccess of Jenin of to Jenin the press to the and press denied and denied accessaccess of Humanitarian of Humanitarian aid. Official aid. Official Palestinian Palestinian casualties casualties are are estimated estimated to be 500, to bewhile 500,more whilerealistic more realistic estimates estimates state that state it that is it is within within the thousands. the thousands.

A group A group headedheaded

by Israeli

by Israeli architect architect Eyal Eyal Weizman Weizman knownknown as ‘Forensic as ‘Forensic Architecture’ Architecture’ used 3D used modelling 3D modelling software software and testimonials and testimonials to recreate to recreate hard evidence hard evidence against against inhumane inhumane actionsactions exercised exercised

by Israel by administration Israel administration and presented and presented it it to the United to the United Nations Nations in 2014. in As 2014. a result, As a result, Israel had Israel tohad rethink to rethink its its foreignforeign policy.policy.

Subsequently Subsequently dropping dropping leafletsleaflets beforebefore an airstrike an airstrike to to give civilians give civilians a chance a chance to escape. to escape.

2.4. Reseach from pg12 What can we learn from shortcuts?

Tedtalk by Tom Hulme

Desire paths, the University of California had planned for student space in the middle of the campus. Seeing as how the turf will always be damaged by passing students, the University instead let students navigate the topography forming dirt paths. The university then paved over the dirt paths that have been formed

MVRDVs’ Almere Oosterwold Proposal by MVRDV Architecture firm

In cooperation with the city of Almere and the Governmental Real

Estate Development Agency, MVRDV presented the development strategy for Almere Oosterwold. An area of 43km2. Oosterworld is an attempt to make a collective masterplan. Based on the existing infrastructure, will have to develop their own plot, and all the necessary components to support it, including infrastructure, energy supply, waste disposal, water storage, and public parks. And also contribute to the area around them. Freeland steps away from governmental dictate and invites organic urban growth, stimulating initiatives by which residents can create their own neighbourhoods.

References fig 5.1 https://www.hippostcard.com/listing/fremont-street-las-vegas-nev ada-40-60s fig 5.2 https://designbuild2015.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/wiki-house-for mjointsinteriorstuff/ fig 5.3 https://www.pngitem.com/middle/iiiwJxh_guy-sitting-png-arms-up -rem-koolhaas-png/ fig 5.4 https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/campaigns/notopia/n otopia-the-singapore-paradox-and-the-style-of-generic-individualis m/10006923.article fig 7.1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com fig 10.1-fig 10.6 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jenin fig 11.1-fig 11.5 http://www.dimitrios-portfolio.com/athenscity-of-architectures fig 12.1-fig 12.3 https://www.google.com/maps .

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