Vertical Diversity

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VERTICAL DIVERSITY

LASSE RYBERG HANSEN UCL The Bartlett School of Architecture MArch Urban Design11-12 UD 4 Tutors: Daewha Kang and Monika Bilska

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This project investigates how replacing the current large-scale development in Hong Kong with an adaptable unit system can increase liveability. While Hong Kong’s urban fabric has traditionally been ad hoc, the increasing demand for housing is generating a more systematic approach to development. As a result the city’s rich diversity and informality is disappearing and being replaced with an emerging social situation with very little variety. As Hong Kong is taken over by this new typology of solitary high-rises and hyper-blocks, it is losing its character and heritage of vibrant public life; something Hong Kong has always been famous for. This project aims to address the demand for densification in a way that embraces rather than sacrifices Hong Kong’s miscellany.

After analysing the current situation in Hong Kong, several methods for intervention were explored. They all aimed to strengthen the existing, successful urban fabric of informality, while changing the current ideal of development in Hong Kong. By subverting the traditional hierarchies of urban elements, the project develops a design framework reflected by the city itself, and generates a new form of Hong Kong.

A rule-based design methodology of units was chosen to generate the new typology of homogeneous vertical living. The unit structure generates a new vibrant public ground plane within a very confined space, where vertical walkways accommodate diverse social activities. The structure extends to nearby buildings, including and improving the circulation within them, and creates a consistent and vibrant flow. The structure generates self-organisation while flexibly accommodating individual inhabitants.

Abstract

Table of Contents

0. Abstract 1. Introduction 2. Hong Kong analysis 3. The strength of urban life ( urban theories ) 4. Properties of Hong Kong The concept of rules is based on the indirect relationships between inhabitants, space and programs. It is inspired by the notion of stigmergy found in natural social organisations, as well as on the notion that the architects’ role is to facilitate a process where the inhabitants generate the end-result and design. It notion idea, of a bottom-up approach with specific planning and design interventions to faciliOther combines project,theinitial ideal city tate a balance between the dynamic individual citizen and the top-down developer role.

5. Dream

Existing projects/ideas (unit: Habitat, Nakagin tower- Street life; the 8 project, Odhams The programs within the structure will be determined by the inhabitants themselves, and their inputs walk…) will shape the structure. Rules created by the architect ensure that the methodology will create emerging Parametric as a tool not a result! Bad examples could be some of the Bartlett lectures public spaces, where clusters of mixed use will activate the space to ensure vibrant life.

A fusion between the “low-tech” Jane Jacobs, Jan Gehl etc. and the new age of digital The circulation distribution is essential to the project in order to accommodate the required vibrancy algorithms. seen in the existing successful urban situation of Hong Kong. The project employs a hierarchy-based logic to classify different sets of circulation, public and private, as well as different speed assigned circulation systems.

6. Learning from nature

- The natural metaphor The project has evolved through a series of tests driven by predefined rules and the theory of urban

thinkers, establishing the right proportions of space used for specific functions of (architectural) quality control.

7. Model research

8. The digital tools

Algorithms/ parametric and self-organizing systems are starting to evolve We should be more critical of the parametric architecture.

9. Behind the project

Rules - variables - grasshopper etc

9. The project Renderings, images,

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BOOKS: - A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction by Christopher Alexander - Oxford University Press 1977 - Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming by Mark Burry - John Wiley & Sons 2011 - Parametric Architecture with Grasshopper by Arturo Tedeschi - Le Penseur 2010 - The vertical Village – individual, Informal, Intense by MVRDV t?f - NAi Publishers 2012 - The concise townscape by Gordon Cullen - The Architectural Press 1971 - The death and life of great American cities by Jane Jacobs - Vintage Books 1992 - The image of the city by Kevin Lynch - The MIT Press 1959 - Self-organization in Biological Systems by P.H Anderson - Princeton University 2001 PDF: - Ten principles for a sustainable Approach to New Development – Towards Sustainable and Integrated Large-Scale Developments for a More Liveable Hong Kong by ULI -Kantzoner by Jan Gehl - Entasis ?

-Byens rum 2 – Det kendte I det fremmede by ˝ JUUL | FROST Arkitekter Fonden til udgivelse af Arkitekturtidsskrift B København LINKS: http://www.nyu.edu/classes/reichert/sem/city/lecorbu.html http://justurbanism.com/2007/11/10/lecorbusier_and_la_ville_radieuse/ http://ai-depot.com/CollectiveIntelligence/Ant.html http://sustainablecities.dk/en/actions/interviews/jan-gehl-making-healthy-cities http://www.megastructure-reloaded.org/ http://biomimicry.net/ http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/ssp/en/dchighlights.html http://www.pland.gov.hk/ http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk/en/ http://www.densityatlas.org/ http://ura.org.hk/en/ http://teoalida.webs.com/hongkong.htm http://www.essential-architecture.com/STYLE/STY-072.htm http://www.photomichaelwolf.com/hongkongarchitecture/index.html http://www.globaia.org/ http://www.maps.google.com http://www.skyscrapercity.com http://www.flickr.com/ http://blog.inpolis.com/

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Table of Contents 1. Introduction 6-9 2. Hong Kong analysis 10 -37 3. The strength of urban life ( urban theories ) 38 - 49 4. Properties of Hong Kong 50 - 63 5. Dreaming 64- 71 6. Learning from nature 72 - 75 7. Model research 76 - 85 8. The digital tool 86 - 93 9. Behind the project 94 -117 9. Living with vertical diversity 118 - 125

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The city is made by people and should therefore be for people.

The ideal city should encourage the citizens to interact with the city. The ideal citizen should likewise feel the urge to interact with the city. The city and its citizens should be both dynamic and adaptable to new challenges, and act in symbiosis to strengthen one another.

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1.

Remember the heritage

Introduction

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The identities of cities and their citizens are revealed on the city’s streets. It is the space between buildings that shapes the city and creates its unique character; it is here life emerges and creates its success or failure.

Hong Kong is famous for its vibrant life, with narrow street markets scattered around the city, shops around every corner and seemingly endless bustling streets packed with people day and night. Unfortunately this legacy is rapidly fading away due to the relentless “attack� of solitary high-rises and hyper-blocks. The diverse communities and heritage that have shaped Hong Kong are giving way to repetitive housing units, where uniform floor plans and facades are taking over. With an expected population increase from 7 million to 8.5 million people over the next 20 years, the real estate-market is constantly been pressured, making it unavoidable to stop expanding. This new building form is partly successful in providing for the on going demand, but is obstructing the urban life and vitality, and demoralizes the individuality of people living in the city, failing the Hong Kong legacy.

The density of Hong Kong is currently perceived as problematic, resulting in this new typology, where citizens are placed in the public housing scheme of high-rises, isolated from the urban fabric or forced even further away in the monotonous New Towns. The public housing scheme is currently the most lucrative opportunity for the average citizen, if they even can get into it. Citizens who have not yet managed to get into the public housing scheme often have no other opportunity than

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renting small expensive, rundown flats that don’t meet any living standard in the world. The density should instead be seen as an opportunity to create a new way of living, which remembers the heritage of Hong Kong and amplifies the original life style of Hong Kong.

By reinterpreting the current concept of housing and by analysing the urban fabric and extract the successful elements, it is possible to reintroduce a typology that encourages interaction between people.

With only limited usable land available, and Hong Kong’s high density, the vertical reach is a necessity. Until now, the city has had a simple vertical movement that only scratches the surface of opportunities of vertical living.

There is a need to start looking at the vertical movement as a way of life and not simply as a way of living, where social life and informal meetings not only exist on the ground floor, but take place on all levels and where daily life and errands will be both horizontal and vertical, and will encourage meetings in the corridors and inside the common rooms. Is it possible to create a structure that becomes more attractive as it develops and the activity and life increases on each level?

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In today’s world of urban design we cannot only look at an isolated site. We have to understand the context in which the site occurs, especially when dealing with the subject of the ‘ideal city’. We have to understand and predict new tendencies at all scales in order to design for the future.

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2.

The invasion of large-scale Development

Hong Kong analysis

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Shenzhen, China

Hong Kong has always been a dense city. With the borders between China and Hong Kong being opened, it is expected that over 1.5 million people will immigrate to Hong Kong over the next 20 years, making the city even denser. This density is the centre point of Hong Kong’s identity, for good and for bad. When dealt with appropriately, it gives the city its vibrancy. However, if dealt with in the wrong way, it can have severe detrimental effects. This analysis of Hong Kong is split into two, in order to show both sides of Hong Kong’s density.

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8.892.800

7.063.300

2015

2020

Sham Shui Po (site)

Greater Hong Kong

2025

2030

2035

2040

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15 Hong Kong’s heritage of vibrant street life, day and night, mainly occurs in the older districts of the city. In the popular market streets are small shops and Dai Pai Dongs (small stationary boxes that, when unfolded create a shop), providing everything from daily food to cameras and IT equipment. Here the urban Hong Kong life shows its real strengths in positively affecting its environment. Every left over space is used either as an opportunity to take a small pause from the hectic life, or to expand the business.

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The skywalks and escalators that cross the major traffic roads connect the bustling streets together, ensuring the safety of the pedestrians. Retail occurs around the skywalks, making them a centre of life in Hong Kong. The best example of this is the escalator system in SoHo. The system was created by the private sector in order to provide efficient transport to help their employees commute to and from work. Around this new “pedestrian high-way,� retail and urban life has started to emerge, and is now one of the most successful areas in Hong Kong.

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Pictures showing vibrant life of Hong Kong with narrow street fully occupied with shops and skywalks leading directly to shops.

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Pictures showing market streets and food stalls giving Hong Kong its vibrant life.

22 Sadly this heritage is slowly being replaced by an impersonal identity, which is more about building for profit than caring for the people living in the city. Today the identity of Hong Kong is more about the free economy and the seemingly endless number of high rises, than it is the urban life.

Due to the ever-growing need for real-estate, the free economy and the continued drive for profit, land development has rapidly accelerated over the last decade, moving from small scale mixed use to a depersonalised, large-scale podium typology.

Hong Kong mixed use chronology commerical

commercial residential office office hotel hotel

residential

50s 50s

shophouse

shophouse

50s 50s block

block

60s 60s shadow block

shadow block

70s 70s hyper block

hyper block

80s 80s podium tower

podium tower

90s 90s.. hyper podium tower

hyper podium tower

Central South 1960s

Mong Kok 1970s

1oo m

1oo m

Taikoo 1980s Kowloon Station 2000s

1oo m

1oo m

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The hyper-podiums are internally focused and often isolated from their external surroundings. They are inward facing centres, concealing themselves from street level. The circulation patterns take place within the development and allow little contact with the external environment. Together with the monotone large-scale high-rise blocks, they leave the city with lacklustre perimeter street walks and a minimal opportunity for interaction between the block and the street.

Kowloon station

Picture form http://www.globaia.org/en/anthropocene/

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This lifelessness is present inside high-rises as well as outside. People live in poor conditions. However, the price per square meter is so high that there is often only a few square meters per person.

Hong Kong’s public housing scheme offers the average citizen reasonable accommodation for a relatively low price.

However, the length of the waiting list makes it extremely difficult to register and when citizens finally obtain accommodation, they are placed in unpleasant high-rises isolated form the city of New Towns far away from it.

These New Towns is an attempt to solve the density issue.

Settlements are constructed over night, mass-producing soulless clusters of high-rises that are seemingly limited to Le Corbusier’s idea of a Radiant City and its lack of consideration for true urban life.

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Picture form http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=232192

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Pictures of Tin Shui Wai also known as “The city of Sadness”.

One of Hong Kong New Towns.

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Pictures of Sham Shui Po, where large scale developments have destroyed the urban vitality.

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Pictures of Hong Kong facades, taken by the artist Michael Wolf. http://www.photomichaelwolf.com/

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15-sqft (1.4sqm) cubicles, usually

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y eight of them to a room, with

Pictures of Hong Kong residential situation, taken by the artist Michael Wolf. http://www.photomichaelwolf.com/ and http://p21chong.wordpress.com/

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樓宇樣本平面圖 山景邨景富樓

樓宇樣本平面圖

Typical Floor Plan

宏福苑宏仁閣 (A 座)

Wang Fuk Court Wang Yan House (Block A)

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自居者有其屋計劃第5期乙的祥和苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購買單位人士在購買單 位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Cheung Wo Court under the Home Ownership Scheme Phase 5B and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat.

樓宇樣本平面圖 荔欣苑荔影閣 (A 座) 1 樓至 40 樓

樓宇樣本平面圖 寶明苑寶松閣 (A 座) 2 樓至 38 樓

Typical Floor Plan Lai Yan Court Lai Ying House (Block A) 1/F-40/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自居者有其屋計劃第4期乙的宏福苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購買單位人士在購買單 位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。

Typical Floor Plan Po Ming Court Po Ch 2/F-38/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自2004年8月印製 示標準樓層的樣本平面圖,個別樓層或單位的 參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extra Tenants Purchase Scheme Phase 6A pri individual floor or flat may vary from the prospective purchaser should carry out flat.

The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Wang Fuk Court under Typical Floor Plan 樓宇樣本平面圖 the Home Ownership Scheme Phase 4B and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the Kam Fung Court Kam Lan House (Block J) 錦豐苑錦蘭閣 (J座) 4樓至34樓 flat.

4/F-34/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自 2008 年 8 月印製的出售剩餘居屋單位第 4 期的荔欣苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購 買單位人士在購買單位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Lai Yan Court under the Sale of Surplus Home Ownership Scheme Flats Phase 4 printed in August 2008 and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat.

樓宇樣本平面圖

Typical Floor Plan

賢麗苑賢光閣 (A 座) 1 樓至 35 樓

Yin Lai Court Yin Kwong House (Block A) 1/F-35/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自 2009 年 8 月印製的出售剩餘居屋單位第 5 期 買單位人士在購買單位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。

The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information b the Sale of Surplus Home Ownership Scheme Flats Phase 5 prin reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser sho get to know the existing condition of the flat.

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Typical Floor Plan Shan King Estate King Fu House 樓宇樣本平面圖

Typical Floor Plan

兆麟苑銀麟閣 (A 座) 1 樓至 35 樓

Siu Lun Court Ngan Lun House (Block A) 1/F-35/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自 2010 年 5 月印製的出售剩餘居屋單位第 6 期的慈安苑二期資料摘要,只供參考。 擬購買單位人士在購買單位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。

The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Tsz On Court Phase II under the Sale of Surplus Home Ownership Scheme Flats Phase 6 printed in May 2010 and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat.

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自居者有其屋計劃第3期甲的兆安苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購買單位人士在購買 位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Siu On Court under Home Ownership Scheme Phase 3A and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospect purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat.

hung House (Block A)

樓宇樣本平面圖

Typical Floor Plan

兆康苑兆賢閣 (A 座)

Siu Hong Court Siu Yin House (Block A)

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自1991年8月印製的居者有其屋計劃第13期乙的兆麟苑一期售樓書,只供參考。擬購 買單位人士在購買單位前,應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the sales brochure of Siu Lun Court Phase I under the Home Ownership Scheme Phase 13B printed in August 1991 and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat. 製的租者置其屋計劃第6期甲的山景邨售樓概要,只供參考。圖則只顯

的圖則跟上述平面圖或有差異,擬購買單位人士在購買單位前,應實地

acted from the sales brochure of Shan King Estate under the inted in August 2004 and are for reference only. The plan of e above typical floor plan. Prior to purchasing a flat, on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the

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Typical Floor Plan Tin Fu Court Nga Fu House (Block Q) 1/F-40/F

Typical Floor Plan Yu Chui Court Yu Chai House (Block H) 1/F-32/F

樓宇樣本平面圖、附圖摘錄自居者有其屋計劃第3期乙的兆康苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購買單位人士在購買單 位前, 應實地參觀並了解擬選購單位的現狀。 The typical floor plan, part plan are extracted from the information brochure of Siu Hong Court under the Home Ownership Scheme Phase 3B and are for reference only. Prior to purchasing a flat, prospective purchaser should carry out on-the-spot visit to get to know the existing condition of the flat.

期的寶明苑資料摘要,只供參考。擬購

brochure of Po Ming Court under nted in August 2009 and are for ould carry out on-the-spot visit to Floorplans of residential high-rises http://www.pland.gov.hk/

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WORKSHOP “Ten principles for a sustainable Approach to New Development – Towards Sustainable and Integrated Large-Scale Developments for a More Liveable Hong Kong”

f Ten Principles

Sustainable A p New Deveeanlo d In

In 2010 stakeholders from the public and private sector attended a workshop, lead by the “Urban Land Institute.” The key aim was to identify the challenges facing large-scale developments and to develop principles that outline an alternative sustainable approach.

The workshop resulted in a rapport titled: “Ten principles for a sustainable Approach to New Development – Towards Sustainable and Integrated Large-Scale Developments for a More Liveable Hong Kong” The workshop concluded following; Hong Kong needs a clear vision to revitalise its human heritage. The mass-production of isolated blocks and podiums can be avoided with a new bottom-up strategy that engages the community. Districts should cooperate and have common urban design plans that complement each other and work together to create a greater city. The quality of life should be ensured before profit for the city.

New developments or redevelopment should be seen as an opportunity to improve development. In order to preserve Hong Kong’s effervescent identity and improve the citizens’ quality of life, development needs to steer away from uniformity and should instead aim to strengthen the heritage of street life. New projects should acknowledge the potential of surrounding areas to strengthen a unique sense of place.

The overall strategy should aim for more integrated public spaces which promote outdoor use and private events, bring vitality to the street, stimulate social interaction and promote pedestrian connectivity.

nabl Towards Sustai for a More L ts en m Develop

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for a

Approach to pment

e-Scale ntegrated Larg ong Livable Hong K

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human scale and encourage opment and narrower streets have a more e and continuity. pedestrian use with street-level interfac

and developments should Cities should have great tree-lined streets, How the building meets the have proper interface with those streets. the development is. If a destreet will influence how pedestrian friendly walls, that street will be empty velopment has created a street with blank in Hong Kong, buildings have and less vibrant. In the older urban areas Transfor a diverse range of active uses, m animated street frontage and provide typology ation of buildin g in Hong districts, such as the Tsim Kong which results in vibrancy. In the city’s older  Wal ls at st areas, “social memory” exists that reet leve Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Sheung Wan l topped tion ac security. ross th by wal provides a sense of place, safety, and e urban led bui fabric. lding to  Perim wers b eter-blo lock aire, in the planning and development of a site, pedestrian accessick r Therefo ventila streetw narrow alls are streets be a priority. This will result in cities not des bility at the street level should always devoid igned of land and commuwith se  The scapin e and livable. A strong sense of place walkabl more tb are podium that ac g ks, crea or tree , which s. tingip, as is evident in the older urban areas of Hong Kong, can canyon directly ownersh nity s, trap abuts th ping ai e street ments. r polluta , forms also be reintroduced within newer develop  Retai nts and narrow l uses worseni , deep are inw ng the ianst re ard look podium heat-isLarge-scaleetdevelopments include car parking and other pedestr ing, an level. land ef d public fect. nt level to avoid open sp uses. These should be placed at the baseme ly  Circ unfriend ace is ulation limited pattern to the s end at within the site the dev bound elopmen ar y. t and ar  Com e not inte munity connec grated extend tions ar ed. e disru pted b ec au se the  Thou urban gh the grid is impact not transit on adja develop cent la nd valu ments, es is p it may  A pro os le ad to p itive, es ject-bas rice infla pecially ed focu tion in for quality s hamp certain public ers the cases. spaces cr ea . tion of great p laces w ULI Wo ith highrkshop As par t of the st ud y, a ULI engag e partic worksho ipants p was related from m held in to larg ultiple Septem e-scale disciplin stakeh ber 20 develop es in a 10 to olders ment (s discuss from th ee app ion of is e public endix 1) sues and priv . Appro ate sect ximatel ors atte y 50 nded, includin g North Asia

Marina Bay Financial Centre Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) in and Singapore has a site area of 3.5 hectares conGFA of 436,000 square metres. It is well the as such ents, developm other with nected Marina Bay Sands Resort, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, esplanade Theatres, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments, forming a close cluster with a high-quality public realm, open space at grade, and a promenade along the waterfront.

Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore

Typical podium development in Hong Kong

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The full rappot can by found on the ULI website: http://www.uli.org/publications/resource-library/

This project aims to incorporate and visualise the ideas listed in this rapport.

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Theory should form the base of urban fabric, and ideally, this base should create a diverse and interesting city. However the physical design often ends up lacking basic theory and is more driven by money and aesthetics than functionality. By studying theories of urban life, we can acquire knowledge and ideas about urban fabric that can later be used to design future ideas.

The ambition should always be to create a fusion between the vibrant urban fabric, where life can happen, and the efficient aesthetic fabric.

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3.

Why is the urban vibe important

Urban analysis

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The work of six urban theorists and architects who focus on urban life and cover a broad spectrum of theories has been selected to form an analytical tool which can be used to examine the existing urban fabric and extract the successful aspects of it. The theorists have been chosen due to their impact on urban planning and design as well as their innovative and accurate theories.

The tool allows us to look at different sites and analyse them based on a value-based background.

The tool is split into 6 sections: one for each urban thinker.

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Jan Gehl

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Gordon Cullen

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Christopher Alexander Christopher Alexander believes architecture can be seen as a set of systems and rules that must align together to make a successful design. The systems are all classic patterns that are already tested and successful in the real world. He is convinced that individual actors and local rules, in relation to its neighbours, and not the ideal of one masterplan, should generate the city.

(Christopher Alexander A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction)

This is a fundamental view of the world. It says that when you build a thing you cannot merely build that thing in isolation, but must repair the world around it, and within it, so that the larger world at that one place becomes more coherent, and more whole; and the thing which you make takes its place in the web of nature, as you make it.

But in practice master plans fail - because they create totalitarian order, not organic order. They are too rigid; they cannot easily adapt to the natural and unpredictable changes that inevitably arise in the life of a community.

(http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/christopher_alexander.html)

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Jan Gehl Jan Gehl’s ideas are based on research of the urban form. He investigates how multiple elements such as streets and squares, sun and shade, and the width of streets affect people. Jan Gehl highlights the need for a people-friendly city that is compact and emphasises public spaces in order to facilitate pedestrian movement.

He believes that a sustainable city is a lively and safe city, which can be achieved by making cities that people enjoy using, walking and living in. In short: To get safe cities, people need to use the public space.

(Kantzoner by Jan Gehl)

…As far as I can see, many of the worst characteristics of western modernist cities are being replicated in the planning of fast growing Chinese cities. The kind of ‘New Towns’ the Chinese are building look very much like the housing areas we now see being demolished in many places in both western and eastern Europe. Some of the worst models are being used in China to deal with the rapid growth of cities…This, I have to say, is a recipe for disaster, and I certainly see this as a major challenge for the sustainability of cities in the world.

Jan Gehl

Pedestrian friendly

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(Interview Jan Gelh, 2008 http://sustainablecities.dk/)

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Kevin Lynch In his book The Image of the City, Kevin Lynch analyses how people perceive the city according to its physical form. He concludes that we understand the city by making a mental map consisting of five elements; paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks.

Each of these elements shapes the city and makes it readable to the people in it. Lynch proposes subsections for each element that describe what makes the elements successful or not.

Kevin Lynch about the legibility in the city; “It must be granted that there is some value in mystification, labyrinth, or surprise in the environment‌This is so, however, only under two conditions. First, there must be no danger of losing basic form or orientation, of never coming out. The surprise must occur in an over-all framework; the confusions must be small regions in a visible whole. Furthermore, the labyrinth or mystery must in itself have some form that can be explored an in time be apprehended.

Complete chaos without hint of connection is never pleasurable�

(Kevin Lynch: The Image of the City)

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Jane Jacobs The urban theorist Jane Jacobs is constantly emphasizing the importance of the urban form, and how it relates to the urban street life. She is a strong proponent of the small-scale urban form, with small blocks allowing multiple, overlapping paths and uses through the city. In order to improve urban fabric, she believes that we should study the parts of the city that work and learn from them.

She is famous for her phrase “eyes on the street”; also known as the natural surveillance strategy, which refers to the idea that the best surveillance is naturally occurring. Whilst people are using or simply looking at the outdoor space, they observe what is happening and therefore create a natural form of security.

When the diversity of usage is high, the level of observance is also high. Street design should therefore encourage pedestrian movement, with front porches and windows also designed to promote “eyes on the street”. Jane Jacobs also mentions the street corner as an important urban element to promote the success of urban fabric.

Retail is often placed here, as it is the most frequently visited point on the street.

Jane Jacobs proposes four criteria to create a successful urban space; 1. Diversity of functions; mixed uses are a necessity to maintain the liveliness of the space.

2. Various types and ages of buildings; to create an interesting view, and to ensure a mix of uses.

3. Frequent streets and very few long blocks; to ensure the space maintain its vibrancy.

4. High concentration and density of uses.

(Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities)

“To generate exuberant diversity in a city’s streets and districts four conditions are indispensable: 1. The district, and indeed as many of its internal parts as possible, must serve more than one primary function; preferably more than two...

2. Most blocks must be short; that is, streets and opportunities to turn corners must be frequent.

3. The district must mingle buildings that vary in age and condition, including a good proportion of old ones so that they vary in the economic yield they must produce. This mingling must be fairly close-grained.

4. There must be a sufficiently dense concentration of people, for whatever purposes they may be there...”

(Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities)

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Gordon Cullen In his book The Concise Townscape, Gordon Cullen discusses the strengths of people gathering in cities, which create a sum greater than the inhabitants themselves. The sum of all individuals generates a collective amenity, where communities are preferred over living in isolation and people are brought together to create a collective surplus of enjoyment. Similarly, bringing buildings together creates a visual pleasure which cannot be achieved by building them separately.

He divides the way the city is experienced into three subjects; 1. Concerning optics: How the city becomes alive through the drama of juxtaposition via serial visions. Where the existing and emerging view creates a chain of experiences when the emerging view is unknown. This is reached by creating different levels, corners, volumes et cetera in the city.

2. Concerning place: How we react and feel according to the position of our body in its environment. We relate to the space we are in, and use terms as HERE and THERE, and by understanding this we should exploit this in the design of the city.

3. Concerning content: The last point is about the fabric of the city. Colour, texture, scale, style character, personality and uniqueness all have an impact on us. And how it all should be differentiated in the city to make it interesting and liveable.

A long straight road has little impact because the initial view is soon digested and becomes monotonous.

Several things begin to happen in the group (of buildings), which would be impossible for the isolated building. We may walk through and past the buildings. And as a corner is turned an unsuspected building is suddenly revealed‌. the space created between the buildings is seen to have a life of its own over and above the buildings which create it.

human scale

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Gordon Cullen

(The concise townscape by Gordon Cullen)

Scan of an illustration from the book: The concise townscape, showing the serial visions

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Le Corbusier In Le Corbusier’s Radiant City, the centre of urban life is formed by uniform pre-fabricated highrise blocks with plenty of open areas between them. Each block is placed upon pillars to leave more land to nature, creating one big park-like city.

The blocks are equipped with a catering section that performs daily errands, so the inhabitants would have more time for leisure. The time saved allows the individual time to think, write, do sports and participate in other recreational activities.

Le Corbusier’s idea is to improve life through architecture. However, the idea lacked some of the most elementary theories of urban life. Amongst those is the essential notion of street life, which gives the city its vitality and excitement.

In order to understand this theory, and why Hong Kong has embraced it, it is important to include it in the research tool. (http://justurbanism.com/2007/11/10/lecorbusier_and_la_ville_radieuse/)

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Le Corbusier's radiant-city of 1935

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This theory should not be considered for its physical form, but the idea of life-style.

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PRINCIPLES OF GOOD DEVELOPMENT

A district should have more that two main functions - functions which bring people to a specific place (offices, dwellings, factories etc.)

Smaller open spaces (horizontal + vertical) creates possibility for extended city life.

The road structure should be maze like -but always with a sense of how to “get out” of it if felling lost or in a hurry.

Closed off open spaces can act as safe areas for children (schools, nursery ect.)

Important: it is also a “city life stopper”

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Irregularities in the city scape creates possibility for informal situations to happen.

Multiple use (coexistence) ensures life through out the day due to the different timetables of the people/functions

Balconies bring life the be building and make it more interesting/human to look at.

But it can also kill street life by keeping the people .

High-rises should only be placed in already dense areas, minimising the surrounding open area. And the connection to the ground should be considered carefully

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Landmarks attracts people (local+tourist) and bring life into the area.

Larger open spaces should not divide - but strengthen the neighbourhood.

It should primarily be placed where the need is - in already dense areas.

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Horizontal human scale is 100 meters.

Minimum every 100 meters there needs to be a brake it the block.

A understanding of the different roads is important for the understanding of city life.

- Primary road should be kept to a minimum, but is needed for transport - Secondary roads are a mix of functions - Tertiary roads is only for light traffic

Human scale vertically regarding building height is between 5-7 stories.

Every 5-7 stories there should be a shift in the building.

Mono use residential buildings must, within the human scale, be a connection to ground, (that be plateaus or real ground) to ensure city life and a sense of community (belonging) of the residents

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Certain functions y requires x amount of open space. Either on ground or plateau level. ( A school requires a school-yard )

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The atmosphere on streets constitutes an important aspect of urban life and plays a large role in giving the city its identity. Most successful neighbourhoods have lively streets that bring people together and allow a strong social fabric to form. Achieving this sense of togetherness helps to build social resilience as is crucial if a locality is to undergo positive transformation. However, it is necessary to question what elements are needed to define the success of street life

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4.

Where is the urban vibe

Properties of Hong Kong

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Mong Kok

Kowloon station

SoHo

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Central South (SoHo) Mainly developed in the 1960s

When applying the analytical lens to SoHo, there is evidence to suggest that a number of the criteria for successful urban fabric are present. This is clearly reflected by the vibrant street life. The SoHo typology has developed over a significant period of time, forming a mixture of old and new, low-rise and high-rise, as well as mix a of commercial and residential use.

The variations in age, size and function deliver architectural values and diversity as well as a vibrant city life, even where large-scale developments are overtaking the small-scale development. In applying a bottom-up approach, the private sector constructed the central-mid-levels escalator in 1993 which was designed to transport pedestrians through the site both safely and efficiently.

Commercial businesses are mostly located on lower levels with residential settings located above them. This compliments Jane Jacobs’ notion of “eyes on the street” in that it creates an atmosphere where people are on the streets throughout the day, enhancing both liveability and safety. In addition to this, the use of the escalator has been extended to include higher residential levels, as well as the commercial levels located on lower floors. This ensures a more varied use in compliance with Jacobs’ criterion for diversity in function and mixed use.

The highest levels of a number of high-rises comprise of extravagant sky bars and restaurants which encourage the public to interact with the sky rises. In this way, larger developments are tactfully integrated into the city’s way of life as opposed to taking over it. Additionally, above a select few large-scale developments are public gardens (the only ones in the district). However these gardens tend to be well hidden and only benefit those who are aware of their existence.

Despite this, SoHo’s architectural values, bustling street life and diverse streets give it a strong human centric identity and make it an interesting place for exploration. Larger developments are integrated into SoHo’s existing situation and occur in carefully scaled proportions so as not to overwhelm the area’s rich traditions.

However, SoHo is still lacking a number of fundamental principles that are necessary to create a successful urban fabric.

This is with particular regard to Jan Gehl’s emphasis on the role of people-friendly public spaces in making interactions with the city a pleasant experience. There is an evident shortage of open spaces and squares in SoHo. There is therefore only minimal opportunity to take a break from the hectic street life. Moreover, SoHo is currently lacking evidence of Christoper Alexander’s idea that architecture should be governed by a set of bottom-up systems and rules that align to create successful urban design. The area currently has no systematic approach, providing no guarantee that SoHo’s success will continue, particularly in an era where there is a drive to build at a higher and larger scale.

In this respect, while SoHo demonstrates a large degree of compliance with a number of criteria for an ideal urban fabric, its profile for success is far from complete. However, we can extract a number of successful elements from analysing SoHo: its diversity of functions, its city scape, its escalators and its skywalks and elevated open spaces.

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Large scale development

Central-mid-levels escalator

The skywalk generates retial

SoHo street

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Mong Kok

Mainly developed in 1970s The district Mong Kok is characterised by its small equally sized blocks and its high frequency of streets, creating a readable and easily accessible cityscape. Some buildings are mono-functional but merge with a mix of new and old low-rises with multiple functions. Mong Kok has the highest population density in the world and is one of the poorest districts in Hong Kong. Its buildings lack basic maintenance, consequently undermining architectural values and opportunities to increase the diversity in building types. Due to the area’s exceptionally dense population, all buildings are used to their maximum potential, providing a lively and secure atmosphere throughout the day.

A large proportion of living accommodation in Mong Kok lack kitchen facilities, creating a high demand for budget dining. Consequently, retail and restaurants tend to be located on lower levels, while higher levels provide for commercial, industrial and residential use. While most of Hong Kong is undergoing large scale change and is losing its traditional characteristics of diverse markets, small shops and food stalls, Mong Kok has managed to preserve this. Its main shopping streets are a combination of all functions and invite exploration. Some roads have been closed off providing pedestrians with the ability to walk freely while skywalks provide transport across heavy traffic. However, along the main road, pedestrians are forced to walk on crowded sidewalks alongside polluting traffic with no barriers or trees to make it more pleasant.

In this sense, Mong Kok’s main elements of success are its diversity in function and type as well as its skywalks and markets.

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Time of pause

Skywalks linking streets

Run down buldings

Vibirant steet life

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Taikoo

Developed in 1980s The district of Taikoo is predominantly middleclass and covers an area of 3.5 hectares. It hosts 61 private residential towers which provide almost 13, 000 flats and house approximately 60, 000 people. The district clearly adheres to a master plan, with large roads occurring within a confined grid, making it readable and easily accessible. The development is divided into 6 stages with the next stage beginning only when the previous stage is complete. However, sadly the design and function allocation is over-consistent, reducing personality and resulting in monotone and inexplorable developments that are almost indistinguishable.

The development can be linked to the ideal in Le Corbusier’s Radiant City, where leisure time, social equality and efficiency are in focus but almost everything else is lacking. Retail and offices are placed inside large buildings linked together by a system of closed skywalks, giving no real reason the use the street. In this sense, the main, and perhaps only, element of success in Taikoo is its systematic approach to development.

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Taikoo https://maps.google.com/

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Kowloon Station (Union Square) Developed in 2000s

The entire Kowloon locality is shaped and confined to one huge hyper-block, covering an area of 13.5 hectares. There are blank perimeter walls all around it, resulting in low accessibility to and from the district. Once inside, the district is entirely made for pedestrian use. All functions (shopping malls, entertainment and real-estate) are isolated from the external urban fabric, reducing interaction with the surrounding environment.

The functions are divided into large clusters, separated from each other, resulting in a mono-activity of the area, leaving it empty most of the day. The high cost of real-estate causes segregation between the ‘average citizen’ and the people living in Kowloon Station. Consequently there is little reason, other than shopping, for the ‘average citizen’ to enter the development. Moreover, the ‘average citizen’ takes preference to interesting alternative shopping locations, leaving little demographic diversity in Kowloon Station. On top of the block is a park-like area, built for people to look down at from their residents, but not use, resulting in its misuse. Internal and external security is not provided through Jane Jacob’s idea of “eyes on the street”, but rather through artificial surveillance. In this respect, the most successful element of Kowloon is limited to the strength of its identity.

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Kowloon Station seen form above http://www.globaia.org/

Kowloon Station inner park http://www.skyscrapercity.com

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SITE ANALYSIS

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Small vivid space in urban environment

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Large open space in-between multiple environments

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Compresses empty space in residential environment

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In pursuing the ideal city, is it important that designers are imaginative and creative.

To realise desires and act on visions, it is vital to look at, and learn from, similar projects.

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5.

How can it be solved

Dreaming

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Current high-rise situation.

Monotone flats with no relation to each other or the ground.

Imagine a city with an identity that reflects the people living in it, where life in the streets is the most essential and natural element and where life is not limited to the ground plane, but present at all levels. This would mean reversing our current system of bringing people to the streets to instead bringing streets to the people.

With today’s technology it is possible to create extraordinary things that people could only dream of just a few decades ago. The dream of vertical living, with multiple levels full of life has existed for decades, as seen in W. H. Corbett’s drawing of “City of the future” from 1913 (see page74 -75). Here the circulation system is divided by a clear hierarchy where pedestrians are free from the traffic that exists on the lower levels.

The idea of building to free pedestrians from traffic by creating streets in the air is not new. In the “8 building” project by BIG, it is possible to cycle directly to your home, even if that is on the 10th level. In projects such as “Odhams Walk” and “Habitat 76”, the design creates a circulation system of elevated walkways that connect different levels. (see page74 -75) In Hong Kong, vertical structures (high-rises) are necessary in order to cater for its high population density. Consequently, it offers an ideal case study to test the idea of the vertical dream. Vertical circulation has existed for years in Hong Kong; it is evident that skywalks can be well integrated into the urban fabric and this should be exploited to a higher extent. There is a need to modify and strengthen the idea in order to ensure that Hong Kong’s vertical structures also include vertical living.

The majority of Hong Kong’s newer developments are monotone and uninteresting large-scale hyper-blocks that repel rather that attract. They reflect the desire for profit and efficiency, rather than the diversity of the people living inside.

Imagine a city that adopts a bottom-up approach to development, where the individual citizen has the opportunity to influence the design and is empowered to shape their own home.

Imagine a city where the urban fabric is tailored to the needs and wants of the individual citizen rather than dictated by a top-down system.

Several architects have already designed inspiring projects based on this dream. These include the Archigrams Project, the Plug-in City, Yona Friedman’s Suspended City and the work of Kisho Kurokawas. These projects all embrace density, and

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see it as an opportunity for a city to become something greater; a system of life rather than simply a system of buildings. (see page 68-69)

Imagine a city with out class-segregation. There is significant social segregation in Hong Kong and the city’s typology only serves to amplify it. However, it is possible for different people to live amongst each other and learn from each other’s strengths, instead of living in separation.

Imagine a city that encourages social interaction. The ideal city should encourage people to meet and promote informal meetings through its design. We already know that this can be achieved through design by collaborating the ideas of several urban theorists concerned with the success of urban fabric.

Future high-rise situation; Breaking down the current ideal of development.

Shaping a new typology introducing more adaptable structures. With more diversity, resulting in interaction between classes and multiple planes, making the structure more accessible and open.

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The 8 building by BIG

Odhams Walk by Greater London Architects Department

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The Nakagin Capsule Tower by Kisho Kurokawa Pictures from http://www.flickr.com/

Space city and suspended city by Yona Friedman Picture from: http://www.megastructure-reloaded.org

Plug-in city by Archigram Picture from http://www.essential-architecture.com/

Habitat 67 by Moshe Safdie Pictures from http://www.flickr.com/

City of the Future by W.H. Corbett Drawing from http://blog.inpolis.com/

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hild

Inspired by these visions and existing projects, the idea of a unit system that can evolve and adapt to the inhabitants’ needs has emerged. The system should be able to adjust in size as the life of the inhabitant changes, creating an ever-changing structure.

Each unit should have access to common rooms to encourage social interaction.

Residential life of “MAN”

MAN 20

MAN 40 + wife + child x 2

MAN 70 + wife + child x 2 with families

MAN 25 + wife

Multiple lifes

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The structure should incorporate rules into its pattern of growth to ensure success both inside and outside developments. The outside space should have dimensions according to its uses and have an equally, if not more important factor.

The timeline shows how the units adapt to the need of inhabitants. As the man gets a family, the need for more space is met by attaching more units. Similarly, when the family shrinks, the units can be removed.

MAN 30 + wife + child

MAN 40 + wife + child x 2

MAN 70 + wife + child x 2 with families

Multiple lifes

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Nature has evolved over millions of yeas, adapting to survive. By studying the nature, it becomes possible to learn and interpret it into human needs.

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What can solve it

Learning from nature

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Stigmergy The structures social insects are living in are extremely complex. Within the colonies, there are a large number of algorithms that enable the colonies function successfully.

The key to their success is stigmergy, that is, the foundation of successful self-organisation amongst social organisms. In other words, it is the indirect coordination between agents and actions, where one action leaves a trace in the environment to stimulate the next, leading to spontaneous complex emergence of coherent, seemingly intelligent systematic activity without a need for planning, control or direct communication between agents.

The stimuli provided by the emerging structure itself, becomes a rich source of information for the individual. In this way, each individual contributes to a collective effort where information from the local environment and work in progress guides further activity, creating the greater whole.

The organised process of thousands of individuals is possible without any leader or central communication, creating a complex structure that cannot be seen in any human processes.

While the behaviour of the overall colony is a set of highly complex self-organized and cooperative actions without any preconceived masterplan, the individual insect’s behaviour is simple.

This collective behaviour of social insects is an intelligent solution adapted to the insects’ environment. A set of simple but strong rules of construction is imprinted deeply in each and every insect. Today’s cities are made of highly complex systems, where societies have become almost impossible to grasp. These simple insects that are capable of such complexity can help form a new way of looking at the city.

This project looks at how this natural system can inspire our design of future ideal cities, not by copying the physical form of ant and termite colonies, but by gaining an insight into how nature is adapting to its environment and is building a strong set of rules to survive. This proposal adopts the notion of stigmergy communication and proposes a structure that is shaped by the (future) inhabitants as part of a bottom-up approach, rather than being masterplanned by one developer.

(Self-organization in Biological systems)

“ A single ant has no global knowledge about the task it is performing. Ants’ action are based on local decisions and are usually unpredictable” Benzatti 2002, from http://ai-depot.com/

“Colonies perform various tasks, such as foraging, care of the young and nest construction. As environmental conditions and colony need changes, so do the numbers of works engaged in each task” – Gordon DM 2003 http://eclectic.ss.uci.edu/

“It appears that what matters to an ant is the pattern of interactions it experiences, rather than a particular message or signal transferred at each interaction. Ants do not tell each other what to do when they meet, but the pattern of interaction each ant experiences influences the probability it will perform a task” – Gordon DM 2003 http://eclectic.ss.uci.edu/

75 When social insect colonies reach a certain size, the power is spread equally out.

Hong Kong has reached that size!

Like in nature, buildings should grow after need, and should be able to develop over time.

Inspired by these visions and existing projects, the idea of a unit system that can evolve and adapt to the inhabitants’ needs has emerged. The system should be able to adjust in size as the life of the inhabitant changes, creating an ever-changing structure. Each unit should have access to common rooms to encourage social interaction.

The structure should incorporate rules into its pattern of growth to ensure success both inside and outside developments. The outside space should have dimensions according to its uses and have an equally, if not more important factor.

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The design process was long and required a systematic trial and test approach to weigh up the successes and failures of each design. During the process of designing the future city, several models were made. This was fairly time consuming due to the need to conduct a series of detailed investigations into how different parameters affected the overall plan in order to generate the optimum, imaginative design.

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7.

Making it happen

Model research

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Modeling the dream

The modelling stage reflects the project’s evolution, as each model demonstrates an improvement from the last, and represents a step closer to achieving the ideal design.

The initial stage of modelling involved combining a simple set of volumes. These were arranged to provide a simple, structural visualisation of the preliminary ideas aimed at operationalising an ideal urban fabric. It was intended to aid the process of rethinking Hong Kong’s current large-scale development scheme through creating an open structure with public sky streets and mixed functions, and encouraging life on all levels. The idea was that it should be an adaptable structure that can be adjusted over time to address the needs of individual citizens.

Several models were made to investigate how different structures could be created using the same volumes. Each model was analysed, and the successful elements were extracted to create a set of rules which could be adopted by the next model.

Gradually, the rules enabled the creation of an increasingly eloquent structure.

Examples of rules

Rule 1: Specific functions appear when the required space is achieved.

Rule 2: A larger open space requires a minimum of two free stories above it.

Rule 3: ridges and escalators should link levels together to ensure accessibility where public functions and retail are present.

Rule 4: When the structure can’t provide sufficient outdoor space it should be connected to another structure which can.

79 A rule based development The first set of models reflected the tendencies of master planned top-down projects bottom-up approaches and inspired by the notion of stigmergy. In order to better apply a bottom-up approach, a more methodical approach was needed while the notion of rules continued to be used. In order to increase manageability and maximise investigation, it was concluded that a uniform shape was needed as opposed to an array of random forms. A hexagon was selected as the optimal shape in that it allows for numerous possible compositions while simultaneously providing a consistent surface. However, it is important to note that the hexagon was seen as a placeholder that could be altered at a later stage, rather than as the final form.

The hexagon became the foundation of the research and the starting point for the creation of rules. Adopting a uniform shape helped to gain an insight into how the overall structure changed when the parameters of each rule were modified.

The processes behind rules became clearer, demonstrating how the rules acted alone as well as in collaboration with other rules.

Each rule was tested both separately and in combination with multiple other rules in order to ensure the rigidity of the rule. This is because any small change to a single rule has the potential to have a major impact on the greater structure when tested in combination. A small selection of the rules investigated is shown below:

Investigation of how the structure creates different spaces when growing.

Investigation of how shifts should occur in the vertical growth.

Investigation of how the unit acts when being moved.

In plan, the units can only grow 3 steps away from the white (core) unit + there must always be at least 1 side free for every unit.

In plan, the units can only grow 3 steps away from the white (core) unit + there must always be at least 2 sides free for every unit.

While only minor changes were made to the rule, the change resulted in very different outcomes. The first model is a very compact structure while the next is more open with much more space between the units.

Investigation of how the same amount of units can be differentiated by simple shifts, creating numerous different overall structures. The structure develops from being compact with only little “outdoor� space to an open structure with several plateaus and paths within the structure.

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Public terrace

Nursery

Public square

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Ideas of how the units system could grow in plan. Each unit is room sized and each colour represents a function such as kitchen, living room, toilet etc. These functions are shared between the yellow private bedrooms.

Further model research Major shift research 1 left

12 6

Every 7. storey is shifted one unit size to the left. This is resulting in a structure which takes up a lot plan-area.

It is making usable plateaus to the right.

Major shift research

It is making usable spaces with “roof” (inside-outside) Some places is the facade not following the major shift rule making those facades 12 storeys tall

1 left - 1 right

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6

Every other 7. storey is shifted one unit size to the left and then right.

This is making a more compact structure in plan.

It is making usable plateaus shifting from the right side to the left. Making more usable plateaus that the “1-left”.

Major shift research

Max open space

It is making usable spaces with “roof” (inside-outside).

But are creating two different spaces.

Some places the facade is not following the major shift rule. Making some facades 36 storeys

36

Every 7. storey is shifted one unit so it will create as much open space on the given level.

It is making usable plateaus inside the structure and only few on the outside

It is making usable spaces with “roof” (inside-outside) It is making a more diverse structure, but still have the issue of having too tall facade.

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During the investigation of rules, a series of other studies were conducted. In order to find the optimum structure different volumes were tested, all growing around a core.

The shifts are important to create the desired sky-streets and sky-squares.

It is crucial that the units had the correct size, in order for the structure to work.

Major shift 100%

Major shifts will be used as sky-streets.

Minor Shift 50% 50%

Minor shifts are the base of sky-streets. This width of the street depends on the size of the unit.

If the unit has a diameter of 8 meter, the shift will provide a 4-meter wide street.

Units are joint together of 3 levels. Creating one larger unit.

Each large unit must be connected to the circulation system

A minimum of 1 unit size must be between two structures.

The empty unit space can be used to connect the structures by an escalator-unit

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Investigations down to a single units connection. If it should consist of a frame or a easy assembly system.

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Image of a frame system

A more detailed investigation of unit size and circulation was important to determine the unit’s dimensions. A key issue was to create a rule to ensure that all units had access to daylight.

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Interior walls and rooms were detailed, adding a new dimension to the model. Windows and access points added to the complexity.

Different circulation patterns were explored down to the scale of each unit. This helped to decide whether circulation should take place internally or externally, and whether it should run along the units’ outer walls or only cover one side. Each option demonstrated its own strengths.

Example of detailed interior plan.

Possible second circulation system, with stairs running along the outerwalls.

A combination of stairs and corridors attached onto one side.

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Scripting is comparable to the sequences of stigmergy. The series of parameters in a script all respond to the previous and are similar to how insects leave a trace in the environment to trigger the next action.

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8.

What can solve it

The digital tool

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Utilising the computer as the main modelling tool, new and more advanced tools can be used to design future cities.

Instead of modelling everything manually, it is now possible to customise tools that solve complicated issues that are otherwise unsolvable. This is known as “scripting�.

In a general sense, the process of scripting is to write a screenplay or dialogue from which a play might preform.Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming by Mark Burry It (the new tool) use algorithms to solve the desired problem by splitting the main issue into simpler steps which later can be evaluated, modified or corrected if efficiency needs to be increased.

These new highly customised tools can calculate extremely complicated equations, making it possible to adopt a new architectural approach.

The tool must be used with caution and should never be seen as an end-result without evaluating its outcomes. The tool itself lacks mental processes and cannot judge what is good and what is bad; it is simply showing the result of the designers input. The tool should therefore be seen as a means of testing and discovering new opportunities that the designer did not think of himself, rather than as a final result. Building in such a way enables the user to change parameters and alter the design into something useful

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Form rather than function http://www.3dmetrica.com/uf/settings/back.jpg

90 The script designed for the project enabled the creation a ground plan that utilised the concept of stigmergy, while the model research was conducted manually.

Step by step, the script created a plan structure and integrated the urban theories and successful urban elements that have been discussed in previous chapters.

The script made it possible to conduct profound research into unit size, site, paths required etc. and find the appropriate parameter settings that would perform best in most possible locations.

A selection of this research is shown in the catalogue on the final pages of this chapter.

The following steps are the process of how the script is working:

1. Select the site

Select the desired site, and define the 3D boundaries according to the environment (external site analyse required). The system places a grid within the site, with the changeable shape and size.

Not solved issue: The system can only recognize 2d site.

2. Define paths

Manually draw lines according to the desired roads in the site. The systems removes the cells x from the paths (lines).

X is the distance cells should be removed from the line.

91 3. Cores

The main circulation system of cores is created according to the desired frequency. Manually define the distance between each core. The system activates the cells closest to the out coming points on the lines .

4. Unit growth

Units growing around the cores are defined by how many cells the system should activated.

5.2. circulation system

The second circulation system (escalators) is defined by a new set of points on the lines. Repeating step 3. The system takes the occupied cells in account.

92 6. Unit growth

Units growing around the cores are defined by how many cells the system should activated.

The system takes the occupied cells in account.

With the catalogue it was made clear what parameters worked best in the different sites.

The selected parameters were also tested manually and evaluated if the parameters worked “in the real world�.

The selected unit size was detailed again, ensuring the size worked inside and outside etc.

Catalouge Roads

1 internal road

2 internal roads

3 internal roads

4 internal roads

93 Unit size

R=4

R=5

R=6

R=7

R=8

R=9

R = 10

The entire script

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A rigid unit system responding to future city ideals was created, incorporating the The next stage of the current 2d script will be to add the vertical dimension, making it 3d. The end script should become a fully functional software that enables the citizens of Hong Kong to design their own future home.

The software should provide an opposite alternative to a masterplan, allowing for a collective effort by the inhabitants, the developer and the designer. In this way the structure can be created in a evolutionary way, which maintains efficiency through enabling inhabitants to contribute to the process without even having to meet.

While the final configuration is unknown in the initial stagesas inhabitants begin to use the software and units are added to the system - the final structure emerges over time. This is enhanced by the various characteristics that encourage and attract more people to use the software.

Citizens, as individual users, only need to focus on their own needs and desires as the software’s built-in calculator (the script) will compile the overall structure.

The software should be based on all the acquired knowledge of how parameters affect the emerging structure in order to create a rigid system which improves as it is used.

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9.

How is it being solved

The project

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The following section demonstrates a tutorial of how a site can be developed by using the future software.

General settings

SITE

Before potential users can begin to use the software, a few general settings will be have to be customised. According to an urban analysis of the area, rules and constrains such as location, boundaries, building shape and overall building envelope will shape the development.

The parameters are set by the primary developer, which in this case, is the government of Hong Kong.

Today the site is an old industrial area located amongst the old urban environment, industrial use, and new large scale hyper block developments.

Large scale hyper block development

Residential

Industrial environment

Urban environment

Recreational area

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3D BOUNDARIES

After selecting and analysing the site, the software requires some general settings to be customised. The first setting defines the 3 dimensional boundaries in accordance with the surrounding environment. Existing roads, buildings, functions, sunlight and viewsheds are taken into consideration; the boundary is lower in areas of low industrial use and is higher near the recreational area.

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CONNECTION OF ROADS

Second setting defines the internal roads within the site and synchronises them with the existing road system: In order to create a successful urban environment, smaller roads are dividing the site, creating pedestrian shortcuts and linking the old and new typologies together.

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INTERN CIRCULATION

The final general setting defines the vertical circulation along internal roads in compliance with local needs and regulations: lifts and escalators create the possibility of vertical a circulation system.

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USER SETTINGS 1.

Select max distance from lift and escalator

2.

Select location on desired circulation form

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Select desired unit size

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Select view

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Overall structure level

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With the general settings established, future inhabitants can begin to use the software to choose their ideal requirements for their future home and its uses.

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USER ALLOCATION

According to the user’s preferences, the software calculates the location and price of each unit, taking into account a set of parameters including view, daylight, size, balcony, accessibility, and material. If the price exceeds the budget, alterations can be made by selecting less expensive solutions.

Important user settings for three different future inhabitants We would like a quiet and area, with good neighbours!

A busy street with man people, so I can sell a lot is what i want!

A vibrant street is great!

I dream of a great view, to impress my clients!

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POSITIVE FEEDBACK

The software uses a logic-based system that takes already allocated units into account. In this way, the decisions made by previous users have an impact on the new, therefore creating a process inspired by positive feedback from the stigmergy phenomenon.

The differential user settings of design and function create a diverse structure.

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NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

The structure is complete when all the desired spaces have been occupied or allocated, preventing new units from being attached (negative feedback).

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NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

The software is then applied to a new core and the stages are repeated, creating new neighborhoods that are linked to each other.

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IMPROVING THE SURROUNDINGS

When the site is consistent and complete, it will be analysed and tested and the software will search for nearby buildings to connect to in order to form a network. The overall result is an improved circulation system for both structures.

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Circulation and functions working together.

The circulation system can be divided into three types, each with different functions allocated to it.

The public “walk-through” street

The walk-through circulation acts as the main street together with the escalators, connecting the structure together. Commercial uses are the major functions along this circulation.

The public/semi public “walk-to” square

The walk-to circulation act as the squares of the structure. Functions like market places, art performances, food stalls etc. can take place here

The private “stay-in” areas.

The private “stay-in” areas acts at rooftop terraces for services like bars and restaurants. But can also act as playground for daycare institutions and other functions requiring outdoor space. When this area is next to residential use, will it act as private gardens.

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Residential Public functions Services Leisure Community Industrial

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3 Testing sites

The software is tested in three different sites in order to investigate how the emerging structure will change the urban fabric of the city.

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The site is located in the existing urban fabric with mixed functions surrounded by residential high rises, dividing the circulation pattern in two layers.

Public “walk through” circulation in the urban fabric and semi-private “walk to” in the residential areas.

The site is located in a large scale development area, dominated by private “stay in” circulation, leaving only little “walk through” and “walk-to” circulation in the area.

The site is placed in a large area of semi-private “walk to” circulation, in between high rises. The area is currently only being used for the residents going to their respective high-rises.

Resulting in a large empty area. The surrounding blocks are private “stay in” circulation.

The allocation of units introduces a more diverse circulation pattern with more spacious public space. A major improvement of private spaces allows for residential baloneys and rooftop gardens and sky terraces for services, all which seems missing in the current situation.

The occasionally semi public circulation, ensures the structure embraces the existing urban life in the area, by allowing the retail and street markets into the structure.

Due to the size of the site, a completely new circulation pattern is introduced, reacting to its surroundings by reaching for and connect to it with a long coherent public “walk though” path.

The mixture of “walk through”, “walk to” and “stay in” circulation creates a vibrant new neighborhoods.

The mix of circulation creates a large variety of functions.

Mainly service and commercial uses are located along the reach to the hyper-block development,

The new structure activates the site with a long public “walk through” path, connecting the high-rises together and alters the inner high-rise circulation to more public.

Mainly residential and service functions are created in this site.

Mainly commercial and service functions are allocated in this structure, due to the existing residential density.

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VALIGIE

VALIGIE

BORSE

BORSE

CASSETTO PERACCESSORI

CASSETTO PERACCESSORI

CINTURE cinture

2.000

2.000

cravatte

CINTURE cinture

cravatte

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Arrows indicate where the escalators are linking the vertical structure together.

Together they provide a coherent circulation system, making it possible to travel across the structure in a consistent flow, even above the elevated high-way, into the now altered hyper-block development, without having to enter the groundplane.

Looking closely, public squares are extruded 30 cm from the public paths, creating a clear visual transition.

VALIGIE

VALIGIE

VALIGIE

VALIGIE

BORSE

BORSE

VALIGIE

BORSE

BORSE

CASSETTO PERACCESSORI

CASSETTO PERACCESSORI

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The vertical structure seen from above provides clear view of how the software allocates clusters of uses.

The red public “walk-through” circulation is creating the base of the structure, ensuring the pedestrian flow.

Clusters of yellow “walk-to” circulation are differentiated in size, creating the possibility for different functions for the squares.

Hotels and other services requiring large outdoor space can use larger clusters of the blue private areas, while minor spaces can be used by the residential use.

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A walk through the site reveals a sequence of architectural views. Each arrow on the plan represents a view, seen from a pedestrian walking through the structure, read from left to right. The walk shows a series of sudden contrasts, which has an impact on the viewer, giving the structure life. Going from a narrow street into an open square, amplifies the effect of the grandiose vista.

Gordon Cullen describes the importance of the differentiated views in his book “The Concise Townscape�

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Growth of the emerging structure, densifying the city while revitalizes it in the process.

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What would it be like to live in a place where urban life diversifies through the vertical dimension? To live in a place shaped by the dreams of the citizens.

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9.

Vertical diversity

The life within.....

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Realising the dream The emerging structure is the result of a ground plan generated by the grasshopper script. Each parameter in the script was set according to local requirements and information acquired through site analysis. The vertical expansion was carried out manually, responding to the rules that materialised from the model research.

It is based upon the rules of the grasshopper script, improving the possibilities of urban life.

This project interprets several urban theories of creating successful urban life and applies them to the Hong Kong context. It extends life from the ground to include the vertical dimension, using Hong Kong’s existing successful urban elements of skywalks and escalators.

The skywalks have been modified to be used as pedestrian streets in the air, using the roofs of underlying units. Along the sky-streets is a mixture of functions that have been built on the successes of SoHo and Mong Kok. A bottom-up approach was used to decide function allocation, inspired by nature where the users themselves select the location and design.

The escalator system seen in SoHo was adapted into a function to link different levels and neighbourhoods together.

The multiple levels of streets add vibrancy to the structure and make it horizontal as well as vertical. Streets, squares and rooftops at multiple levels make it an interesting and explorable structure, where urban life promotes liveliness to ensure the concept of “eyes on the street”.

The selection of differential circulation patterns ensures a diverse use of the sky-streets, creating a hierarchy-based system where streets and squares are diverse and encourage multiple functionalities.

The core of lifts that cuts through all levels offers a dexterous transportation system and provides the retail sector an efficient means of transferring goods, similar to that in the hectic “Chungking Mansions” which is famous for its diverse functionality.

A secondary circulation system of stairs connects the levels of each unit to the main circulation system. The stairs are on the outside of the units in accordance with Jane Jacobs’s idea of “front porches” in order to encourage internal-external interaction.

Informal life is welcomed into the system, allowing the famous Dai Pai Dongs and food stalls to attract people into the structure

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Kindergarten

Rooftop terrace

Jongs home

Main street

Mr. Jong, age 25, has just bought his first flat. He chose to use the new software provided by the Hong Kong government, as a part of the Public Housing scheme.

He always wanted to design his own flat and live in a vibrant environment and know this could become a reality with this new approach. Mr. Jong did not have a lot of money, so he decided to choose a smaller flat, as he personally didn’t see the need for a balcony. Jong would rather live close to the main sky-street. The flats there had better access to the shopping possibilities and his favourite bar, which had an amazing rooftop terrace.

A main lift was close to him, this made it easy for him to get to work, in another vertical structure. But he preferred to use the escalator system; it meant that he could pass by his favourite food stall on the way.

His flat was what he had always dreamt of. It was a small but cosy 1 bedroom flat, with windows looking over lively Hong Kong. He had always feared that he would end up in one of the New Towns, they had no life, they felt more like ghost towns to Jong.

Mr. Jong also used the common room quite a lot. He would often meet his neighbours there. One day they agreed on having laundry facilities there.

Mr. Jongs girlfriend doesn’t live in this vertical structure, she prefers a more quiet place, which the software found in the neighbouring structure. But luckily for Jong she works in the kindergarten near by, so she often visits him after work.

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Main lift

Market stalls

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Mr. and Ms. kims home

Small balcony

Large balcony

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5 years ago Mr. Kim was offered a job as a salesman in the local fashion shop, which was to be located inside a newly proposed vertical structure. Something Mr. Kim gladly accepted. At that time he and his wife decided to buy a spacious flat close to his future work, so he would spend less time commuting to work every day. They could afford a flat looking out on the roof top park.

Unfortunately they could only afford a small balcony, but the people from the government office, guiding them through the software, told them that is was easy to change the small balcony to a larger one in the future. They decided to choose the small balcony and save for one year and then install a larger one.

Mr. and Ms. Kim are both happy to live in the vertical structure, even though they are using it in different ways. Ms. Kim likes to spend time on the close by public square, where she often runs with friends. Mr. Kim likes to go to the public rooftop park to read his newspaper, looking out onto the Hong Kong Skyline.

They are both excited for the coming winter, where their second child will be born. Fortunately, the neighbour’s daughter is planning on moving out. This means they can buy a part of his flat, making it into a room for the new baby.

They heard the great news from the neighbour when they passed him in the corridor one day. They always saw each other in the corridor; this led into what they hoped to be a lifelong friendship.

Roof top park

Lift

Local square

Mr. kims Work