Architectural Filth

ARCHITECTURAL FILTH

ARCHITECTURAL FILTH

Thesis Report (2008/2009)

National University of Singapore

Huang Yisu HT085905W

Thesis statement

My thesis is an architecture of filth. This thesis stems from a critique of Singapore’s obsession with hygiene, exemplified by her compulsion to be always in a state of absolute control.

Filth is defined as an accumulation of entities that are disregarded or rejected by modernism.

Singapore’s planning proposal is largely inspired by Tony Ganier’s Cite Industrialle. This modernist system is one of legibility which is a result of classification by its form or function, and segregation through ordering and organization.

Therefore Modern filth is what that is rejected by modernism, conversely, it forms a resistance against modernist system of classification, function, economy, hierarchy, ordering and organization.

Presently, what then, on an urban level, is this filth found in Singapore? I have identified a peculiar phenomenon that exhibits the qualities of filth found in the kitchen – the pasar malam.

They are able to disregard the boundaries by overlaying, that is to say, trespassing from one surface boundary to another, going against zoning practices by appropriating public spaces for private commercial ventures, and occasionally, for public entertainment. They accumulate to congest, they leech outwardly from corners of buildings, and lastly, they fill in between the seams of two surfaces.

However, this filth is necessary. This filth is good and legitimate. To live is to Filth.

But, Singapore’s hygienic practices cleanse away the filth, that is to say, making spaces devoid of all vitality, of all life.

Therefore, the thesis proposes an accumulation of pasar malam into a single building that resists every notion of modernism, and on another aspect, contests against the hygienic practices that Singapore has ever been so preoccupied with.

A Brief History of Filth

The notion of architecture and filth has never been tied so closely before the late 18th century. Architects never had to deal with a sudden increase in population, many times more than what the city was meant to withhold. Filth and architecture thus arose from the fact that city development cannot keep up with the increment.

During the late 18th century, there were several advancements in technology, such as, increased efficiency from cast to wrought iron production, development in agricultural system leading to increase food production, better food nutrition leading to lower mortality. Improvement in infrastructure such as the railway gave vast numbers of migrants the mobility much needed to travel to cities. This augmented the ever burgeoning population, leading to an unprecedented high concentration of people in the city.1

In order to accommodate the increased population, older neighborhoods of the city turned into slums. Moreover, newer developments built within walking distances to manufacturing plants for migrant workers were meant to provide only basic shelter.

“Naturally such congested developments had inadequate standards of light, ventilation and open space and poor sanitary facilities, such as communal outside lavatories, wash-houses, and refuse storage. With primitive drainage and inadequate maintenance, this pattern could lead to the piling up of excrement and garbage and to flooding, and these condition naturally provoked a high incidence of disease – first tuberculosis and then, more alarmingly for the authorities, a number of outbreaks of cholera in both England and Continental Europe in the 1830s and 1840s” 2

Therefore, to a large degree, congested spaces, that is, spaces devoid of light, air and proper sanitation became responsible for filth related diseases. Architecture, or rather the lack of architectural planning, was charged with the crime of proliferating filthdiseases. Our modernist fathers, then, had to take up the task of cleansing the city.

For Tony Garnier, the solution was to segregate and distance. In his 1904 proposal Cite Industrialle proposal, whereby the concept of zoning was amplified, housing and manufacturing plants are set apart from each other. (Illustration 1) Within each zone, buildings are not only interspersed with open spaces, they are also separated by wide pedestrian walkways, thus providing abundantly, light and air.

Therefore, if seen under such a context, we can conclude that the methods of modernist architects were largely a form of hygienic practice. The following modernist process is illustrated hereby: Firstly, architectural mass has to be discerned and identified into

1 Frampton, Kenneth. Modern architecture: a critical history. London: Thames and Hudson, 1981. p.20

2 Ibid p.21

its respective function and form, after which, a dividing line is to be created between their classification, in addition, as if the division was not enough, as aforementioned, the modernist solution was to distance them and finally, ascribe a hierarchy between them. (Illustration 2)

Conclusively, Architecture has never placed so much emphasis on eradicating filth until modernism, moreover, it takes on the burden of the utopian vows promised by our modernist fathers.

Illustration 1

Illustration 2

Filth and Singapore

Now, the question begging in our minds is, what has this to do with Singapore? Hygiene has always been used as a political tool, even prior to Singapore’s independence. It is used as a metaphor for social progress in Singapore and particularly so, for PAP, (People’s Action Party) Singapore’s dominating political party, it is a sign of incorruptibility.

In 1958, when Singapore was still a British colony, an operation Big Sweep, led by PAP member Ong Eng Guan, accused their colonial masters for neglecting the city’s sanitation and not educating the people in matters of health and hygiene.

(Illustration 3)

In 1968, the first keep Singapore clean campaign started. It was deemed as a step taken towards a world class city and thus social progress. (Illustration 4)

Upon returning from a visit to China in 1976, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s prime minister at that time, commented on how Singaporean Chinese, unlike the Chinese in China, do not spit in public anymore. (Illustration 5) Therefore, Singaporeans have been “educated” and thus this could be interpreted as placing public interest above one’s individual’s interest. In other words, the needs of the body, which is to expel phlegm is subordinated to the public domain’s need to be hygienic, if not, the public domain’s need to be a highly sterile, viral-free environment. This can be exemplified by Singapore’s adoption of Tony Garnier’s planning principles. For example, the segregation of the residential zones from the manufacturing zones which are mostly concentrated in the west of Singapore. (Illustration 6)

Illustration 4

Illustration 5

Illustration 6

Earlier on, we have seen an influx of migrant workers turn old neighborhoods into slums. Likewise, in Singapore there are areas which are filled with squatter settlements, consisting of Atap-housing constructed out of metal and timber.

As most of these buildings are illegal, they do not have a clear boundary between each other. Thus, in between the buildings are occupied by makeshift shelter, the occupier’s belongings and waste. Naturally, these things become a fire hazard and also aid in the spreading of fire from one building to another. (Illustration 7)

One of the such squatter settlement area is Bukit Ho Swee, which suffered from two fires incidents and more notably is the fire that occurred in 1961, which took down more than 2000 Atap-housing. Therefore the notion of filth is not only tied to diseases, but also to fire hazard.

As such, Singapore, or rather, PAP and her propensity for being such an extremely hygienic government, has zero tolerance for these squatter filth. Besides, the land being occupied are state-owned and thus have an intrinsic commercial value to them. However, massive resettlement plans to remove the people from their illegally occupied land would lead to much discontent. This could be evidently seen from the sharp decline in number of PAP members voted into the parliament whenever there were major resettlement. (Illustration 8)

An opportunity arose from the two fire that broke out in Bukit Ho swee, between 1960s to 1980s, the first was the great fire aforementioned in 1961, the second was in 1968, gave the much needed rational for the government in her explanation to the people, as to why there is an urgency for resettlement.

Therefore, over the years massive resettlement plans have been undertaken to remove the people out of the area into flats built by the Housing Development Board, and thus the flats are commonly know as HDBs. These HDBs are deemed to be very successful when compared to the social housing efforts by other countries, which usually falls into disrepair due to negligence.

However, the author feels strongly that the landscapes of HDBs produces an extremely sterile and hygienic environment - lifeless. In other words, the people have not only been educated into putting the countries’ interest before theirs, to a larger extent, this subliminal social control is manifested physically as landscapes, as architectural planning strategies and more so, as architectural objects.(Illustration 9)

Nonetheless, it is granted that HDBs do indeed provide better housing conditions, such as proper sanitation, systematic waste removal and fire protection when compared against the Atap-housing.

Finally, in the year 2009 is it true to say that all the architectural filth have been removed? We have seen that in illustration 9 the gradual removal, or rather, resettlement of the squatter settlements into HDBs,presently, what other filth resides in Singapore?

Illustration 7

Illustration 9a

Illustration 9b

From Kitchen Filth to Pasar Malam

In order to answer the question posed in the previous chapter, first and foremost, we have to define what architectural filth is. The thesis took on the author’s kitchen both as the point of departure and as the site of investigation.

The several characteristics of filth uncovered are namely: accumulate, congest, penetration, penetration with ramification, leech outwardly, vertical displacement, overlay, subtraction of surfaces, subtraction of mass, lateral displacement, perception and disposal. These characteristics are then used analogically to aid in determining what architectural filth is. (Illustration 10, 11)

Accumulate: Filth is a form of accumulation, whereby particles, masses and entities often gather in obscured areas such as corners and joints. It suggest a positive gain in mass over time.

Congest: The consequence of filth accumulation is congestion. They deny the proper functioning and efficiency required of a system. However, to congest is not necessarily undesirable. Often spaces that attract multitudes of visitors have the quality of congestion.

Penetration: The impregnation of a foreign body unto a surface that remains undisturbed. The coming together of two bodies, one having a proactive stance, the other, lies on the receiving end.

Penetration with ramification: The impregnation of a foreign body unto a surface that results in a disturbance. The disturbance can be read literally as a form of terrestrial fluctuation or abstractly as a form gravitational flux.

Leech outwardly: Filth have the tendency, or ability to traverse terrains and surfaces that are seemingly impenetrable. It also suggest that a redistribution of filth from areas more filthy to the more hygienic regions.

Vertical displacement: When there is smoothness in transition, whether between two differing or similar surfaces, filth cannot be retained. In other words, vertical displacement creates a coarseness that aids in the retention of filth.

Overlay: System or patterns alike, when placing one system/pattern over the other, this creates a surface penetration unlike the penetration aforementioned, one that belongs to mass. The degree or extent of how much one surface penetrates is dictated by its opacity.

Subtraction of surfaces: This pertains to losing of surface areas just as to losing opacity. It suggest a negative gain in surface area over time.

Subtraction of mass: This pertains to losing mass. It suggest a negative gain in mass over time.

Lateral displacement: Similar to vertical displacement, it suggest a coarseness that arise from two disjointed surfaces.

Perception and Disposal: Is filth a question of our perception to the nature of things, that is to say, if an object is sitting in its rightful place, then there is no filth. On the other hand, when one object trespasses another, we perceive that object to be filthy. The example used in illustration 11 is a perfectly hygienic shoe sitting on the cooking stove. There is a sense of inappropriateness between the shoe and the stove that distorts our perception of the shoe. Therefore, filth, if properly disposed of, if it sits in its rightful place, perhaps, the garbage collection bin, is no longer deemed as filthy.

The characteristics defined by the investigation, is used as a lens to read Singapore, and to identify sites or programs that are filthy.

A peculiar phenomenon that shares the several qualities of filth found in the kitchen is identified, these qualities are namely: overlay, accumulate, congest and leech outwardly and lateral displacement.

This phenomenon that is identified is the Pasar Malam, a malay word for night market. They consist of temporary structures erected to house small units of stalls. Traditionally, they operate from evening onward, however, it is noted that most Pasar Malam start operating from noon, mostly targeted at the lunchtime crowd. They sell a wide range of goods from clothes to cooked food prepared elsewhere, to accessories.

These Pasar Malams are able to disregard the boundaries by overlaying, that is to say, trespassing from one surface boundary to another, going against zoning practices by appropriating public spaces for private commercial ventures, and occasionally, for public entertainment. They accumulate to congest, they leech outwardly from corners of buildings, and lastly, they fill in between the seams of two surfaces that are laterally displaced. ( Illustration 12a,b,c)

To conclude, architectural filth has the ability to set itself against an existing hygienic system through the qualities aforementioned. When placed aside the modernist perspective, architectural filth is then, resisting against modernist system of classification, function, hierarchy, ordering and organization.

How then, should we approach design such that it encapsulates the intention to resist the modernist methods. While not falling into the trappings of what traditionally, the notion of filth is tied to, that is, filth diseases and fire hazard. Of course, fire hazard is a matter of selecting materials with appropriate fire protection, while architectural filth and its relation to diseases would be a notion more challenging to put down. However, it seems suggest that the design should encompass certain hygienic practices.

Illustration 10

Illustration 11

Illustration 12a

Illustration 12b

Illustration 12c

Thesis Design

The objective of the thesis is as such:

1. To conceive a building that is an accumulation mass.

2. To utilize the concept of Pasar Malam as a program for a building.

3. The design has to form a resistance against modernist hygienic practice.

4. The design is always in a temporal state just as termporary existence of Pasar Malam.

First of all, the notion that form should follow function is contested against by instead of allowing programmatic requirements to give birth to form, all program is housed in a similar massing. This is not meant to simplify matters nor is it for sake of convenience, but rather its aim is to homogenize. All form is erased and read as nothing else but a series of squares. This is beneficial for two reasons, firstly, it removes identity, for one mass is no longer discernible from the other. Secondly, this results in an absence of hierarchy that is prevalent in modernist methodology.

The second step would be to accumulate all that mass into one singular building, as oppose to distancing one from the other. This mass is then determined only by its limits. As to what is governing the limits, for this we turn to two hygienic practices namely: direct daylight and ventilation, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Lastly, the internal organization of the mass is self-regulated by the application of certain rules. (Illustration 13)

Site Information

Site Area: 18166 sqm

Plot Ratio: 6

Max allowable GFA: 108996sqm

Design Information

Total GFA: 108864 sqm

Basement GFA : 13104 sqm

Stores GFA : 95760 sqm

No. of Stores: 2296

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As the mass accumulated on a rectangular site would naturally, form a rectangular massing. However, because this mass is to be built in Singapore, that is, in the tropics it has to adapt climatically to the physically conditions of the site namely: heat and ventilation. Hence, there are two hygienic practices that it has to adhere to.

The first is to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building envelope. In order to do this, the massing has to minimize the amount of direct lighting on the mass. This is achieved by incorporating the Singapore sun path diagram into the design. Effectively, every mass that is within the sun path from 9 am to 5 pm is carved away. This results in a form with the appearance of an inverted prism with a rectangular base. (Illustration 14) However, it should be noted that the site is 44 degrees tilted from the east. This results in a massing shown in the third diagram of illustration 14. This process also means that the ground plane will always be exposed to direct sunlight, and thus always in a state of hygiene. While the remaining mass has minimize its contact with direct sunlight, and thus lesser gain in heat.

Next, the massing has to be able to “breath”, in other words, it has to be naturally ventilated, as opposed to the hygienic and sterile environment created by airconditioning. This is achieved by subtracting a single block of vertical mass from every three units of massing, in other words, for every two units, one unit would be a ventilation shaft. In addition, the top of the shaft is fitted with a solar chimney, this is to facilitate air movement by means of the stack effect. The solar chimney is heated by the sun, creating a high pressure within the chimney. This heated air would then naturally, escape from the chimney. Thus, an upward pressure, or rising effect is created within ventilation shaft, which then, in turn draws air from its neighboring masses. On days that there is overcast, the solar chimneys are outfitted with mechanical fans to aid in the stack effect. (Illustration 15)

The above processes delimit the boundary of maximum growth that the building is allowed to take on. The next step determines how the building form interacts formally with the site.

The topological terrain of the site is use as a diagram that has some implication on the form of the building. This is achieved by applying a rule stating that the higher the terrain, the closer the building is to the ground plane. The rational for this move is to allow for differing topology to have affect on the form of the massing. (Illustration 16)

By combining these three process, (Illustration 17) two of which are a form of hygienic practice, and one diagrammatic patterning, the final form is then subdivided base on the number of stalls it consist. A lift core is then installed in the middle of each of the subdivision. This gives an average of about 140 units to one lift core. (Illustration 18)

The initial stage of the building consists of the 16 cores and roof plane of stalls, however, as the building starts to accumulates, additional massing are added onto the building. The additions are to be determined by the buyers, thus they are allowed to purchase any store as long as it falls within the boundaries determined previously.

Illustration 14

Illustration 18

The following is a possible scenario of what could happen: new units are added to the next to the core. This is a logical possibility because of the need for the units to be connected vertically by means of the lift core. Next, the addition would be the stalls beside the areas marked out for ventilation shaft. This is advantageous to the owner as the air in their unit will always be drawn out and expelled by the chimney. Subsequently, the next nearest units to lift core are purchased. This is also a logical possibility because the closer the units are to the lift core, the greater the possibility of encountering customers. After which, other units next to the ventilation shaft and units at the perimeter are taken up. Although the perimeter units are the furthest away from the lift core, they still have other economical value, such as the ability to advertise their goods directly to passersby. Lastly, the rest of the units are then occupied.

(Illustration 19a,b,c)

I would like to highlight again that this is a possibly scenario and it is not meant to determine how each units are to be purchased. In addition, although there is an end state delimited by the thesis, there is no reason why the building must arrive at the end state. In other words, if there is a lack in market demand for these stalls the building will become stagnant after the earlier stages. This is advantageous as it necessarily means that there will be no vacant stalls, thus all building materials are put to use.

On a smaller scale, there are several rules for each unit. The nominal dimension for each unit is 6000mm by 6000mm by 5000mm. (length by width by height) Firstly, as each unit has to built on demand, the design is such that the unit is broken up into modules that allows for quick and easy assembling. It should also be noted that the units are constructed from top to down. In other words, one unit can only be constructed if and only if the unit directly above is constructed. (Illustration 20)

The second rule concerns the facade treatment for each unit. For all facade surface, there is a requirement to have a 600mm from bottom up set aside for ventilation purposes. As described earlier, the building is to be naturally ventilated, therefore this rule allows for the unit to draw air from the external environment. Therefore it is largely dependant on the owner as to what kind of facade he/she requires. There is a lot of flexibility on the unit to adapt to the needs of the owner, for example, if needed a full glass facade with the said 600mm ventilation screen can be installed, or the owner can decide to have a louvered screen for its facade. (Illustration 21)

Thirdly, the facade or the corners of the unit can extend beyond 6000mm by 6000mm boundary. This leeching outwardly effect is created when signboards are installed at the corners for advertisement. On the other hand, an overlaying effect is created when cantilevered balconies or inclined facade installed, when viewed from below, covers the facade of the unit above from view. In other words, advertisements displayed above are overlaid by the advertisements below. There are no restrictions as how far these additional installation can extend to, as long as they do extend out of the site boundary. The owners should also be mindful that once the unit beside them is occupied, they would have to give up that additional installation if it comes in the way of the new unit. The new owner of the neighboring unit can also choose to purchase the facade and the additional installations from his/her neighbor. (Illustration 22)

The fourth rule determines the internal circulation of the building. Each stall is allowed to take up no more than 49 squares. Therefore, 32 squares out of the total 81 squares are to be kept for circulation. The rational behind this is to ensure that all four sides for the unit are connected. However, there are certain circumstances that allow this rule to be broken. For instance, if the unit is abutting the area marked out for ventilation, this means that there are only 3 sides to connect to. For cases like this as long as 3 sides are connected, a further gain from 49 squares to 63 squares for the stall is possible.

Thus, it is possible for units to be further subdivided into smaller stalls, if the owner decides that it is more economically viable. As he can rent out the other stalls while keeping one for himself. Also, it is possible to connect up to 4 units, in other words, the largest stall possible is 4 units worth of stalls, that is 196 squares. (Illustration 22)

To conclude there are basically 4 rules:

1. Unit can be constructed if and only if the above unit is constructed.

2. All external facing surfaces are to be completed with a 600mm ventilation screen.

3. Additional installation are allowed so long as they do not extend beyond the site boundary.

4. Internal circulation is self regulated, a unit must connect to all its neighboring unit.

These rules allows for a high degree of flexibility for owners. It is basically a plan for an unplanned scenario, as there is no knowing the building would evolved into and each stage is always temporal.

Illustration 19a

Illustration 19b

Illustration 19c

Illustration 21

Conclusion

Architecture is always a form of control, ordering and system. The notion of filth seems to suggest a kind of haphazardness, randomness and unpredictability. Therefore the thesis has to reconcile this two intrinsic differences. This is achieved by creating an architecture that is envisioned as a growth, one that accumulates over time, one that is not predetermined, but operates by rules and limits. This is a plan for the unplanned. As each massing is regarded homogeneously, there is no question of legibility nor hierarchy between the massing. Modernist methods of classification, ordering, form and distancing are rejected.

More importantly, the architecture of filth cannot escape entirely from hygienic practices. This is especially so if the consequence are related to filth disease. Thus in order to keep the architecture of filth hygienically acceptable, there is a need to reduce the heat absorbed by the envelope, at the same time, there must be constant air intake into the building.

What kind of vision do we have for this kind of an architecture? To a large extent, I envision that the occupants are highly opportunistic, that is to say, they will take every chance they have to gain economical returns. In other words, they may lease out their facade for advertising, or use every possible means such as the signboards to attract customers. Also, they have to self-regulate and have to follow 49 square rule. Thus internal circulation is never predictable, inevitably, it will turn into a labyrinth that is dictated by economical forces, or the owner’s preference.

As architecture of filth is a plan for the unplanned, most decision are made by the owner, this results in the haphazardness, randomness and unpredictability envisioned. However, these descriptions are not derogative, just as architectural filth is good and legitimate. For the thesis, this massive accumulation, congestion and unpredictability is desirable.

Unlike modernist architecture which is highly utopian in nature, the promise of architectural filth is a vow towards vitality and life. It is centred upon the needs of the owners, which then is directed to accommodate the needs of the customers. Architectural filth is a vision for tomorrow when people are “sick” from the highly sterile and hygienic architecture that have come into existence from the modernist period until now. -End-

Illustration 23

Illustration 24

Illustration 25

A. Longitudinal section

B. Cross Section

C. Plan and Diagrammatic Plans