unit-code
The global pandemic has both increased our online distant connections whilst also making us all focus more on our immediate surroundings; we are drawn into questioning what a local, proximity city, might mean. The project draws on ideas of the ‘15-minute’ city developed by Carlos Moreno, defined to create a ‘city of proximity’ in which you can either walk or cycle to fulfil six social functions of living, working, supplying, caring, learning, and enjoying within each individual city.
The project has two phases. In the first phase, students address their local area based on the concept of the ‘15-minute city’ and identify the special traits of that area, as well as what may be missing from a civic point of view. The second phase requires students to locate a small site and design a small building that address their reading of the area. The small building or piece of architecture will address the civic, imaginary, and a new speculative future.
Projects based in Asia are featured here.
The programme is a high line theatre for Taiwanese opera. Using representative Taiwan architectural elements and the experience of watching a performance, it takes people on a journey of an architectural performance.
Located on a busy market street, the building intends to provide a respite or pitstop for the chaotic commuters of Bangkok to shelter themselves briefly from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The project responds to a lack of entertainment and gathering spaces in a primarily residential neighbourhood. The building, animated by the journey and movement of fish between each platform, provides a tranquil space on the river for fisherman and locals to prepare, cook, smoke, and eat fish.
The design is created for people to meditate in a natural environment. Natural elements such as rainwater and wind interact with the building and create beautiful sounds to heal people and help them release their stress.
Located next to a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, the playground for children and macaques facilitates interaction between the two and serves as a safe haven for macaques amidst the busy urban landscape.
The building provides a shelter space for the ‘Erhu’ performers and passers-by in the park, with a changing structure to adapt the polarised, harsh weather conditions and offer multiple uses for the building.
This project is located in Hangzhou, China. The proposal makes an extension of pavement, which includes three gaming areas for both young and old people.
Designed for the residents and tourists of the Daping Peak Forest Park, this project aims to bring people together and cultivate an identity for this large mountain largely covered by lychee trees.
The programme takes inspiration from existing allotments on the site and local wet markets to deliver a naturally integrated communal gathering place aimed at promoting community spirit and green living.
This building is a small photography archive centre, located on the original place of north city gate, to collect, protect and exhibit pictures related to the old city.
Located in suburban Singapore, this communal facility for plant-cutting builds on the locals’ love of gardening, while providing spaces for and encouraging interaction with a rough sleeper on site.
The Tea Hut creates a semiprivate public space for the people living in the surrounding buildings and celebrates the traditional Azerbaijani culture of tea drinking.
The final design of this installation project is a mixed-use structure that brings people together by using drinking waterways for humans, dogs, and other animals.
In response to the strong natural atmosphere in Sam Mun Tsai Rd, HK, this project provides both public and private spaces for nearby fishermen to share the joy of harvesting.
This project aims to design a space that acts as an escape from the discomfort of Bangkok’s hot and humid weather. It includes a walking marketplace and relaxation space, using sugar to tackle the climatic condition.
The project is a water-produce market which sits upon the river, using it as a source. Through its structure and circulation, it hopes to embody the river and Thai fishing culture.