Master of Architecture
In this last two decades, since high density dwellings have dramatically increased,
people’s living habits have been affected by technological development. People prefer
to use mobile device to contact others rather than talk face to face. People prefer to
stay at home for a long time and become reluctant to engage with the outside. The
modern concept of community gradually becomes less effective. In my project, I will
replay the significant role of community to encourage residents to re-gather together
and provide more opportunities for them to communicate face to face.
There are different hierarchies of public space for residents. In the masterplan, urban
public parks are arranged between the resident area, like a sandwich. The waterfront
promenade provides the opportunity to connect with the city. The new ferry wharf will
carry more people from the city to the site and White Bay Power Station.
In the typical suburban block, the car and pedestrian share the road and individual
backyards are closed. In my project, I have opened the original closed courtyard and
separated the route of the car and pedestrian. The path of the pedestrian, named
'public street' is organized in the middle of the block. Therefore, the car runs on the
both side of block and the pedestrians are encouraged to walk in the middle. In order
to avoid negative space, an alleyway, between two typical side-by-side house, I have
designed the building with two types of semi-enclosed shared courtyards. This strategy
helps residents to take responsibility and control easily. The last hierarchy is the
private courtyard. Each house owns its own private courtyard. In addition, the shared
garage also provides opportunities for residents to meet and chat. Moreover, retail
stores and a cafe are arranged on both sides of the block to connect the other
functions of the site.
It is time to abandon the typical block arrangement. A healthy and vibrant community
should encourage human interaction.
