Urban Politics
Shilin, Taipei, night market area

Research and design
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We will empirically investigate and document the (cultural) resources in the Shilin district and analyze the stakeholders involved in their planning, delivery and daily use. By interrogating who they benefit and who they exclude, students will propose an alternative cultural masterplan. These themes will be developed into a critical position towards culture-led redevelopment that will form the basis for a design proposal for a complex cultural building. This proposal will aim to rebalance stakeholder interests with opportunities for local communities that could impact the urban transformation and future development of the city.
Urban imaginary
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In the climate in which iconic architecture is often used for branding purposes, we will pay particular attention to the urban imaginaries that different parties create for the city, or how the developments are being represented. What (visual) language is used? How do different parties ‘sell’ their ideas? And how do local users picture their city?
International Collaborations
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The studio will aim to incorporate a series of interviews and workshops with a wide range of stakeholders, during both the research and design phases, to create a comprehensive understanding of different perspectives in urban design and architecture.
The studio has a partnership with the Manchester School of Architecture of the United Kingdom, undertaking a project in Mayfield, Manchester, for which we plan shared lectures and a virtual workshop (TBC).
Studio Activites
> Hank Tsai l 4K Walking Tour @Shilin
> Site Visit to Graham Street Wetmarket
> Workshop with Ester van Steekelenburg
Photomontage and render of the TPAC with the night market area to the right
Photo Credit: OMA/Artefactory Lab