Unearthing Stories, Against Tabula Rasa Neglected Spaces in Preservation 01
Glasgow School of Arts Year 4, 2020 Interior Design
This project "Unearthing Stories, Against Tabula Rasa" started with my interest in 'Ruins' - the story it speaks, the history it contains, to the rawness and beauty of the materiality it holds. That is why this project questions the buried dangers in preservation in Singapore, as the Tabula Rasa strategy does not only cause the structures themselves to be destroyed but also the authenticity of stories of these buildings to be completely erased from existence. I will be tackling three parts regarding the 'Buried Dangers in preservation' - they are firstly those spaces neglected in preservation, secondly the superficial and physical illusion in preservation and finally as a conclusion the scars and scabs of spaces during preservation.
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Angel Javier
CONTENT Introduction Unearthing Stories, Against Tabula Rasa Neglected Spaces in Preservation Theoretical Framework Case Studies
Investigative Documentation Layer 1 - The Journey from Unfamiliarity to Familiarity Layer 2 - The Remembered Fragments Layer 3 - The Companion Overlayed Findings
Design Case Studies The Trial and Error Narratives An Archaeology of a Carpark
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Unearthing Stories, Against Tabula Rasa Buried Dangers in Preservation
Neglected Spaces in Preservation Not all buildings are considered 'worthy' of preservation.
To bring 'fondness' back in spaces. + investigative documentation
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Illusion in Preservation The superficial and physical level of preservation
=
A new preservation strategy for Singapore
+ injection
+ scars and scabs
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Unearthing Stories, Against Tabula Rasa In the current Singapore, we build only to destroy so that we can build once again. The lifespan of buildings are only getting shorter, giving an inclination that there is no real affection and connection with the spaces and us, who inhabits them. By unearthing the real stories and authenticity of these spaces, it would enable us to truly encounter their beauty with wonder, fondness and affection. As with fondness, there would be no destruction.
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Neglected Spaces in Preservation - part 1 Preservation is undoubtly something that Singapore takes into high consideration. As under the National Heritage Board there is a national authority that oversees preservation of sites and monuments. However, according to them only those sites or spaces that are 'historic, cultural, traditional, archaeological, architectural, artistic or symbolic significance and of national importance' are worth preserving. So I questioned, what happens to those not considered worthy of preservation? To those spaces neglected in preservation? Hence, the importance for the first part of this project is to discover a way to show importance and beauty to those even neglected in preservation. To bring a certain fondness for these space to the people. Through an 'Investigative Documentation' that is uprooted from my few readings that showcases wonder, exploration and a new sense of appreciation for such spaces, I have gathered these readings and information and used them as a method for unearthing hidden stories. I have tasked myself to design a performance installation of a retelling of these stories through a spatial experience as the first part of the project. This is to prove that even those neglected in preservation - the ugly and the beautiful, are worthy of attention, admiration and fondess from the people and therefore, worthy of the act of preservation as well.
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Questioning the Illusion in Preservation - part 2 There is an illusion of preservation in Singapore where we preserve only on a superficial level. This dilutes the authenticity and identity of the space which would eventually lead to its demise. The dangers in preservation are the possibilities of losing the soul of the space, a contradiction to the true meaning of preserving. Hence, by unearthing the authenticity and stories it holds through an investigative documentation, we can be more sensitive to the nuances of the space. The ability to discover more than what meets the eye is key to preserve beyond physicality and superficiality. The act of preservation starts when we start to 'add' something. The 'injection' in the space does not need to be an exact fit, but one that can provoke questions in the current way we live. The patterns and choice of invention may be unpredictable but its 'preservation' must stay true to its origin. As preserving the unvarnished truth and its history will lead us in the experimental evolution of the space.
"Most modern buildings are not destroyed by - Takaharu
Part 1
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Concept
Unearthing Authenticity and Stories
Focus
Neglected Spaces in Preservation
Method
Investigative Documentation
Outcome
A retelling installation performance of the neglected space.
The Scars and Scabs - part 2.2 The mark of time and evidence of violence can be seen through scars. You may expect spaces that are old and to be preserved that are filled with them, as they are a mark of pride, and of honour, both for what has been lost and what has been gained. The 'acceptance of the scar is an acceptance of existence'. The first layer of healing, Scab, is not pretty in the aesthetic standards, but beautiful in the existential sense. The celebration of these scars and realisation of the beautiful healing process, scabs, are just one of the right way of treating our spaces right. The transformation of the space becomes coherent with everything else, its history, reason for existing and authenticity. This is through discovering and learning the right way of treatment, programme and injections of new materials in the space.
y earthquakes, but people dislikes for them." u Tezuka
Scars and Scabs are the acceptance of the imperfection, prides over the marks and welcomes the transformation of the space which happens naturally. The outcome may not be perfect and polished, but it is made sure to be true, real and an authentic space. It would make the 'perfect society' uncomfortable and the ones who rebels against the norm rejoice.
Part 2.1
Part 2.2
Building on the Existing Remnants
Scars and Scabs
Questioning the Illusion in Preservation
'Injection' in Preservation
Investigative Documentation + Site History A permanent structure and temporal design by the people for the people.
System + Material Reaction A provocative permanent space that challenges the current way of living and preservation. 10
Study Map
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Theoretical Framework Building on the existing remnants of war
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Precedent Study
Sensitivity to the nuances of the space.
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Innovative designs preserved spaces a spaces.
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Tradition, culture and stories for designing spaces.
This is just a summary map of the books I read that definitely impacted the way my project went. This is like my train of books... train of thought?
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The loss of human touch, lack of affection, thought and care.
Perry Kulper's works are amazing layers of drawings and collages that signifies the story of spaces.
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s for and hybrid
Documentation Study
The Manhattan Transcript by Bernard Tschumi and MaryAnn Ray's book documentation and collages of works inspired how I should attempt my documentation of spaces as well.
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Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities, gave me new perception in spaces, to be a wonderer with foreign eyes. 12
Theoretical Framework Lebbeus Woods idea on building on the existential remnants of war spoke volumes to me personally and I knew that I need to tackle this issue in the current Singapore. His book talks about the rebuilding of cities and the way of life for those that their cities were destroyed. Only that in Singapore it could be considered willful destruction, an erasure of culture and cities, the fabric and tissue of the way we live. One can say that tabula rasa went hand in hand with modernisation and Singapore is not an exception to this.
The reasons, problems and concerns in the book, War and Architecture, were eye opening for me. The questions regarding hierarchy when building new cities, the self organising instinct of humans, the right of the people with their city, wrong ideologies, destruction and reconstruction were discussed satisfyingly and opened new possibilites of design not only for preservation but even for new cities to be built in the future.
Building on the Existing Remnants
Scars and Scabs
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That is why many terms throughout this project are Wood's own terms for his 'radical reconstruction'. Which I thought were highly relatable for my preservation project. Is it possible I wondered, if I guide myself with these ideas and terms,
what would I discover?
Injection
Images from War and Architecture by Lebbeus Woods
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Case Studies "In their damaged states they suggest new forms of thought and comprehension, and suggest new conception of space that contain the potential of the human to integrate itself, to be whole and free outside of any predetermined totalising system." War and Architecture by Lebbeus Woods
Japan and Philippines Historical
Time is unmoving in these spaces they were left at. Are we just keep will collapse on their own? Is that t abandoned sites?
The Zaatari Refugee Camp before and after (2010 - 2018) / Tabula Rasa / In Syria the people who were looking for new place to be started to build their new life in this plot of land. A clean slate. The before and after images indicates the loss and gain of not only their homes but of their culture, authenticity and stories as well. This is not their home, but they must start a new one.
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l Sites that are kept as they are... / not in use /
s that are stuck in the state that ping them to wait for when they the right way of preserving these
A ruin in Syria that people still inhabits /aligned with ideology/ Inhabiting the ruins and remnants of the past, with its scars and terror. New possibilities open up within these cracks and a new way of living guided by them. I thought that this reflects Lebbeus Woods ideology very well.
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The nuances of neglected spaces
Sketches of buildings destroyed by war and natural disasters. 17
cracks and scars...
Questioning preservation... Are wrecked spaces such as this, destroyed by natural distasters or abandoned after war 'worth' preserving? The controversy around preservation of such spaces are mostly regarding the severity of the destruction it attained, in a literal and metaphorical sense. Most cities and countries would prefer to demolish them and start afresh. However, by doing so are we doing our pain, scars, victory and stories justice? Or simply running away from them?
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"H
istoric, cultural,
traditional,
'Worthy' of preservation... Under the National Heritage Board, they identify the buildings only worthy of preservation based on these characteristics. And there have been cases of works that aim to keep the original fabric of Singapore. Despite that, many remain insesitive to the nuances of the old structures, unable to read them and sense its qualities. We are already categorising buildings base on importance and regrettfuly the preservation strategy used on them when nicely put is still disappointing. This is why we get stuck in an illusion that we are preserving Singapore when in fact we are only keeping its shell and actually end up losing its true essence in the process. The quality of work, insufficient analysation, researching, documenting and understanding of the space is not sensitive enough to be able to bring the true authenticity and stories within these spaces. We continuously fall for the trap of preserving shells.
a r
archaeological,
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is t
ti
c
BO
SYM
The National Heritage Board of Singapore types of Historic Places.
C
OLI
National
Importance"
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We are also 'worthy' of preservation. Every building built is already part of the city, its sytem and the way we live. Destroying one means an extinction of what once is part of the fabric of Singapore. Even how insignificant one may see it, in our daily life, in our habit as the people of the city, we will remember its existance but the next generation of this city won't.
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That is why it is an even more crucial work to properly unearth their authenticity and strories through a different method as to not fall into the illusion in preservation, especially with these neglected spaces that usually hides their aura and stories deeper than others. It is important to enter these spaces with a new sense of awareness, like a wanderer with a foreign eyes. This way we may be able to dig deeper than how we have been doing so far.
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Investigative Documentation This is not a documentation of how a space is used or an explanation of the function of the space but a documentation of discovered hidden essence, neglected aura and stories of the space. Through a different methodology of investigation in relation to time, materiality, body and sense. The investigative documentation is a crucial beginnning and foundation for my project. It is an aware way of experiencing and documenting spaces, that is different than the usual system of doing 'site analysis'.
The images are from Karina Puente visuals of Invisible Cities, Bernard Tschumi's Manhattan Transcript and Perry Kulper.
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3 Layers of Investigation
1st: The Journey from Unfamiliarity to Familiarity The first layer of investigation is to enter the space with new perception like the Invisible Cities. To document the findings that may seem ordinary for others but speaks of hidden stories and signs. A travelogue, photography, mapping and sketches may be be included in the documentation.
2nd: The Remembered Fragments These are the remembered memories during the first layer of documentation. It may be fragmented and not clear, an illusion or exagerated layer. It is almost the fantasy and the desire of the space. We try to make sense of this through mapping and collages.
3rd: The Companion This is a layer of documentations from another person, the wanderer's companion, a new set of eyes and possibilities for new connections of stories and signs of the space. The documentation can be done thorugh photography, mapping and sketches.
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1st: The Journey from Unfamiliarity to Familiarity
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Choosing a carpark as my site is intentional. It is one of the buildings considered not worthy of preservation. It is every where in Singapore but does not seem to receive any affection for the space at all... Little do we know how a carpark is already interconnected with the way we live....
A travelogue within the carpark. A recording and mapping. What was interesting? What was peculiar? A new sighting? 26
A photography mapping collage of the space in sequence and location.
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1st Storey movement and duration in space.
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2nd Storey movement and duration in space.
A collection of signs record
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ded, cut and put together.
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Mary - Ann Ray's collages and sketches of spaces are so intricate and beautifully portrayed. Like the souls of the spaces were etched as well. I was hoping to capture the same with my works...
Process... Process... Progress... These are just some sketches and notes on the documented items found in the space. On things that people don't normally notice, I try to read between the lines. To discover new things, meanings and connect the dots. What may seem ordinary to other people may be the hidden treasures of the carpark...
The travelogues, stories and wonder in space definitely started with this book. I've wanted to experience and see spaces like how it was written here. I didn't know if it was possible to do it in a carpark though...
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2nd: The Remembered Fragments Remember... Remember... The entrance, ceiling, the scars, the sound, heat, steps, movement and colours. So what does it look like?
This is a collage of a collection of collages, pieces, fragments remembered in space. They tend to not make sense. But this is what the mind and body remembers....
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Bernanrd Tschumi's Manhattan Transcript definitely inspired the way I should explore the site differently. To discover and experience new things in a space that seems too ordinary.... like a carpark...
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3rd: The Companion
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In my companion's eyes the space is discovered this way. Through a map of photographs in collage we can see a different perspective, sequence of movement and other important details.
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movement and duration in space.
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The overlayed findings. Even a carpark has depth and stories... 42
Design After all the investigation it is time to tranlate those findings, narrative and stories to design that showcases the hidden authenticity and beauty of a carpark. This section contains of the trial and error, work in progress, designs that worked and didn't, dirty sketches and models. The production (blood sweat and tears) of the installation is recorded here.
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Case Studies "Conservation of Architecture is not only a matter of reserving history and physical space. Architectural renovation is also more than recycling old buildings for new functions... It is an experiment of rediscovering the lost spatial existence and experience..." - O-office Architects
A reconstruction in Vienn around 1984. The contras and steel is so beatifully d can it be despite injecting material, it does not seem essence?
Will Gamble Architects, The Parchment Works House treated the cracks and scars of the space as something to be celebrated. A respectful and beautiful preservation design.
The O-office Architect's SZ_HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion was a project that respected the site's history with an intention of rediscovering it through design.
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I thought this installation of the Flying Roof in London over a site that is about to be demolished is such an important work done. Showcasing the stories and life of this building flying away to nothingness.
na done st of stone done. How g a new m to lose its
I thougtht that the Coop Himmelbau's Rooftop remodeling in Vienna is such a brilliant project at that time. It's technically a building that consists of the history and the future.
Archstudio's Twisting Courtyard made me wonder how do we design a new integration for the space without erasing its former essence. Despite the obvious new interventions in the space, you could still feel its history.
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These are some very intresting characters found in my chosen site, the carpark... However, I do believe that if I try it on another one, it would show different findings and that's the point of this project. To show that every building built is already part of the Singapore's dna and fabric, therefore worthy of preservation.
Human Traces 51
The Carpark The overlapping aura and stories within the carpark. From the signs, to the sound, heat and human traces in the space, the accumulation of this findings are what made the carpark special in its own way.
Sound
Heat 52
The Narratives
An installation for those narratives...
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Space experiences , stories and narratives. A realisation of the space.
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The designs are mostly fragments of everything that needs to be connected together to make sense.
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Sketch... Sketch... Scratch it... These are some of the first few sketches that I did and most of them did not make it for the final design. However, this sets up the tone for designing around the narratives and experience in the space. 56
Would it be random? Found everywhere and experienced in every corner? Would it be curved or cornered? How would the people navigate in this installation?
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Testing out different kinds of paper and the sense of the hand away from it... Distance makes a difference...
Sequence and Material The one thing I immediately worked on are the sequence of the narrative. How would the people experience this and where would it be? The second is what material would best represent the ambiguity of these narratives to the people? Paper? What kind of paper?
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It starts to make sense... As I piece all together these narratives, the bigger picture of the space, its hidden stories and authenticity starts to come together. The design accommodates the space... Its light, sound, wind and stories... The installation starts to become like a breathing storyteller.
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The sensitivity to the Aura and Authenticity of the space is definitely crucial as I do not want to just be making something aesthetically nice without the true essence of the space experienced properly. 60
The Intimate Tunnel
Light and Shadow The light and shadow in the space plays a huge part in the aura of the carpark. As it always gives a mysterious, intimidating and intimate feeling at first. With light and shadow, textures and depth were volumised in the space...
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The Cathedral Dining
The Corner of Memories
The Theatre
These emotions and feelings experienced within the space written and recorded in the travelogue...
Paper I realised how important being sensitive to materials is. It's chemistry with other materials is what tells a story, one wrong move and the story might change drastically. And I think for this installation, paper is great. With the right translucency, bounce of light and roughness of the texture, paper can bring out different feelings if used appropriately. I just need to test out which would work well within the carpark...
Parchment
In the Parchment Works House, the use of new material in contrast to those red bricks made the old stand out more... the depth of its history stood out more. 63
Recy
1984 project that showcases its past, present and future in just one chosen material and use. I thought it was a brilliant move.
Th
ycled
Crepe
he start of the paper experiment...
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Instead of the randomised sequence, I start to reuse the same experience sequence with my travelogue, which started with the entrance...
The Intimate Tunnel
From the Investigative Documentation sequence and movements to the design application, it all comes back in a loop. It's all falling into place... Like in Manhattan Transcript everything is interconnected.
The Corner of Memories
The Boundary of Fragments
Sequence and Movement How does one enter this installation? How would they experience this? How do they see it? Can they enter from different sides and multiple entrances? I always need to ground myself with the truth of the carpark. Which is its accessibility despite its mysteriousness.... How ironic...
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The Intimate Tunnel
Spatial Experience... of the Carpark Narratives? To experience with our body, the scale, time in the space, wind, sound and heat. Can you feel it? The space breathing and retelling its stories?
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The Corner o
of Memories
The Boundary of Fragments
The goal for this particular project has always been to respect and retell the spatial experience of the former factory... and it is something that I am trying to accomplish with my carpark as well.
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These are some of the process models from each of the narratives.
It's an experimental process. Rearranging the sequence few more times to make sense of its whole story. The begining, climax and the ending....
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I needed to imagine myself entering those small pockets of stories, go through them and check if everything is working together.
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The Intimate Tunnel 71
The Corner of Memories
Boundary of Fragments
The Dining Cathedral 72
An Archaeology of a Carpark This is an unearthing of the authenticity and stories of a carpark and a retelling of them through a spatial experience or performance installation. The first project is to present the hidden beauty in a neglected space to prove the worth of preserving them.
The Intimate Tunnel
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The Corner of Memories
The Boundary of Fragments
The Cathedral Dining
The Intimate Tunnel
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The Intimate Tunnel
The Corner of Memories
As the closing of the ceiling invites people in, they come in hopes in finding solitude and intimacy. In here, one must humble themselves and bow to the space to experience the embrace it offers.
The people who are most familiar in this place leave their memories behind for the wanderers to discover. The space are orchestrated by paper that constantly moves because of the wind and the people's movement, it urges you to explore and discover treasures that may be left behind.
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The Boundary of Fragments The fragments left behind follow the boundaries given by the space. The scale of things, the light and shadow and even the silence in space. The space creates opportunities from the boundaries. From the wood penetrating from the sky, to the shadows casted by the wood and the sunlight.
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The Cathedral Dining If you follow the light, there you can find people dining in complete peace. Here everything comes together. As the colour of stories and the movement of paper touches your skin, you are experiencing the space speaks to you through light and wind here in the Cathedral Dining.
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The Intimate Tunnel Ending in the same way we begun, the space wants to keep you in, immersing you with its atmosphere. You must get lost to find your way out.
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To be continued...