the alleyway 2020 pi concept lab all rights reserved
Art In The City Proposal 2020
Prepared for
Project Period
CENDANA
Jan 2020 - Jun 2021
Written by
Project Name
Pi Concept Lab
The Alleyway
Version 1.0 Written Aug 2020
the alleyway is a proposal that aims to revitalise and redefine an otherwise abandoned communal space through sustainable initiatives.
05
2.0 Context
09
3.0 Design
10
4.0 Details
12
5.0 Impact
13
6.0 Report
14
7.0 About
16
Contact
22
art in the city proposal 2020
1.0 Abstract
project meranja
Index
padungan backlane kuching, sarawak
1.0
Abstract About the Project
the alleyway a placemaking project
Issue In the Suburban context, housing areas are
and the community around the site, making
designed with a back alley as fire breaks
the alleyways into a communal space. The
and emergency escape routes in case of
proposal consists of commissioning 2 art
a fire. However, residents tend to hoard
installations and facilitating 4 interactive
their stuff in the alleys, blocking the
programmes which require the involvement
escape, rendering its function useless.
of the community, exposing them to art
In comparison, the Urban context faces
and culture during the process.
similar problems with people moving out of the city where it is no longer livable,
Core Values
rendering
the
The passion of the project brews from the
empty alleys dangerous. By drawing this
author's sheer disconnect from society,
comparison, The Alleyway aims to discuss
as one would naturally feel in a highly
the possibilities of interjecting a design in
digitalised new millennium. A piece art
the Suburban and the Urban alleyways in
doesn't stop at its aesthetics -- it can
Kuching to address the aforementioned
foster
issues.
amongst people, and that is the power of
the
spaces
dead
and
more
meaningful
relationships
art in public spaces. Having that said, with Goal
sustainable development goals in mind, the
The main goal of The Alleyway is to clear
proposal aims to transform the community
out the alleyways by activating the space
into a more accessible, safe, and livable
2.0
Context Side Effects
SAFETY
MOSQUITOES
VACANT SPACES
Unattended alleyways tend
Residents carry out
do
to attract mosquitoes be-
recreational
have an alternative route
cause residents leave water
the middle of the road,
when escaping from a fire.
containers out. The proposal
which can be hazardous. By
The
will have programmes that
activating and designing an
addressed this issue by the
educate
otherwise vacant space, we
end of its execution.
with mosquito control.
Blocked that
escapes
residents
proposal
will
have
about
and
deal
their
activities
in
give it meaning and value.
Context Main Issue address
And it's a big issue we have to
Cluttered Alleyways Are a Thing
mean
fire
In the Suburban context, housing areas are designed with a back alley as fire breaks and emergency escape routes in case of a fire. However, residents tend to hoard their stuff in the alleys, blocking the escape, rendering its function useless. In comparison, the Urban context faces similar problems with people moving out of the city where it is no longer livable, rendering the spaces dead and the empty alleys dangerous.
Context Key Concerns
the alleyway
AGING SOCIETY
COMMUNAL VALUES
A good community park
The public installation will
acts as a community centre
provide a communal space
that
social
that hosts monthly pro-
the
grammes. The building of
golden aged, who are the
the installation itself will
ones that need more public
also be a neighbourly event.
addresses
concerns,
spaces
to
haphazard
especially
socialise,
not
neighbourhood
roads. The installation will be as accessible as possible to all ages.
2.1
Context Site Analysis
01.
Things about Padungan, Kuching that are worth noting.
Urban Context.
History Padungan is a main city area of Kuching. In 18th century, Padungan used to be called Kampong Padungan, the largest Malay village in Kuching.
02.
03.
Alleyways
Backlanes
Residents use the backlanes as entrances into their homes. 5 foot ways are used mainly as commercial fronts. The backlanes usually are unappealing, unsafe at night and used as service overflow for garbage disposal and carparking. Current demographic : aging population that are still willing to live there, foreign workers.
2.2
Context Site Analysis
01.
See awesome things that Sherip Masahor, Kuching does in the evening.
Suburban Context.
Dog-Walking Due to the circular nature of the neighbourhood, residents love to run laps around the compound or walk their dogs in the evening brisk.
Sherip Masahor comes to life in the evening. This is especially true when the skies decide to paint itself pink and purple (we have the best sunsets in the city). Kids start running amok, with fur-pets sniffing the passers-by while the pet's owners start chatting away in the middle of the street.
02.
03.
Cycling & Jogging
Farming & Greenery
The neighbourhood is a closed circular loop.
One may always find pockets upon pockets
Owing to its nature, residents (young and old
of greenery that the residents care for. More
alike) love to run laps or cycle around the
notably, there are about 10+ houses that have a
compound, as if it were an actual running track.
small farm of their own in the neighbourhood.
Number of Families in the Neighbourhood
Number of Elderly in the Neighbourhood
Number of Youth in the neighbourhood
Families
Elderly
Youth
People who do recreational activities
Total number of residents in the neighbourhood
Recreational
Residents
+47
+47
+20
+540
+87
Proposed alleyway
Neighbourhood boundary
Statistics on Sherip Masahor, Kuching. Surveyed Aug 2020.
backlane of sherip masahor, the proposed alleyway
1. pavilion
proposed installation for padungan alleyway
3.0
Design Concept the alleyway
01
Meranja Taman Meranja is the unofficial name given to the neighbourhood of Jalan Sherip Masahor. The entire project is inspired by the community's need for a communal space. The project is also inspired by the backlane at Lot. 10 in the neighbourhood, which has been treated by placing tiles of indegenous Dayak motifs, making the space beautiful, clean and livable.
02
Concept For the suburban context, we want the installation to house meaningful interactive programmes. For the urban context, we want to treat the backlanes as a second frontage, allowing for service lanes to be a more private/ local street, which serves the local community there.
03
Design We want our design to be contextually relevant. By making a community infrastructure so that people can actually communicate with the designers and the installation art itself, it creates a subtle impact, therefore making the intervention as minimal yet effective as possible.
Design Context A - Suburban [Participatory Module]
3.1
1. suburban farming
2. a paper-white dream exhibition 3. wayang kulit screen
Design Context B - Urban [Design Module]
A
Programme Community infrastructure - Pavilions with seating/ mahjong tables, playground, urban farming, etc. Touristic infrastructure - Cultural identity, bamboo pavilion hung with lanterns, food carts, local businesses, local crafts, etc.
B
Technique Potentially doing something that incorporates local crafts (bamboo pavilion, steel pipe, etc.) and something that also ties in a bit of our local culture (be it chinese culture because of padungan's chinese heritage, or dayak culture, etc.)
C
Conversation Currently there are locals that paint their spiral staircases and back walls very bright and whimsical colours. Maybe there is potential there to engage local artists with their murals, etc.
Details
Programme Further Programming Fabrication Case Study
Programme
Further Programming
A placemaking project is only as successful
One of the most crucial parts of a community
as its community-involving programmes that
project, is to involve as many key individuals as
makes its surroundings come to life.
possible to synergise in an exciting, dynamic masterpiece.
4.0 Now to the nitty gritty parts of the project.
Fabrication
Case Study
We will be outlining the interesting things that
Throughout
we aim to achieve throughout the construction
period, we have (will continue to) take examples
process of the installation.
of successful architectural and placemaking projects
the
that
communities.
research
brings
and
about
development
the
revival
of
Details
Detail Programme Overview
Margaret J. Wheatley Writer
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
4.1
We work with expert facilitators in the field. Placemaking capitalises on a local community's assets,
public spaces that promote people's health, happiness,
inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating
and well-being.
Placemaking Activities. Cross-Generation Family Activity
Community Building
Arts Sharing Platform
With removing generation
The Alleyway aims to
One of the main initiatives
gap and creating a more
break social barriers
that the project wants to
accessible community
through gotong-royong,
take up is an arts sharing
for the elderly in mind,
neighbourhood watch,
platform. One of our
we want to create
discussion, and survey.
programmes will be about
engaging activities for the
This allows the community
kids and parents making art
vulnerable (the elderly and
to build with their own
to express what is normally
the young) to interact in an
hands the place in which
difficult through words,
inclusive zone.
they want to live.
which is especially true for many Asian families.
Food
Sports
Culture
Malaysians obviously love
Residents naturally
The facilitators will give
to share food. With a BBQ/
recreate in the
classes and talks on topics
open house concept, the
neighbourhood. The project
such as pottery, art, and
project will organise food
will therefore host several
childhood education.
gatherings.
sporting events.
Detail Programme A
A Paper-white Dream A workshop to communicate through art. The proposed workshop (by Charis Ng) aims to achieve
communication between children and their parents.
three things: 1. Cultivate a child's indepedence and
3. Acts as a therapeutic activity for adults to make their
passion for learning. 2. Facilitate conversation and
voices heard.
Logistics 1. 3 hours 2. Audience: children and parents 3. Facilitated by: Charis Ng (proposed) 4. Participants are given an A4 paper to create their own character and write down their dreams.
image by charis ng
Detail Programme B
Suburban Farming Farming your own food sources in your backyard 1. 5 hours 2. Audience: grandchildren and grandparents 3. Facilitated by: Gardencraft Co. 4. Participants will be provided with their own seeds/ young plants
image by gardencraft co.
5. Parents or grandparents are encouraged to help and teach kids 6. Plant maintenance will be borne by the residents
A workshop on farming from your own suburban home.
A workshop on wayang kulit creation and performance We believe that stories which are passed down from
performance using techniques of wayang kulit, sharing
our grandfathers to our children to be a powerful thing.
tales from the past. By the end of the workshop, they will
In this workshop, few sets familes will build an entire
have a performance at the installation.
Wayang Kulit
Logistics Participants will be selected based on story proposals. Once confirmed, the participants will be given 1-on-1 technical support with building wayang kulit models and backgrounds.
1. 3 days, 2 hours a day 2. Audience: families, public 3. Facilitated by: Pi Concept Lab
Detail Programme C
Participatory Installation We want the community to build their own artwork. This is the true spirit with Cendana's goals for energising the arts and empowering communities to engage in art.
Detail Programme D
DIY Installation 1. 2 months 2. Audience: residents and public 3. Facilitated by: Pi Concept Lab 4. Participants may volunteer to be involved in the building process fo the installation
image by epic homes malaysia
4.2
Detail Further Programming
Filamen
NWHR
Sector
Sector
: New Media
Programme : Projection Mapping
Tuson Chong : Music
Programme : Electronic Music Sesh
Sector
: Clay Studio
Programme : Pottery Lesson
These are some of the programmes we aim to bring into the park every month after the installation has been constructed. This will not only beautify but also liven up the neighbourhood by involving the neighbourhood in interesting activities. The programmes will be funded until the community can be self-sustaining within a year.
Leonard Siaw
Condiment Strings
Hendri Take
Position
Position
Position
: Mural
Programme : Street Rainbow Mural
: Macrame
Programme : Macrame Installation
: Yoga
Programme : Yoga Class
Context-based design with modular element
Develop to-scale physical model for reference
Simplify instructions for volunteers
Design
Scaled Model
Instruction Booklet
Involve the community in the construction
Manage the project & faciliate personnels
Volunteer Search
Build
1.
3.
5.
process step-by-step
design to build
A
Fabrication for Meranja Park
from
4.
2.
4.3
Detail Fabrication “Passion is the key essential force that drives our success. It determines everything that we think and do!”
zone 1
superkilen park topotek 1, big, superflex | copenhagen
4.4
Detail Case Study A
zone 1
zone 2
zone 3
Case Study A
Three colours, three zones, one neighbourhood.
Project Description Superkilen is a half a mile long urban space wedging through one of the most ethnically diverse and socially challenged neighborhoods in Denmark. It has one overarching idea that it is conceived as a giant exhibition of urban best practice – a sort of collec-
Superkilen is a park that supports di-
tion of global found objects that come
versity. It is an exhibition of furniture
from 60 different nationalities of the
and objects from across the world, in-
people inhabiting the area surrounding
cluding benches, lampposts and trash
it.
cans – requisites that visitors of the park have helped select.
zone 2
zone 3
Detail Case Study B
Case Study B Project Description Epic Homes aims to build relationships between the urban and rural divide through the act of building homes for underprivileged communities, currently focusing on the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, the Orang Asli. An Epic Home… – Can be built in as fast as 3-4 days. – Is designed based on modular blocks of 110 sqft. – Is designed based on size of family and land. – Is designed to suit the needs of the Orang Asli community.
Rainforest Fringe Festival 2019.
Curated in conjuncion with
The Origin Installation
– Is easy to understand & fun to build.
Project Date 31 / 06 / 2019
building houses for the community epic homes | malaysia
Detail Case Study C Client Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Ephemerali Statistics
Project Description Installation Art Commission for "X-Site"
2 mist encounter serendipity studio | taipei
Projects of Ephemeral Architecture
5,500 Total Impacted Visitors
001. // Mist Encounter X-Site sought to expand the syntax and aesthetics of architecture by
85%
presenting an architecturally-themed
-
installation in the museum’s outdoor
Better Standard
plaza.
of Living
The pavilion aims to form an awareness of the body through the use of mist, as well as create the consciousness of
natural
air
conditioning.
the
constantly-evolving atmosphere gives unseen air flow a conditioning and comprehensible form, letting human bodies interact with ambient changes.
Inspirational Integration of science and art
ity in Architecture
sava installation openact architecture | zagreb
which are established around a river, Zagreb’s urban growth had been formed with a tendency to move away from Sava.
002 // Sava Installation
Due to increasing water levels which occur several times a year, no permanent structure or object can be placed on the riverbanks. Under
Sava Activities is an on-going
the main theme of the competition
public urban design project aiming
topic of “Adaptable City”, the
to reintroduce the riverbanks of
project focused on revitalizing the
Zagreb’s Sava River to the daily life
7 km long riverbank area through
of the city. Initiated as a competition
ephemeral programmatic injections
proposal in 2015, the project had
to experiment the inclusion of this
been developed around the flood
waterfront public space to the city,
related characteristics of the river.
enhancing the east-west connection
Unlike the other European capitals
through the river.
5.0
Key facts of our studio.
Skilled & Passionatee.
Objective Impact
Safety & Security Besides adressing the safety issue of having a clear fire escape, the park will also address security concerns by installing one-way gates, CCTVs, and limiting opening hours.
Cultural Economy Having a neighbourhood with a rich cultural background in the liberal arts is important for the development and quality of life of its inhabitants, especially for the young and the elderly.
Social Activism Humans are social beings. We thrive on making connection and living in a community. The project aims to bring out the best in terms of community building and a safe neighbourhood.
Future-proof Design The project discusses a very important topic of future and how we should design spaces in speculation of people's quality of life, an aging society and the progress of the nation as a whole.
the alleyway
What to expect out of this project?
Acessibility Our park does not discriminate; it celebrates people of all age, gender, and background. In fact, it aims to serve and represent the underprivileged and their respective needs.
2019
Established:
Sustainability Part of sustainability means having a long-term plan, or using reusable material. But it also means meeting the needs of a society, therefore increasing its welfar, so that the society can eventually self-sustain.
Education We want to spread awareness about the dangers of clogging the emergency escape footpaths, and its many side effects. We also want
Design Studio:
Pi Concept Lab.
to inspire people to do community building events such as these.
Materiality Using cheap, readily-available sustainable materials such as bamboo or scaffolding allows us to shape our views on these humble materials by making stellar artworks, thus increasing its value.
6.0 The idea that art can change the world, one person at a time, is a powerful one. -renzo piano
Report Target Audience
TA–01
6.1
The Suburban Community Why are we targeting the suburban community as well as the greater urban fabric? This is because we feel that there are already an influx of arts and culture happening in the downtown area of Kuching, but none actually live there. In contrast, suburban developments are mushrooming like never before, yet one thing developers do not consider while developing communities: its humanity and culture. The Alleyway aims to bring activities and memorable experiences into kids' childhoods; and also inspire others to replicate this very initiative, bringing culture, life, and art into their alleyways.
TA–02
The Young and Elderly Malaysia is projected to have reached an aged-society status before it reaches its developed nation status, which is problematic as it will not have a support structure that a developed nation has for its Elderly. Consequently, Millennials and Gen Z's would ultimately be stuck footing the bills for their parents' pension. By starting grassroot initiatives that put the Elderly and the Youth first, it would hopefully reshuffle government's priorities in building its cities.
TA–03
The Creative Community Cultural economy and art ecosystem is important for a holistic and diversified economy. This project provides many opportunities for the young artists and collaborators out there who are struggling to look for projects.
TA–04
The Stakeholders The stakeholder for Art In The City, i.e. CENDANA.
Key facts of our studio.
Report Deliverables
Art and culture are both powerful forces. They penetrate and affect our consciousness; they spark
with them.
6.2
Service Overview
who come into contact
list of projected deliverables
the imagination of those
Project
Documentation
Qualitative
Data
1.
2.
3.
4.
2 Installation Art
Graphic
Upskill
Feedback Form
- Design model
Video, photo and
Through participating
From all programme
- Participatory model
graphic design
in our workshops
participants
2 Programmes
Instruction
Social Building
Visitor Statistic
Through involving
Relevant for future
in park building and
projects and
other activities
programmes
Model
Marketing
Social Media
Physical to-scale
Competitions and
Create and monitor
model for reference
media outlet
engaging contents
Booklet - Paper-White Dream
For the participatory
- Urban Farming
workshop
About Pi Concept Lab
Et
Managing Partner
Eddy Tan Manage and oversee the entirety of the
Jt
Design Partner
Joshua Teo Manage and advise on the InstallationDesign Module.
management to early childhood education
Our various backgrounds range from design and
Our Exeptional Team.
project, including programmes and logistics.
7.0
Lk
Design Associate
Lionel Kueh Manage and advise on the InstallationParticipatory Module.
About Eddy 1. B.A. Early Childhood Education Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jul '20 2. Managing Assistant Art In The City: Entwine, Dec '19 3. Vice Chairperson Peer Mentoring Programme, Oct '19 4. Co-organiser Police Officer Day, Sep '19
5. Co-organiser Healthy Teeth, Happy Kids, Jul '19 6. Organiser Let's Talk About Autism, Apr '18 7. Programme Manager Peer Mentoring Programme, Jan '18 8. Teacher Alpha Tutor, March 2015-May '17
About Joshua 1. B.A. Interior Design Chung Yuan Christian University, Jun '18 2. Project Manager Art In The City: Entwine, Aug '19-Feb '20 3. Interior Designer Design Network Architects, Feb '19-Jan '20 4. Piano Teacher Harmony Music School, Dec '18-Current
5. Asia Young Designer Award Champion & Runner-up, '17 & '18 6. Future Is Now Design Award Champion, '17 7. Decor House Design Award Best Environmental Design, '16 8. Swinburne Debating Championship Champion, Best Speaker, Judge, '11-'19
About Lionel 1. B.S. Architecture Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, May '17 2. Architectural Designer Design Network Archtiects, Jun '19-Jan '20 3. Architectural Designer MinWee Architect, Jun '17-Feb'19
4. Construction Volunteer Mount Hope School, Jun '17 5. Architectural Model Exhibition Wei-Ling Contemporary Art Gallery, Sep '15
7.1 Entwine
Plastic Charrette
Let's Talk Autism
Aug 2019
Jan 2020
April 2018
1. Entwine
2. Plastic Charrette
3. Let's Talk Autism
Entwine was one of
The Plastic Charette was
Let's Talk Autism was an
the installation arts
an event under Entwine
educational talk held in
commissioned along River
which saw 5 designers
UTAR about Autism. This
of Life, KL. It champed
working with recycled
was especially needed in
the idea of using Recycled
plastic for art, reinforcing
Malaysia, where awareness
Plastic as a reusable
the idea of plastic as a
is still weak about people
construction material.
viable material.
in the spectrum.
Pi Concept Lab
2. plastic charrette
3. let's talk autism
About Past Projects 1. entwine
Our next is the Meranja Initiative!
Good design is like a refrigerator— when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks.
Thank you.