Urban Regeneration through Small Scale Temporary Architecture

Abstract

Fast Architecture is a field that to date seems unexplored and paradoxically may contain more virtues than negatives. Fast Architecture is a term coined in this thesis to describe an urban phenomenon that has existed for centuries but has received little academic attention. This thesis proposes to investigate the field of Fast Architecture, a form of architecture that has implications on the city. Fast architecture is an alternative solution for urban intervention with short term duration. Fast Architecture is covering relatively small urban left over spaces in temporary way. It is informal and temporary urban activation which is not same as large scale urban regeneration. It, however, can bring further developments of the spaces with the participation of neighborhoods. This thesis analyzes temporary architecture for urban regeneration, especially with small-scale, abandoned space driven by architects and organizations. Two architectural firms were chosen

Atelier Bow-wow and Raumlaborberlin which, over the last 10 years, have produced visionary projects. There are two main characteristics of small scale temporary architecture according to this analysis: mobility and flexibility. Mobility has two aspects

physical move-ability and spatial responding, which are directly related to structure systems, size, weight and materials. These elements are crucial designing factors for the successful effect of Fast Architecture. Flexibility is another key factor that determines the adaptability of the structures on functions and locations. This thesis analyzes not only international cases but also the temporary architecture in both ordinary life and in event in Seoul: vinyl house and pojagnmacha. Although these two prototypes smartly occupy abandoned spaces in Seoul, activities are limited because these are naturally generated by economical reasons. These examples of Fast Architecture show the necessity of well designed temporary architecture for public activities that lead to the activating of urban leftover spaces. In spite of limited activities of two prototypes, their structure systems are beneficial resources since it has evolved through the decades. Based on the analysis of both international and national cases, this thesis presents a design proposal that shows how to discover abandoned spaces in Seoul as an example and how to design temporary architecture in relation to economical, cultural and social dimensions. This design proposal shows how the structure can be applied on existing abandoned spaces in Seoul. It also suggests how abandoned spaces below the Han River bridges can be activated by Fast Architecture and various programs which can make a network of abandoned spaces. Pneumatic structure system is used to generate spaces instantly. Two types of structures are suggested: supporting structure and inflatable surface. The characteristic of the system is that the structures can generate various shapes and sizes of spaces depending on scale of events. The suggested structure in the design proposal can activate the spaces instantly and bring unexpected social gatherings. As mentioned earlier, Fast Architecture is not a permanent solution. However, Fast Architecture can be an optimal solution for particular empty spaces where physical redevelopment is extremely difficult and expensive such as the spaces below the Han River bridges.