Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

The current thesis aims to offer a new perspective to understand identity creation in the city. It is an investigation into how the identity of a place is constructed by the text displays of Chinese calligraphy in landmarks of physical construction in urban space in Hong Kong. The study was inspired by an earlier inquiry into architecture and a concurrent interest in Chinese culture, and as such this thesis tries to use the language of architecture and that of Chinese calligraphy which is a quintessential form of Chinese arts, to weave out the identity markers in the city. Chapter Two then deals with the background theories in the study of text in urban space. By putting the text of calligraphy back into the context of urban space to create a spatial narrative, the homogenous urban space rediscovers a possibility to attain its distinctive character for a place. To facilitate the discussion, a thematic perspective was taken in the investigation. The thesis will explore the issue through the analysis of both visual and textural materials in the city context. By putting the study of text of calligraphy back in the context of urban space, it reveals a new dimension in identity creation which has seldom been thoroughly investigated. Chapter Three opens up the discussion with the calligraphy of the political figure, Dr. Sun Yat-sen who is regarded as the founding father of China. His brushworks are used to mark the footprints of his presence in Hong Kong through extensive urban construction. Chapter Four deals with the use of calligraphy in two sites, both bear an emblematic meaning on the earlier history on the cessation of Hong Kong to the British. Despite of the fact that both sites are designed as Chinese garden, the use of historical reference has taken in completely different approaches. Calligraphy is again a key element in identity creation. Chapter Five looks into the religious venues where ample amount of calligraphy works in different formats can be found. By referencing to historical incidents, the religious content is intermingled with the consents from government officials and emperors to create a common identity. Chapter Six further examines the creation of public text of calligraphy by the commercial scene in urban space. The verticality of streetscape infested with commercial icons entails the use of large character writing in a more dramatized style. Thus, the tradition of calligraphy practice when carried out in the colonial urban space compels certain modifications to fit into the context. The conflict in reading direction of English and Chinese in many biliterate signage shows a contrast in cultural identity. Based on the findings from this thematic investigation, the thesis opens up a new dimension in the understanding of brushworks of calligraphy in social and cultural context. By reading the calligraphy in its urban context in Hong Kong, it turns out that the text not only embodies the presence of the calligrapher but also links this presence to a richer spatial background. This crucial link between text, people and space is the fundamental activities for the creation of identity.

M.Tech. (Fine Art) / In Rhythmanalysis: Space, Time and Everyday Life, Henri Lefebvre (2004 [1992]) presents an incomplete account of an interdisciplinary, poetic science of rhythms, where the body and senses are given prime place as instruments of measure. This text has strong correlations with the Minutes Project, a collaborative study of everyday urban Johannesburg through the mediums of time-lapse film and sound recording. This correlation raises the question of how critical dialogue between Rhythmanalysis and the Minutes Project may contribute to the development of new methods for the study of the everyday. The research unfolds as a series of iterative processes, moving between theoretical engagement and critical praxis, including critiques of selected scientific works of Etienne-Jules Marey (1830-1904) and the media critique of Friedrich Kittler (1999), as well as the production of films, installations, and performances. Through these engagements I evolve a constellation of ideas and methods for the study of the everyday, centred on the relation between the measuring function of indexical graphic traces and the rhythmic measure of bodily, sensory experience. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed, resulting in an integration of empirical and poetic modes of investigation. Lefebvre’s proposed figure of the rhythmanalyst emerges as a productive sounding-board for the development of a study of rhythmic aspects of the everyday, and the process of rhythmanalysis is extended in this project to encompass collaboration and participative interpretation. In the course of the research, I develop a novel method of graphing quantities of movement over time in the spaces studied, presenting multiple possibilities for interpretation as a trace of an underlying rhythmic layer of urban life. The research project as a whole demonstrates the practicability of the integration of empirical and poetic modes of investigating the everyday.

M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / The aim of the design of the dissertation is to create a transient and exclusive public organization in Ballito. Which is rapidly developing coastal town on the north of Kwa-Zulu Natal North Coast. The development of the framework through the ‘old heart’ of the town is intended to reinstate an identity to a particular place. The infrastructure ruptures the exclusive wall of privatized developments that shape an impenetrable barrier to the other regions greatest assert- the ocean. The space will serve all members of the community as well as seasonal or sporadic visitors and is activated by the imminent identification of its surroundings –and event. The infrastructure will also act as the machine of town – servicing and supplying resources through a sustainable systemic cycle. Unexpected environmental threats are managed in a manner that respects the sensitive coastline. A thorough situation analysis of the region is conducted together with the municipalities IDP. A regional and urban framework is conceptualized to understand the site as an important future node whilst addressing insensitive and myopic development trends of sprawl, exclusivity and segregation.

The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the opportunities and constraints for transforming "contested" public space into "shared" place in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. This examination is informed by: a literature review of public space theory; a review of City of Vancouver policies pertaining to public space conditions in the Downtown Eastside; a case study of community-driven public realm initiatives in Pioneer Square in Seattle, Washington; personal experience both working in, and observing conditions in the Downtown Eastside, and a review of current initiatives in the area that are working towards improving the public realm in the area while building consensus between opposing community groups. This research indicates that public spaces play an important role in the everyday lives of city dwellers, particularly for those who, due to homelessness and poverty, rely on public space for recreation and socialization, and in many cases, to live. However, as the central city is becoming an increasingly attractive place to live for middle and upper income households, conflicts can ensue over who has the "right" to use the public realm. What often occurs is the exclusion of the poor and marginalized segment of the population to "make way" for amenities that serve higher income residents and visitors. Conditions in the Downtown Eastside have deteriorated, yet at the same time, development both within and around the area has created distrust and hostility between different community groups. However, recent initiatives are working to make improvements while building trust between different, often hostile community groups. Ideally, planning for the public realm should have a significant amount of community involvement and control. The case study of Pioneer Square indicates that this is possible, although a sufficient amount of trust and consensus is needed from the outset. While the Downtown Eastside possesses many attributes which provide opportunities for public realm improvements, planners from outside the community should play a significant role in any initiatives, due to the lack of consensus and tension between community interests. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Safety in public spaces has become an issue of increased concern and attention in India, after incidents of sexual harassment and violence against women. The need for safe public spaces was formulated in the civil society in New Delhi and can be described as a social movement. Mobilization and mechanisms behind is studied in a theory-based analysis to learn more about social movements. Results can be of general importance in understanding the role social movements may play in work for safe public environments, not only in New Delhi, but elsewhere as well. The purpose of the thesis is to i) describe the work by social movement on safe public spaces among three central actors within the movement and ii) analyze the movement´s success in its mobilizing efforts and highlight mechanisms of importance. The study is a qualitative case study in New Delhi. The empiric material was collected through a document study and semi-structured interviews. Frame theory was used in study design and data analysis. The analysis showed common problems perceived by the actors as overall fear, patriarchy and urbanization, while working methods and solutions differed. The main difference was a result of digitalization and activities on social media in a cycle of protest. Motivational frames portrayed vulnerabilities, challenges and opportunities for women getting attention and motivated to engage. It has resulted in a diverse movement, shaping new ways to reach out taking advantage of new technology.

RECREATION POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC SPACES OF PANEL DISTRICT IN SLOVAKIA This task discuss about relation between natural place potential and how place influence regeneration of public spaces to create live and usefull spaces for dwellers. In literary overview this task disscus about different kinds of recreation, which every dveller can do in public spaces of our panel districts, than about regeneration of publick spaces and types of living spaces, which exist in panel districts. The important element of this task was evaluate contemporary conditions of publick spaces in Slovak nanel districkts, if it possible to use them and what is their activity range, because natural givennes of panel districts markedly enfluent oportunities and ways how to regenerate spaces for recreation. I made two evaluations, which are aimed at of panel districts recreation atraction for dwellers. The second evaluation searched public spaces of panel districts in detail, their conditions and use range of dwellers. On base of these evaluations I created four recreation potential categhories of panels districts and we tried to find the infuence of this recreation potential to creating of public spaces. On the base of our results from choosed panel districts we found out, that panel districts, which care about their natural givennes are more often used by dwellers, than panel districts which created new artificial public spaces. Based on this results I confirmed my hypothesis. Use of this task is in many ways, in theoretical way as base for next searching of panel districts regeneration. In practical way it can be used as regeneration tool

Este proyecto tiene como objetivo principal cambiar el concepto actual de Colegio Público y convertirlo en un edificio que, además de relacionarse mejor con el entorno donde se encuentra, funcione como un foco cultural que permita mayor interacción entre las personas de su comunidad. Esto será posible fomentando actividades mediante los ambientes compartidos que ofrece el colegio a la comunidad fuera del horario escolar, como por ejemplo: talleres de arte, talleres de música, biblioteca, cafetería, auditorio y sala de usos múltiples. El proyecto se ubicará en el Barrio de Monserrate, una zona que ha perdido mucho valor con el paso del tiempo debido a la falta de actividades estructurantes que generen mayor movimiento en la zona a parte de la gente que ya reside ahí. Actualmente el barrio se encuentra en deterioro, por lo tanto, el colegio será aprovechado como un potenciador de vida urbana que permita regenerar el barrio a partir de actividades sociales. / The main objective of this project is changing the current concept of Public School and turn it into a building that, in adittion to having a better relationship with the street where it is located, it works as a cultural point that allows much interaction between the people of its community. This will be possible by promoting activities through the shared spaces offered by the school to the community outside of school hours, such as: art workshops, music workshops, library, cafeteria, auditorium and multipurpose room. The project will be located in Monserrate Neighborhood, a place that has suffered an incredible loss of value due to a lack of structuring activities that generate more people movement in the area than people who already reside there. Nowadays, this neighborhood is in decay, therefore the local school will repurposed as an urban cultural center that aims to improve the social activities in the área between the population. / Tesis

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A research report submitted to the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, ce public participation on the Corri om policy-making process and projec Empire-Perth Development Corridor Bradley C. Peens ted the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environme nesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the of Science in Development Planning Johannesburg, 2015 / In South Africa public participation is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet it often has limited influence over the final outcome and does not form an important part of the policy-making process. I investigate a controversial corridor development process in Johannesburg – Empire-Perth Corridor of Freedom and how participation influenced the process and content. Through in-depth interviews with key individuals and through analysis of various documents I stitch together how this participation process unfolded. The policy process was highly complex and faced many internal challenges. It was carried out by consultants and initially was technocratic with limited participation but through a mix of resident mobilisation, opposition, and co-operation the process shifted to a more open one where new spaces for participation emerged where the public were able to influence some decisions. For a process similar to this one to run smoother it is essential the project team use graphics and illustrations which are context specific and capture the essence of the project. Participation needs to be embraced from the start and clearly incorporated into consultant’s briefs, and a variety of spaces for participation need to be provided. These are essential factors contributing to the success of corridor policies which are arguably the most controversial in planning. Key words: public participation, policy-making process, corridor development, resident mobilisation.