Project Name: Life in 1.5’ x 30': Changing Semiotics of Urban Grey Space

>> Addressing the issue of Urban Grey Space with design and architecture<<

Project Type:
1) urban planning design strategy
4) interior design
6) architecture
7) other: hands-on demonstration project to introduce a new Protagonist of Urban planning issue

Project Mission/Goal:
1) Improve the human spirit of micro entrepreneurs
2) Increase awareness of the environment and address climate change
3) Respond to our growing need for hygiene, Energy and Economic development
4) Address humanitarian crises of informal micro entrepreneurs
5) Re-construct a new idea for urban planning issue.
6) Changing SEMIOTICS of urban unused spaces where one family can survive with better living condition and will be very meaningful for the micro entrepreneurs
7) Introduce a new form of urban citizenship

Project Description:
In the urban fabric, “Grey Spaces” occur in gaps of what is planned, controlled, financed by authorities or simply built by private developers in irregular or unplanned ways, occupying and setting up small businesses on land that has remained vacant for a long time or with poor accessibility or space used for dumping waste. Although, the arrangements are often legal or semi-legal but the enterprises produce and distribute legal goods and services. Hence the naming- the ‘Grey Space’. This particular issue is the result of changes in the worldwide economy. This is really about how to deal with globalization and the demands it puts on a city. Although these activities seem trivial, but what they show is a demand to use space, which can be seen as a new form of urban citizenship.

This movement is increasing every year but the respective authorities have turned a ‘blind eye’ to this growing problem. A widespread misconception exists against this particular economy, related to the underground. However, such attitude is no solution to this emerging problem, as various factors are involved and the problem seems to be worldwide. These grey spaces are growing and seem to be a permanent feature of a city. Factors acting as stimuli are: lack of enough modern job opportunities to absorb surplus labor; slow rate of economic growth or faster rate of population growth.

Grey spaces contain several forms and dimensions. Grey spaces are contingent in nature. However, in the face of uncertain economic and political conditions, these dynamic developments have an inherent power to change and adapt, for required investment is minimal and the shelters are responsive to local conditions.

An example of such a phenomenon is this project located at Mohakhali, in between two building with 1.5’ at the narrowest, 3.6’ at the widest and 30’ in length. The story of this grey space began when a 12 year old boy, ran off to the city from his hometown, for survival which is a common phenomenon of a developing nation. The living condition was very poor because of two solid walls on the longer directions making the interior space dark, gloomy and congested. Even then, people were living in this place for more then 15 years because they perceived several advantages, including economic incentives.

My intention was to create a new semiotics for these types of spaces where one family can survive with better living conditions and value will be added for the micro entrepreneurs. Connecting all the spaces both visually and physically broke the tunnel effect, allowing the space to flow- thus, giving a sense of a single space. Also ensuring natural light, ventilation, use of alternative energy (present energy crisis) makes the space more meaningful. The semiotic of the space is such that it not only denotes the functions but connotes symbols such as: home, a sense of belonging. Such notion has made many spectators to remark-‘Arey eta to ekta bari!’ (Wow! This is a two storied house!).

In order to return the lost green, a 1.5’X5’ of space was put aside but this decision was even more justified when a hidden talent of my client was revealed i.e. he can play three different instruments. Thus a space with a touch of green and water would surely increase his artistic ability apart from contributing to the local ecology! Although these people have been living as a parasite for all these years, it was my desire to let them have the technology of conserving energy i.e. a solar water heater. One other issue considered is rain water harvesting, which is done in a small scale to run a small aquarium. Lastly, lots of vibrant colors are used on the exterior, so that the colorful background, the vivid color of the products, the passersby wearing bright colors (as preferred by our society & culture) all forms an ever-changing, dynamic collage. Collected, recycled timbers, plywood panels, and bamboo mats from the students of architecture department are mainly used for this project. Corrugated roofing sheets and some metal angle are also collected from the surrounding area. In all aspects an attempt is made to free them from the oppositions imposed by the society, authority and to re-construct a whole new place with a new semiotics- which they can identify it as theirs without any fear or hesitation.

Despite the continuing debates about its development, it is increasingly being recognized as a key to promoting growth and/or reducing poverty. It provides income for the poor and a safety net in times of crisis. This small scale enterprise which thrives in these grey spaces contributes in the social process by increasing the interaction between people and using the urban unused spaces. Thus, making the neighborhood more attractive and also, redefining the public spaces, which are closely related to their activities. As a concluding remark I want to say “these occupants are actually helping to restructure and revitalize our cities and I don't think these spaces are dead, it’s just changing. They activate the dead spaces, and break down boundaries between the public and the private. The blurring of boundaries leads to new ways of conceptualizing these areas”.

Links:
Another typology: http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/5286

Project Details: (per project detail form)
Location: in between 67 and 68 Mohakhali, Dhaka - 1212
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): Md. Imrul Kayes
Project Architect(s): Fardous Habib Khan, Md. Imrul Kayes, Abdun Nime, Zahid Hasan, Imran, Md. Kaisar Hossain
Year (s): June 29 2008 - July 20 2008
Client: Imran and his father, Akhtar Hossain
User Client: Imran and his family
Number of beneficiaries/users: Directly, Imran and his family of 12 members. Indirectly, thousands of micro-entreprenurs across Dhaka who are using urban unused space.
Major Funding: Students of BRAC University
Cost/Cost per unit: USD $640
Area (if applicable): Floor area: 14 square meters
Occupancy: 2 people
Contractor/Manufacturer: Architecture for Humanity, Dhaka team and volunteers
Additional Consultants: Dr. Saiful Haq (Energy Consultant), Addun Nime (Landscape), Mr. Rony (Metal work)
Other: this is a demonstration module of another typology with living facilities, which is an outcome of my Undergraduate Thesis on: Livelihood of Urban Grey space and how we can revitalize this enterprises as a protagonist of Urban dynamics who consider to be a new Urban citizenship also who helps to generate a new form of Public sphere.

Concept, thesis by Md.Imrul Kayes
Nominated by Md.Imrul Kayes, Demonstration Project Team Leader

Location