Abstract:
The emergence of ‘mega cities’ is a growing phenomenon. It is seen as an
undeniable manifestation of modernity. But who’s idea of modernity? Many
cities in emerging nations caught up in the global process of urban
regeneration pursue a western model of modernity and urbanity without
much consideration for its impact on social sustainability. This can result in
entrenching already inequitable conditions where policies typically address
the interests of elite minorities. This paper presents an alternative approach
to analysing and engaging with place and its sociality to reveal nuanced
place making practices of existing communities giving voice to marginalized
groups and views.
Presented within the context of fieldwork studies in the Melbourne suburb
of Footscray, this paper focuses on the multimodal mapping technique
developed to identify and analyse sensory embodied practice. Ethnographic
data supplemented by audio and visual recordings are synthesized and
represented in a series of multimodal diagrams based the concept of vertical
montage which explores the relationships between time, space and activity.
This paper also briefly presents a design exploration of a Master of
Architecture student at the University of Melbourne who adopted the
mapping technique, developing a richly experiential and programmatically
appropriate design for urban regeneration. Time-based methods reveal that
every day practices create their own epistemic spaces where specific
constructs of knowing and being are enacted by specific bodies of differing
capacities and cultures. This knowledge could help inform the development
of regional model of ‘modernity’ that is socially sustainable and specific to
place. One that attempts to address inequity in the participation process
and acknowledges the importance of existing spatial practices in creating
complex and pluralistic urban spaces.
Citation:
Palipane, K., (2016). The impact of socio-sensory knowledge on place making. In J. Wijesundara, & R. Dayaratne,(Eds.). Proceedings of the International Conference on Cities, People and Places ICCPP 2016. (pp. 1-14). Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa.