Social Neighbourhood Design in Urban Residential Development Janelee I-Chen Li

Transcription

1 Social Neighbourhood Design in Urban Residential Development Janelee I-Chen Li A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Design Faculty of Arts and Design University of Canberra Febuary 2015

2 Abstract This research explores social neighbourhood design for urban residential development in contemporary cities. It investigates the empirical and theoretical basis that is behind the attempt to promote social neighbourhood through the physical design of communities. A social neighbourhood is defined and examined through two interactive perspectives: residential development in urban planning as a political determinant of the social neighbourhood and social cohesiveness as a social indicator of the social neighbourhood design. This research combines historical heritage investigations and contemporary comparative case studies to proposing generalisation into new neighbourhood theory. An empirical inquiry from the application of large scale, traditional Chinese Courtyard Housing (CCH) principles as guidelines for the neighbourhood design with social cohesiveness in contemporary urban residential development. By investigating historical neighbourhoods in their dynamic settings, describes real-life settings, explores patterns of commonalities and differences and explains the causal links of observed patterns to make comparisons, proposing generalisations, and neighbourhood theory. The research also investigated the spatial relationships among numbers of CCH buildings, as a result, there are three key elements that highlighted the creation of community spirit in terms of spatial layout which are the role of communal space, sense of enclosure, security, gradual privacy and child rearing. The positive dominant factors in the history of CCH neighbourhoods include three key points for cultivating community spirit: space, people, and activities. This research suggests that semi-public and semi-private neighbourhood communal space is defined as an extension of the residential environment of each household within neighbourhood planning. The activities of the residents that occurred in the courtyards (used as a reference for corresponding management activities of contemporary communities) were closely related to people in the community (i.e., each household). A strong sense of community has been associated with the spatial arrangement of CCH neighbourhoods, this sense of community facilitates increased feelings of safety and security, encouragement of neighbourhood communal participation and casual interaction. Research on traditional CCH neighbourhoods have found that positive interactions between people can i

3 be improved by implementing urban planning systems, community volunteer organizations, complimentary measures and activities that meet local demands, and efficiently designed residential communities. The solutions identified can be adapted and implemented into contemporary planning for urban apartments, high-rise buildings and suburban settings. ii

4 Acknowledgements In ancient times those who wanted to learn would seek out a teacher, one who could propagate the doctrine 1, impart professional knowledge, and resolve doubts. Since no one is born omniscient, who can claim to have no doubts? If one has doubts and is not willing to learn from a teacher, his doubts will never be resolved. Anyone who was born before me and learned the doctrine before me is my teacher. Anyone who was born after me and learned the doctrine before me is also my teacher. Since what I desire to learn is the doctrine, why should I care whether he was born before or after me? Therefore, it does not matter whether a person is high or low in position, young or old in age. Where there is the doctrine, there is my teacher. ( the way of the masters (Shidao 師道 ), Han Yu ( 韓愈 ), A.D) translated by Janelee Li When we use empathy by experiencing a situation or the feelings of another from their perspective, and approaching the ordinary language that is common in the everyday lives of the public to consider the major problems encountered in land, urban, and regional planning, then dull academic research and profound theoretical discussions may come to play a greater role in our enlightenment. Social science research on landscape and urban planning cannot be separated from tangible society and the context of life because it originates in real society, and thus, its results should relate to real life. A well-known Chinese saying regarding teachers is that an exceptional person does not have permanent teachers. Knowledge in this world is as vast as the sea and contains abundant unknowns; therefore, standing before accomplished academics, I am humbled. Knowledge is ubiquitous, which makes me seem unlearned and humble, even during my tenth year researching spatial design abroad. Since I was formally introduced to landscape and spatial design at Taiwan University in 1999, I had wanted to further my studies abroad to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the large scale environmental planning and environmental design that in my home region of Taiwan and mainland China is not nearly so advanced. I observed how the natural disasters and drastic environmental changes that the world experienced in the past 10 years substantially affected human life. I beheld the consequences of Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan: the massive flooding and mudslide that destroyed Xiaolin village. I witnessed numerous instances of negative urban social phenomena. As a participant in higher academia, I have attempted to determine how to begin contributing. Thus, at the end of 2009, I settled on a topic for my thesis. I arrived in the world-famous, a centenary- planned city of Canberra and wanted to experience life in a city of unique design for my-self.to continue my exploration and research. My research originated with a naive question: What makes a good neighbourhood (Association)? 1 During the five years of research, from formulating the thesis question to the decoding process of writing the thesis, I was surprised to discover the beauty of the thousands history - Asian heyuan( 合院 ). Because learning is boundless, the longer I spent writing this doctoral thesis, the more experience I acquired in research and the more I learned of both Eastern and 1 Prologue: a naïve question what makes a good city. Lynch, K. (1981). A theory of good city form. Cambridge: MIT Press. v

5 Western academic theories, the more I felt inadequate. No shortcut was available, only solid repetitive effort. My enthusiasm and passion for creating better places for people, which can enrich the quality of life and happiness of the community has not waned. During years in overseas, I genuinely realize the value of my heritage and homeland. The cultural insights that we have shared have helped shape my vision of how my research can contribute to improved social harmony and lifestyles. Despite encountering difficulties that I could not have anticipated, I have not been deterred from my original objectives. Unfortunately, because of my own inadequacies, this thesis perhaps may contain deficiencies and omissions and still needed the generous advice in various fields. This, however, marked the start of my pursuing this area of academics and research. I thank my parents Edward Li and Angela Yeh, who have provided untold support and encouragement during this lengthy academic research. I thank the academics who have assisted me in this process. Particular, I sincerely appreciate the guidance and feedbacks I receive by academics from social geography, urban planning, environmental planning and children's education to construct a social scientific research paper in fairly logic order to well structure this comprehensive topic. The final edition by Lisa Maree Crossley, Ozy (Unit- Editing) and Wallace to be of good editorial quality on finalising a well presented document. After all, I appreciate Mike Chu s family in Mei-Nong Township in Taiwan who provide abundant and precious original materials and valuable information. On the other hand, I thank my lovely own family here and children of the Australian community without whom I would have no manner of understanding the inspirations I have discovered in the diverse and multiethnic culture of Australia, of comprehending the real needs of Australians, or of observing the culture in which I grew up from a different perspective. Particular thanks for Widuri preschool in UC where shows wonderful example of belonging that how simple love can be demonstrated and stimulated into the physical environment. Every culture has advantages and disadvantages. I believe numerous commonalities exist among cultures, but we lack an appropriate diverse platform for communication. I hope that after all these years, the two-way communication platform and channels that I have sought have served their purpose. Furthermore, I hope that the completion of this doctoral thesis signifies the beginning of a new journey. I wish to have the opportunity to repay the knowledge I have gained and received from the community. I hope that this study provides me with the chance to achieve my objective of contributing to society. vi

6 Contents Abstract... i Certificate of Authorship of Thesis... iii Acknowledgements... v Part I Introduction... 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Issues Contribution Researcher Motivation Structure... 8 Chapter 2 Literature Review Introduction Physical Context of Theoretical Neighbourhood Planning Urban Denser High-Rise Residential Development Conceptual Context of Social Neighbourhood Civilized Education in Neighbourhood Space Summary Chapter 3 Research Problem, Methods and Tools Introduction Research Problem Research Methodology Research Design Data Collection Data Analysis Conclusion Part II History of Social CCH Neighbourhoods Chapter 4 Historical Natural and Planned Neighbourhoods Historical Human Settlement Chinese Courtyard Housing (CCH) Neighbourhood The Social Neighbourhood System Feng Shui Principles for Neighbourhood Planning Chapter 5 Chinese Social Neighbourhood Introduction Social Philosophy of Communal Spirit Believe A Physical Social Neighbourhood vii

7 5.4 Main House (indoor space) & Courtyard (semi-open/open space) Abundant Neighbourhood life with Neighbourhood Activities Discussion and Conclusion Part III Spatial Experimental Study on CCH Neighbourhood Chapter 6 CCH Social Neighbourhood- Spatial Consideration Spatial Experiential Analysis Activity Level 1 Scale of Physical Neighbourhoods Activity Level 2: Spatial Analysis of Large CCH Neighbourhoods Chapter 7 Experimental Result Introduction CCH Spatial Characteristics Basic Typology and Extension Style (for future residential consideration) Summary of CCH Social Neighbourhood Design Part IV Discussion and Conclusion Chapter 8 Social Neighbourhood for Urban Residential Developments Case Study Australia: Australian Capital Territory Singapore Taiwan Urban Residential Development Cohousing Experience Summary Chapter 9 Theory for Social Neighbourhood Design Recommendations for Social-Neighbourhood Spatial Design: Social Benefits Research Limitations Recommendations for Future Research BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDIX Appendix -1 Dynasties and Time Periods Appendix -2 Translation from Original Classic Text Appendix -3 Density of Large CCH Neighbourhoods Appendix- 4 Traditional Chinese Courtyard Housing (CCH) Neighbourhood viii

8 List of Figures Figure 1.1 Global Urbanised Communities: Neighbourhood Design in the U.S, Sydney, and 3 Canberra Australia. Figure 1.2 Thesis Structure 11 Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework of Literature Review 13 Figure 2.2 Typical Neighbourhood Planning in Integrated Residential Planning and Layout, 15 Belconnen, ACT Australia Figure 2.3 Garden Suburb. Watson, ACT, Australia 18 Figure 2.4 Internal Reserve: Original Plan; Reid Suburb; Aerial Photo 19 Figure 2.5 The population living in urban areas in Taiwan 25 Figure 2.6 The Conceptual Diagram of Build Children s Lives within a Home 37 Neighbourhood. Figure 3.1 Research Flow Chart 50 Figure 3.2 The Conceptual Context of Social Neighbourhood Design 53 Figure 3.3 The Final Selection of Large CCH Case Studies 54 Figure 3.4 Mei-Nong Township and CCH Neighbourhood 59 Figure 3.5 CCH Analysis Examples in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan & China 62 Figure 3.6 Maps of Selected Large CCH Locations 63 Figure 3.7 A Selection of Large CCH Examples 64 Figure 3.8 Filed Investigations Taken in Inner North Canberra, Australia 64 Figure 3.9 Transition from Lower Density to Higher Density (Australia ACT) 66 Figure 3.10 Large CCH Neighbourhood and Conventional Villages in Taiwan and Mainland 67 China Figure 3.11 Original Base Figure of Case M4 Yong Long Chang Lou 69 Figure 3.12 Example of Colour in CCH Case Studies 71 Figure 4.1 Human Settlements around the World in 5000 B.C 77 Figure 4.2 Courtyard Housing in 2500, 1800 A.D 78 Figure 4.3 Chinese City and Courtyard Housing in Song Dynasty ( A.D) 81 Figure 4.4 The Enclosed Courtyard in The Historical Record of the Han Dynasty 82 (206B.C.E-220A.D) and Song Dynasty (960 A.D-1179 A.D) Figure 4.5 The Ancient Concepts of Social Units (C B.C) 83 Figure 4.6 Hierarchy System in the Old City of Beijing 84 Figure 4.7 Various of Chinese Courtyard Housing in North and South China 86 Figure 5.1 Chinese Character 合 Unity 91 Figure 5.2 The Humane Relationships among Residences 91 Figure 5.3 Well Preserved Traditional CCH Neighbourhoods with Historical History ~200 Years in Taiwan and Mainland China Figure 5.4 Traditional CCH Social Neighbourhoods 95 Figure 5.5 Main Hall and Courtyard 97 Figure 5.6 Agricultural Function in 1960s. Mei0Nong Township, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 104 Figure 5.7 Neighbouruhhod Communal Activities: Chinese New Year; Funeral Ceremony in 105 Traditional CCH 2014 Figure 5.8 A Gentle Hill Designed at the Back of an Ancestral Hall (Communal Hall) 106 Figure 6.1 Neighbourhood Scale among Different Typologies of CCH 112 Figure 6.2 Chu's Family in Hsingnan Road. Mei-Nong Township, Taiwan 113 ix

9 Figure 6.3 Ground Floor Plan of Residential and Communal Space in Apartment Tulou 117 Typology Figure 6.4 Ground Floor Plan of Residential and Communal Space in Apartment Tulou 118 Typologies Figure 6.5 Ground Floor Plan of Larger Settlement Apartment Complexes 122 Figure 6.6 Round-Shape of Apartment-Type Tulou Building 127 Figure 6.7 Case No MR2, A Vertical-Storey Round House Designed around A Concentric 128 Point Figure 6.8 Tulou, Townhouse-Style 129 Figure 6.9 Tulou, Townhouse -Mixed Used Style 130 Figure 6.10 CCH Tulou Apartments Round Style 132 Figure 7.1 Layout of a Chinese Text 135 Figure 7.2 Gradual Privacy 136 Figure 7.3 Communal Space in the Central Axis 138 Figure 7.4 Extension of CCH Sanheyyuan Style 139 Figure 8.1 Australia New Urbanism: Crace suburb, ACT. 151 Figure 8.2 Tree-Lined Street. Principles of Garden Suburb 152 Figure 8.3 Contemporary Neighbourhood Event. Halloween in ACT 153 Figure 8.4 Neighbourhood Precinct in Singapore 155 Figure 8.5 The Skyline of Residential Developments in an Outskirt Suburb of Kaohsiung 159 City. Taiwan. Figure 8.6 Residential Developments with Neighbourhood Space 160 Figure 8.7 Common Ground Floors for Urban Denser Living in Tokyo & U.S 166 Figure 8.8 Shared Paths. Northern European. 167 Figure 8.9 Suggestion of a Hierarchical Neighbourhood System for Contemporary 169 Neighbourhood Planning Figure 9.1 Conceptual Model of Relationship between Neighbourhood Communal Space & 175 Social Neighbourhood Design Figure 9.2 POS System of Social Neighbourhood 176 Figure 9.3 Concept of a Building Complex Design 181 Figure 9.4 Future Scenarios of Urban Social Neighbourhoods. 183 List of Tables Table 2.1 Laws and Regulations Related to Planning In Taiwan 26 Table 2.2 Period Condominium Development after Retrocession Table 3.1 Secondary Data Sources 58 Table 3.2 Residential Density for Large CCH Neighbourhoods (selected case) 70 Table 6.1 The Proportion of Communal Space in CCH neighbourhoods 114 Table 6.2 Hierarchical Structures of Communal and Individual Spaces 124 Table 6.3 The Relationship between Courtyard Size & Building Diameter in the Residential 131 Buildings Table 7.1 CCH Spatial Composition 141 Table 8.1 Social Policy Promoting in Singapore 157 Table 9.1 Hierarchy of public open space system (POS) 175 x