Patterning tectonics : the making of the forum on the Bund, Shanghai

Abstract

Surface is only one of the fragmented parts of contemporary architecture. As the size of architecture increases, it is broken down into the crown, the surface and the structure for individual consideration. The Bund in Shanghai demonstrates the polarized approach between the contemporary and traditional practice of architecture. The spirit of the Bund is about its unique urban tension between the animated continuity of the Baux-arts faCade wall on the old city side, Puxi, and the contest of contemporary architectural iconography on the new city side, PuDong. Currently, there is one empty lot along the baux-arts fagade wall where it becomes the opportunity for architectural intervention operating between the poles. Through acknowledging the return of surface ornamentation in contemporary architectural practice, the thesis argues that ornamentation and patterns are not only limited to the mere surface operation but also the technique to organize space and structure in architecture. It is through this technique of patterning tectonics that architecture is treated as one intricate network of elements operating in the same ideal of consistency. It is also through this patterning tectonics architecture generates a tangible relationship between the outside perception of the facade to the interior organization of space. Finally, it is also through this patterning tectonics architecture relates itself to culture and urbanity.