Jinxin Xu
Against the Tyranny
Reimagining Public Space Through Acts of Defiance
For generations, architects have been captivated by the dynamic interplay between the human body and physical surroundings, striving to craft spatial experiences that resonate with our evolving needs. Yet, users frequently challenge conventional notions of personal space, giving rise to acts of nonconformity.
Los Angeles serves as a quintessential illustration of this phenomenon, defined by its fragmentation, particularly concerning public amenities. In his seminal work, "Quartz City," Mike Davis delves into the encroachment of private interests on the public sphere, unwelcoming public facilities, and the perpetuation of racial segregation. Varied perspectives within the city have spawned an ongoing series of acts of defiance.
From the user's vantage point, these actions emanate from creativity, empowerment, and sociocultural attributes. Through meticulous documentation and comprehensive analysis of observed misconduct in downtown Los Angeles, I have curated four emblematic acts that give voice to four narratives, spanning a wide spectrum in terms of scale and societal implications. Furthermore, the locales where these narratives unfold will be revisited and meticulously defined.
Chapter 1: The Bench
In response to the inhospitable nature of LA's benches, users have responded with dramatic and diverse behaviors. This occurrence encapsulates a silent struggle between those in authority and those who resist. Through an exaggerated performance art, this reciprocal game is vividly recorded, inviting further irony and introspection...
Chapter 2: The Concave Mirror
A cluttered street corner hosting a well-dressed band is an unforeseen sight for urban planners. A sequence of events near the Metropolitan Prison has metamorphosed a negative and unwelcoming space into one that is inclusive and inviting. An intriguing mirror further amplifies this positive transformation...
Chapter 3: The Strip
A square without any function has been used by local Mexicans with various possibilities. People's spontaneous behavior is vividly and delicately displayed here. They re-planned the square in various ways to form their own zone. And the shadows formed by the strips help them reconstruct the whole square autonomously in a non-intervention way...
Chapter 4: The Boundary
The current state of Pershing Square deviates considerably from its original intent. Its geometric symmetry, cultural significance, and monumental stature hold limited appeal for citizens. Individuals tend to inhabit their own individually-scaled spaces within the square, coexisting without interference or interaction. In their perception, the space resembles an overlap of familiar borders. Elements within these boundaries are poised for enhancement and restructuring...
The behavioral incidents across these four settings yield diverse interpretations of the contemporary public environment in downtown Los Angeles. By reconfiguring these spaces through the lens of behavior, the concealed facets of the city come to light. Ultimately, the core essence of a city is revealed not solely through its public amenities, parks, structures, and streets, but by the voices of these unpredictable, defiant storytellers.
Bench Rendering
Site 2 Street Rendering
Site 3 Model
Site 4 Rendering