TeKuei Huang

DougongTectonics

A Cosmo-Technic Approach to Taiwan’s future Architecture and Urbanism

The distinct identities of nations and cultures often find themselves diluted within the architectural chronology of standardization, universalization, and commercialization. Contemporary architecture and urban planning have, over time, witnessed a transformation driven by factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and homogenization. As cities modernize and globalize, traditional architectural elements and local nuances are frequently overshadowed by standardized designs that could easily belong to any city across the globe. This erosion of cultural identity not only diminishes the uniqueness of each place but also severs the ties between people and their surroundings, leading to a sense of disconnection and alienation to their historical and cultural roots.

As a response to this predicament, innovative approaches emerged—seeking to revive historical and cultural identities while embracing indigenous aesthetics and ideologies. Kenneth Frampton's concept of "Prospects for a Critical Regionalism" certainly offers a bridge between vernacular architecture and modernity, it tends to fall short in fully capturing the essence of a pure historical identity. Critical Regionalism, though valuable, often emphasizes a synthesis that may dilute the profound cultural underpinnings that define a nation's architectural heritage.

Inspired by Chinese philosopher Mou Zongsan's articulation of Qi and Dao. Qi is something below form that takes space; while Dao, literally meaning, “way” or “path is above form that guides the universe. Qi belongs to the phenomenon, while Dao belongs to the noumenon. By aligning with Yuk Hui's philosophies of Cosmotechnic, I propose a design that attempts to transcend the limitations of Critical Regionalism and engages with a more profound narrative of cultural identity. In this scenario, the DougongTectonic system becomes a manifestation of Qi and Dao.

The convergence of Qi and Dao provides a philosophical framework that resonates with the vertical urbanism inspired by the Dougong system.

The proposed Design envisions an alternative trajectory for Taiwanese urban development, one that diverges from the influence of Western modernization in the 20th century. Taiwan's modernization of urban planning bears the early imprint of Japanese imperial colonization from 1895 to 1945. During this period, imperialism-driven urban planning practices were introduced to showcase sovereignty and governmental authority. The landscape saw the emergence of centralized government structures and national memorials, featuring design elements such as roundabouts and concentric plazas, reminiscent of French imperial architecture. In contrast, China's encounter with western modernization occurred decades later and took a different trajectory, marked by a distinct absence of widespread foreign colonization. This allowed China's urban planning to exhibit a more seamless continuation of its cultural heritage.

Focusing on Taiwan's urban planning serves as a foundational study for the concept of a vertical city employing the Dougong Tectonic system. In this vertical city, the assemblage of architectural elements follows a central axis, with symmetrical vertical stacking emphasizing balance and harmony. This approach resonates with Taiwan's historical urban planning, where roundabouts and concentric plazas were employed to create spatial order and a sense of unity. By incorporating this historical context, the proposed vertical city harmoniously anchors the traditional essence of Dougong with the spatial organization principles that defined Taiwan's urban landscape.

This alternative timeline allows for the organic evolution of Taiwanese cities, embracing their own cosmologies, values, and traditions. At the heart of this transformation lies the Dougong system, which serves as a guiding principle for architectural and urban development. In this scenario, buildings rise vertically, adopting the sequential assemble methodology of Dougong, provides a canvas upon which the cosmic principles of Qi and Dao are inscribed, guiding the growth and evolution of the urban landscape over time. This vertical urbanism creates a spatial and temporal dialogue between different eras, echoing the intricate layers of history and culture that characterize Taiwanese society.

By embracing the Dougong system's intricate assembly and color coding, a novel approach to Taiwanese urban development comes to fruition—one that sidesteps the influence of Western modernization and embarks on a journey of vertical urbanism through time. As DougongTectonics rise toward the sky, they carry with them the echoes of the past, the aspirations of the present, and the promise of a future where tradition and innovation coalesce to create a vibrant and authentic Asian urban landscape.

Phase 1 Decorative Patterns

Phase 2 Decorative Patterns

Phase 1 - Small Village

Phase 2 - Medium Town

Phase 3 - City