URBAN LAYERS: BETWEEN FAST SPACES AND SLOW SPACES

Abstract

Urban densification is a reality that cities face. Within the limitations of physical space, cities negotiates their past, present and future. The infinite nature of development over time forms an irreconcilable relationship with the finite supply of physical space available in our city centres. The city is a contested site where constant negotiations between the old and the new take place.

This paper attempts at understanding how such contradictions are dealt with in our urbanscape. The paper aims at illuminating a unique phenomena that is happening in our cities. We are gradually seeing the separation of our urban space into two separate domains. One is typified by the fast paced modern environment structured towards consumerism whilst the other is the contemplative slow spaces that relates more to our history, identity and social relationships. In our urban environment, these two domains are designed to be exclusive from each other as they are often assumed to be incompatible and uncomplimentary. They eventually become parallel worlds that never meet. It is in this light that this paper aims to study such situations and hopefully spur the designers of our urban environment to consider a more integrative approach to designing our cities in the face of apparent conflict.