MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASIAN STREETS TYING DOWN THE LOOSE SPACES OF HSIMENTING

Abstract

This paper has emerged from an investigation of the diversity and spontaneity of multidimensional Asian streets to reflect upon the emergence of looseness in Hsimenting, Taipei. The research probes beyond the superficial attributes of urban streetscapes to examine the loose spaces produced from the unintended practices, elusive forms and ambiguous meanings, and how these have liberated the commercial district from passive, homogenous models of modern urban planning back into energetic, lively spaces.

This research provides a spatial-analytical angle, assisted by graphical mediums and existing urban theories, to arrive at a starting point from which we begin to unveil the tip of an iceberg that is complexity and charm of Asian streets, by first tying down the loose spaces of Hsimenting.