THEIR FORTRESS

The regeneration of migrant laneways from both social and spatial perspectives

Master thesis (2022)

Authors

X. Yao Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

G. Bracken Spatial Planning and Strategy - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
V. Muñoz Sanz Urban Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
E.J.G.C. van Dooren Public Building and Housing Design (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2022 Xinqi Yao
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Published Date

16-06-2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract


The main object of this study is the migrant laneway, which refers to the old community in the city center that attracts migrant workers because of its low rent and good location. This kind of community in urgent need of renewal contains three aspects: spatial, social and the process of renewal. This study regards these three aspects as the main line running through the whole research, and studies the current space situation, residents' life and the problems in the existing renewal process of migrant laneways.

Pattern language is the main analysis method and design tool of this research. By sorting out the patterns in the migrant laneway, these messy spaces are standardized. In addition, pattern language can be used to increase public engagement. This study introduces a new co-design toolkit: pattern buffet. This toolkit helps residents and designers co-design their communities. Work efficiency and program feasibility can be increased while public engagement is being added. More importantly, the result of this design with public engagement is more sustainable and inclusive.

At the social level, this study also proposes a soft strategy to help migrant workers better integrate into the city. The authors reskill these residents towards the opportunities found in a social trend: the senior care industry. While vacancies in the industry are being filled, migrant workers can get longer careers and higher wages to integrate into the city.

Therefore, this thesis develops an approach which enables the urban dilapidated areas to be regenerated in a co-design way. This regeneration framework is very new in the Chinese context. Pattern language, as the most important tool in this study, has been examined for its role and function. However, due to the epidemic, the pattern buffet part lacks practical operation, so the author cannot get feedback from the actual situation, which is also an aspect that this thesis can be further expanded.