I stumbled upon this amazing photography by Michael Wolf. One of his exhibitions has a theme of urban density. What's stunning about these photos is the shear number and repetition of buildings. The subject matter is 100% impervious surfaces. No nature to be seen. It really puts into perspective the human impact on the environment and how man-made elements dominate a lot of our visual environment.
The location is Hong Kong, as explained:
"One of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the world, Hong Kong has an overall density of nearly 6,700 people per square kilometer. The majority of its citizens live in flats in high-rise buildings... Wolf investigates these vibrant city blocks, finding a mesmerizing abstraction in the buildings' facades."
From a planning perspective, the associated infrastructure that goes along with such densities is massive. Physical infrastructure such as transport, sewerage, water, electricity as well as social infrastructure such as provision of jobs, and general community wellbeing. It makes you wonder about an individuals wellbeing rather than the collective, living in such a dense area. One wonders how overwhelming it could be on a person.
In context, I think the high density is far more desirable in terms of impervious surfaces and the actual size of the building footprint. Considering each of the apartments houses something in line with about 1000 odd residents, I would say each individuals' impervious surface is quite dang low compared to your standard suburban family.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, the 40 storey housing is mostly found in newer developments and 'New Towns'. Most of the older parts of Hong Kong like Sham Shui Po and Mongkok are still mainly 12 storey tenants with shops on the ground flor (as oppose to shopping complexes in new developments). The last photo belays the fact that at fround level, there would be many colourful signs, which creates a sense of vitality and dynamism.
I just think that it would be better to show both sides of the same city :P.