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Architectural Mereology

The goal of this project is to reimagine urban renewal not as an act of replacement, but as a process of spatial negotiation across time.
Rather than relying on large-scale demolition and abrupt redevelopment, this project explores an alternative model of gradual urban transformation—one that prioritizes fragmentation, publicness, and adaptive reuse across multiple temporal phases.

Using site-specific measurements, computational simulations, and spatial prototyping, I designed a set of modular units derived from the logic of stair dimensions. These 18cm-based fragments serve as minimal urban agents—open-ended in function, but intentional in form. Their configurations evolve over time: from vacant L-shaped walls to vendor stalls, micro-galleries, or storage modules. Their existence resists homogeneity and embraces spatial multiplicity.

Informed by Jane Jacobs’ notion of “eyes on the street” and Daniel Köhler’s theories on mereological cities, the project is structured around phases of presence: before demolition, during transition, and post-construction. It treats time as a design material—constructing and deconstructing incrementally to maintain urban continuity while allowing for renewal.

Rather than erasing the old to insert the new, the design choreographs coexistence.
It proposes an urbanism that is not static nor sequential—but layered, observational, and always in flux.

Urban Renewal Challenges in Taoyuan

As a resident of Taoyuan, I have noticed that many urban renewal projects are imposed without integration, leading to abrupt boundaries. These developments often expand sporadically rather than following a cohesive, linear progression. My design process aims to tackle this challenge by fostering a more unified urban evolution.

Figure 1: Site Analysis of Taoyuan Urban Fabric

Theoretical Foundations: “The Life and Death of Great American Cities”

Drawing from Jane Jacobs’ “The Life and Death of Great American Cities,” I identified four key principles to inform my urban design approach:

Mixed-use functionality, enabling spaces to serve multiple purposes and remain active throughout the day.
Fragmentation, which enhances social interaction by breaking down large, uniform structures.
Gradual evolution, advocating for incremental development over rapid construction or demolition.
“Eyes on the street,” emphasizing pedestrian activity and visual connectivity to foster vibrant public spaces.

These principles form the cornerstone of my urban design methodology.

Figure 2: Visualization of Mixed-Use Spatial Concepts

Insights from “The Mereological City”

Daniel Kohler’s “The Mereological City” provides a morphological perspective on urban development, complemented by Hilberseimer’s arguments. I distilled four critical insights:

City composition and imagery, inspired by Françoise Choay’s concepts of ducks and decorative frameworks.
The transformative potential of individual elements, such as screws and bolts, on the broader urban scale.
The interplay between public and private realms, where corridors morph into streets and buildings encapsulate cities.
Constraints imposed by sidewalks, limiting the expansive potential of urban growth.

These insights guide my exploration of urban development dynamics.

Figure 3: Morphological Study of Urban Elements

Addressing Pedestrian Behavior on Jieshou Road

Despite revitalization efforts along the western side of Jieshou Road, pedestrians underutilize designated sidewalks and crosswalks. This prompted an investigation into urban-scale interventions:

Redesign pedestrian infrastructure to enhance functionality and address design flaws.
Improve connectivity to attractions and transit hubs to encourage foot traffic.
Develop vibrant public spaces to attract users to intended pathways.
Launch awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of designated pedestrian zones.

These strategies aim to align pedestrian behavior with revitalized infrastructure.

Figure 4: Pedestrian Flow Analysis on Jieshou Road

Computational Design Methodology

Using computational simulations, I analyze pedestrian movement to understand irregular flows, guide routes via sightlines, assess density interactions, and predict hotspot diffusion. This data-driven approach informs spatial planning and design decisions.

Figure 5: Simulation Results of Movement Patterns

Spatial Unit Design

Leveraging street and city elements, I design diverse spatial units focusing on small-scale fragmentation. Starting with staircases (derived from a site-specific 18cm measurement), I categorize units into three types. These evolve into derivative configurations, offering functional variety and dynamic spatial transitions while avoiding uniformity.

Enhancing Publicness with “Street Eye”

Jane Jacobs’ “street eye” concept underscores the role of active street life in promoting safety and community. Streets with high pedestrian presence and diverse uses naturally foster surveillance, enhancing vitality and deterring crime. My design prioritizes such environments over isolated, large-scale developments.

Figure 8: Street Eye Application in Design

Intermediate-Scale Flexibility

An L-shaped wall unit, initially functionless, offers transformative potential—evolving into vendor stalls, exhibition spaces, or storage areas. This adaptability supports varied openings, activities, flows, and facades, enhancing urban flexibility.

Phased Development Strategy

Addressing the aging neighborhoods south of Dazhi Road, I propose a phased approach—current state, demolition/construction, and completion—to mitigate abrupt transitions. Fragmented, small-scale interventions ensure gradual integration of new and old urban spaces.