FANGHUI ZHOU
RESHAPING BOUNDARIES: Residents’ informal construction of living spaces in Shenzhen’s urban villages, China
Abstract
This thesis delves into the informal constructions within the residential segments of Shenzhen's urban villages in present-day China, examines the informal spaces established by the residents through their customary practice of breaking spatial boundaries. The urban village is the objective product of China's rapid urbanization period. Traditionally, urban villages are perceived as negative, marginalized spaces within cities, where extensive informal constructions are regarded as symbols of negativity, chaos. Informal construction can be described as building activities where users participate in the construction of houses, with forms that evolve independently and are not constrained by external specific directives. These informal constructions continue to persist in the context of urbanization, creating unique and rich environments that compensate for the spatial functionality deficits in urban villages, thus mirroring the real needs of the residents. Inevitably, the living spaces of urban village residents are cramped, thus the act of breaking spatial boundaries through informal construction to satisfy their needs for more living space is prevalent in urban villages. However, up to this point, research on urban villages has primarily focused on their formation, characteristics, and comprehensive renovation, with relatively few studies approaching the subject from the perspective of informal construction. Using Modernology and Typology as the theoretical foundation, this study through the reality observed by the author during strolls through urban villages documents the phenomenon of informal construction in urban villages, offering a repository of literature and images for future redevelopment efforts, and analyses the tension between these needs and the imbalances of urban development. This article begins by elucidating the relevant theories of urban villages, progressing from theoretical foundations to the implementation of specific cases, and subsequently from practice back to theoretical summation. The introduction to the urban villages, as well as the author’s records, analyses, and summaries of informal construction within these areas, are encompassed within the four chapters of the thesis.
Keywords ：everyday life; bottom-up; informal architecture; urban village; space value
Contents
Introduction
1.Urban Villages in Shenzhen
1.1 What is the urban village?
1.2 The Inhabitants
1.3 Informal Construction
2.Urban Village Renewal/Case Studies
2.1 Nanshan District Baishizhou Renovation
2.2 Six Bricolage-houses
3.Ganxia cun and jingben xincun/Case Studies
3.1 Description
3.2 Field Record And Summary
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendices: Photographic Records Of Informal Construction During Field Research
Research assets
Informal construction, drawn by author, 2024.
Summarize the table by function, drawn by author, 2024
Infomal construction in Shenzhen urban village. Photograph by author, 2024
Conclusion
This study investigates the spatial characteristics of informal constructions in urban villages in Shenzhen from the perspective of informal construction. Firstly, the research reviews and compares relevant theories on urban villages, informal construction, and daily life. It analyzes the endogenous mechanisms and production logic of informal constructions from a theoretical perspective, distinguishes the residential spaces formed by different methods, and clarifies the significance of studying informal construction. Secondly, the article selects informal construction spaces in two representative urban villages in Shenzhen as research subjects. It analyzes the current spatial characteristics of these urban villages from the perspective of informal construction, focusing on spatial relationships and attributes, and interprets the formation mechanisms of informal constructions from the levels of phenomena and forms.
Discussing space solely in terms of space, architecture solely in terms of architecture, or renewal models merely in terms of models is overly simplistic. Instead, urban villages should be regarded as integral parts of the city, considering both their internal issues and external apparent values. The problems and values of urban villages should be explored within the larger urban system. Differentiated renewal guidance and exploration should be conducted based on the specific conditions of different urban villages. This approach integrates urban village renewal with the future trajectory of the city, ensuring that the renewal efforts contribute to the broader urban development and align with the city’s long-term goals.
To further expand on this topic, it is essential to delve into the historical context and evolution of urban villages in Shenzhen. Over the past few decades, Shenzhen has undergone rapid urbanization, transforming from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis. This swift development has led to the emergence of numerous urban villages, which have become crucial nodes in the city's socio-economic fabric. These villages serve as affordable housing for migrant workers and low-income residents, fostering vibrant, self-sustaining communities with distinct cultural identities.
In examining the spatial characteristics of informal constructions, it is crucial to understand the residents' motivations and constraints. Informal constructions often arise out of necessity, driven by a lack of formal housing options and the need to maximize limited space. These constructions exhibit a high degree of adaptability and resourcefulness, reflecting the residents' ability to navigate and manipulate their environment to suit their needs. By analyzing these spaces, we can gain insights into the lived experiences of urban village residents and the socio-economic dynamics at play.
Moreover, the study's comparative analysis of different urban villages offers a nuanced understanding of how informal constructions vary across contexts. Factors such as geographical location, historical development, and demographic composition influence the nature and extent of informal constructions. By identifying patterns and differences, the research can inform tailored renewal strategies that respect the unique characteristics of each urban village.
