Super Asian Gothic | Chapter 2 | Funerary Tents

(fig.a) Super Asian Gothic refined.

(fig b) bas-relief decorative clay

A year in review, I needed to refine the terminology of the Super Asian Gothic. Super Asian Gothic is a manifesto on the new aesthetics borne of the post-Globalist hemispherical relationship of architecture. Presented here, (fig. a) is a concept image of the new syllabus for the polemical juncture of Asian Genius Loci and architectural criticism. This confluence of abandoned histories; of reverse synthesis; and an opportunistic gothic emergence is diagrammed here in the post-Daoist tradition.

In this latest chapter of Super Asian Gothic, we can investigate how the native culture can retain traditional ceremonies, of which add to the vitality and individuality of the nation, whilst the country modernizes and further acclimates into global society. This theme concerns itself in the ephemeral elements of urban life along with its inherent portable building temple culture. Students here, can practice in new fashion, the older traditional means of architectural programmatic expression with a fresh, updated perspective. 

The impetus for such an investigation is primed when arriving at discussions of cultural erasure - and how modern western ideals have enabled this erasure.

At once, we can look to semi-spiritual identities embedded into the columns and ornamentation of small neighborhood temples. These can be a source of ethereal inspiration. The still-practiced traditions and the iconography behind them prevail against the megaliths of western globalism. As sentinels and little defenders, we have the doll-like gods ensconced in polychromatic temples serving as mini totems for the afterlife. 

Furthermore, to behold the burning ceremonies of ancestor remembrance and the promise of financial prosperity in Chinatowns with drifting dragons dancing about is not only represented in the metaphorical didactic columns, but the streets themselves. There is much to beseech the ancestors for: As much as financial prosperity and filial obligations ring true - these traditions are on attack from multiple fronts.

This years brief calls for the students to take a deeper look at the temple typology, the role of ancestor worship, and the cross-straight relationship. These project offerings attempt to bridge gaps in traditions of celebrating the sequences of life. We can investigate temporarily-erected funeral celebration temples erected on the streets. What is next? 

Underlying the anticipated flux in architectural culture, what are the predictions for Taiwan in the next 50 years? What makes Taiwan a distinct outpost or stronghold of culture as the island has transitioned from one nation's occupation to another(1)? What are the aesthetics that portray the metaphor of such an invariably definite struggle - between the decaying body, the opulent mind, and the ethereal(1) and ephemeral(2) landscape? 

Site: Students are to select a local site in Taiwan where celebrations and processions have been held. As per tradition, these tents are usually placed along the thoroughfare. Are these the safest locations for these temporary structures? Or is their locations what makes them enduring cultural elements.

Fabrication: Students are highly encouraged to pursue all manner of site construction utilizing rapid-robotics(3) in conjunction with human-labor force. Due to the sensitive nature of this building type construction time is of primary concern. The question arises as such: Does this expedited schedule preclude radical design and thus waver to the forces of pragmatism and rationalist thought? 


Schedule: Students shall consider an abbreviated time-frame of assembly and construction. 


Construction Documentation: Required documents include site plans and urban placement plans. Section 1:50&1:200; Plans; Renderings; Fabrication diagramming; robotic interface; logistic diagrams; parts lists; lighting diagrams; energy-use plans.


 Image and Text source: Copyright of the Author, Brad Sliva | Experimental Processes Studio | All Rights Reserved.
Footnotes: 
1. Ethereal:  "Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world."
2. Ephemeral: "Lasting for a very short time."  
3. rapid-robotics: See such examples of portable robotic arms and helicopters utilized by Vijay Kumar of the University of Pennsylvania or  Gramazio and Kohler of ETH Zurich, and portable 3d printer technology forthcoming to availability.