The Problem of “Spontaneity” in Qilou Verandah Space
Qilou (also known as the “shophouse”) is one of the unique vernacular architectural types in Southeast Asia and East Asia areas, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. In Qilou, part of the ground floor is used as the shop, and the upper floors are used as the residence. This typical arcade architecture originated from Beniapukur in India where the British colonists introduced it under the name of “Bungalow.” In the early nineteenth Century, during the planning of Singapore City, it was stipulated that all buildings must have a walkway with a width of 5 feet wide and a top cover to provide a place for business. Since the architectural form of Qilou can protect people from the sun and the rain, and create a comfortable environment under the hot and humid climate, Qilou started to spread in Southeast Asia and part of East Asia.
The most prominent morphological symbol of Qilou building is the recessed arcade space at the ground floor level, the so-called “Qilou verandah space.” In China, it is regulated by laws that Qilou verandah space has to be used as the public walkway for pedestrians. The right of use is limited to transportation, and any unauthorized occupation of Qilou verandah space is strictly prohibited.
However, in real life, Qilou verandah space is functioning far beyond a walkway. It has become not only a space for transit but it is also a place utilized by different users and to host various activities regardless of law and regulation. This phenomenon is widespread in Southeast Asia and, in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Amoy, commodities, tables, chairs, plants, or bicycles area common sight in Qilou verandahs.
In my research, I use the word “spontaneity” to describe this spontaneous behavior against authorized planning [1]. In the case of Qilou, the battle between planning and spontaneity has been ongoing for a long time and has caused conflicts between authorities, owners, and street users. However, if spontaneity can be seen as a problem, it also represents the typical townscape of the region. As a result, whether spontaneity should be eliminated or preserved it is a controversial problem.
In order to solve the problems brought by spontaneity, as well as to maintain the features of Qilou streets, making clear the nature of spontaneity is necessary. In particular, research on this topic will provide insight and references that can be used to preserve the regional townscape in Qilou verandah space; realize a better balancing between planning and spontaneity; and inspire policy makers, planners, and designers.
[1] This definition is based on David G. Epstein’s book Brasília, Plan and Reality: A Study of Planned and Spontaneous Urban Development.
References
Rapoport, A. (1982). The Meaning of the Built Environment: A Nonverbal Communication Approach. University of Arizona Press.
Gehl, J. (2011). Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Washington, Covelo, and London: Island Press.
Li, S. & Nishide, K. (2018) Spontaneous Placemaking: A Quantitative Study on the Meaning of Places in Qilou Verandah Space. Proceedings of 13th International Symposium for Environment-Behavior Studies. Wuhan, 2018.
Lin, L. (2006). Historical Origin of the Architecture of Guangdong Qilou. Building Science, Vol. 12, 87–90.