Urban Isolation: Multi-Enclave Regions across Scales

01    /    INTRODUCTION

One of the most noticeable aspects of the urban environment, during our visit to Chengdu, was its constant disconnection. Every neighborhood and programs seemed to operate exclusively within its own boundaries and limits, not aware of their outside conditions. Disconnection happened due to various factors, from wide streets, water bodies, fences, walls or high rises.

Such a system did not only happen on a block scale. Isolation is consistent in a systemic and multi-scalar manner, in which borders of distinct natures, on an aim to connect the city as a whole, are limited to do so in smaller urban tissues. The following research is based on these initial findings, studying Luxelakes development not only within its own boundaries, but inside the Chinese urban development policies and patterns which have resulted in these forms of exclusive urbanism.

The following research questions are formulated to develop on the origins, results and previous literature and theory of isolation. What are the broad implications of such a large, segregated portion of cities? What are the urban environment factors which led to a multi-enclave, isolated region? What strategies could mitigate isolation and exclusion in the city? The project will be structured in two parts, the first one is a study and analysis of urban morphology in China and in Luxelakes to understand the characteristics of urban Isolation and the second one will be a new vision both for Luxelakes and chinese development areas.

02   /   REPORT

03   /   PRESENTATION