back lane project - OUR LOST SPACE
WINNER: Grand Prize Winner
This initiative is designed strategically to raise awareness and catalyze rethinking in the area of reclaiming the lost space of our back lanes - with the ultimate aim of empowering the people to take ownership of, and transform, their back space.
Each back lane forms part of the cityscape and these are the parts that combined to make the whole. This project therefore begins with what we already have – the lost space that’s just behind our back yard!
35 comments
Anthony Andrew • over 13 years ago
I think I didn't see this one. (thinking out of the pigeon hole or houses). Good choice.
Ag Ahmad Mohd Yunus • over 13 years ago
Kenapa ianya dipanggil Lorong Belakang..maybe if we dont named it Back Lane, tidak akan ada masalah di lorong belakang.
Hui Ping Foo • over 13 years ago
Anthony A : Thank you for looking at the proposal.
Hui Ping Foo • over 13 years ago
Ag Ahmad M : I think Lorong Belakang is not a 'bad' name, if we do not associate it with the dirty Lorong Belakang that we are so familiar of. The space at the back of most row houses exist in any case. Even if we start calling that space the Front Lane, it still wont change the situation of that space. So the idea here is to share ideas to residents on simple ways to not only change the look of this LANE but stressing on how this space can be USED. Perhaps one day, we can call it the 'Front Yard'. It can be the (free from cars) main entrance to the house and then the current front gate is our garage, which is actually pretty much what it is now........ Hmmmm.... (thinking out loud).... burglars who are used to enter a house from the back door, will now be confused... :)
Anyway, thank you very much for checking out the proposal.
Napsiah Wan Salleh • over 13 years ago
Great idea, Hui Peng. It requires however the spirit of voluntarism and commitment of individuals involved i.e to transform and maintain back alleys into liveable spaces. Nonetheless this is the kind of project that crammed urban areas badly need.
Hui Ping Foo • over 13 years ago
Napsiah W : Thank you for dropping a comment. Yes you are right that it needs individual effort. This is one area where we all have to buck up. Even if the local council were to build a covered back lane, it will still need individual effort to use and care for the space.
To ensure better success rate, this project is designed knowing that apart from inspiring people to change, it is also important that we share ideas/ways/solutions on what could be done and how it can be done.
It is great (!!) to know that you too, agrees that we can still afford to densify our urban areas. Let's used up all the available spaces first. Perhaps the next thing we can think about is our ROOF SPACES..... ;)
Do vote for the project if you see a potential in it. Thank you.
Fernando Andrade • about 13 years ago
As a Portuguese I find very strange the existence of this back lanes,it's such a waste of space,and usually used for garbish,a no man's land...
Usually our gardens are locatted in the back,so we don't have this situation.
Backlanes if wide enought, offer an opportunity to a number of activities as they show in video,it can be a public courtyard as seen in many bungalow developments in Europe. "Back" usualy means more private in Europe,actually the best uasable space in a bungalow in many cases.
Good proposal and good luck!
Christopher Choong • about 13 years ago
i think people choose not to use the back lane NOT because they don't want to but rather because they sometimes lack the ideas and the collective spirit needed to make such a space work. And that's exactly what this project aims to address - to correct people's misperception of the back lane and shape the collective imagination of what this space could be.
In Malaysia, back lanes have been used - some neighbourhoods put up artificial gates, while others, turn them into a Mamak hang-out place e.g. the infamous Maybank Nasi Lemak in Seapark. In the 80s, as I was just pointed out, it was also a place for neighbours to gather to chit-chat, exchange food, etc. The key question, therefore, is whether the potential of such a space has been exhausted and whether more can be done to turn the back lane into usable, functional space.
Which is why I think this project is brilliant in that it empowers the community by giving ideas and is a bottom-up approach of cultivating ownership of the back lane. Back lane is not the only lost space in Malaysia (think of spaces under our highways, overhead bridge, etc) - and this is a really good start to think about how to, as the project puts it, reclaim lost space.
All the best!
Hui Ping Foo • about 13 years ago
Dear Sheu Yang. Thank you for your questions and your concern towards this competition thus far. May the ulterior objectives of this competition be achieved any how in its own way.
Yes a place to celebrate... indeed it should be...
Why not at the front side of the house?
1. the idea here is to start to think of spaces that exist and that has been neglected.
2. the frontage is already in used, it can continue to do what a front side can do which the back side cant.
3. specifically the various ideas proposed on how to occupy the back lane is something that cannot be done at the front space/lane in Malaysia, with typology of such - a vehicle road in front. It being unsafe, being too public, polluted and etc.... Apart from that, ideally these new activities shouldn't clash with most residents habit of parking our cars in front.
4. the back lane is currently not in used because it was not planned for residence to do that, and many more other reasons.... to a certain extend, you and many Malaysians conform to 'a way of living' due to how neigborhoods are planned or designed, if your car porch is designed at the back, you would have parked your car at the back.... so I am not sure, if most of us deliberately get to decide how to use a space and when and for what purpose.
5. There are always a space for one purpose and another for the other purpose. i have interviewed a small boy behind my house, and he said he would love to go out to play if there are also other kids playing behind. While doing the video, I received many support from the neighbours who peeped through their windows curiously, some participated, some asked questions, and they are happy and enthusiastic that we want to make the back lane a better space. The best part is, the idea can happen even without 100 % participation from the whole row.
Some may not want to use the space this moment, but I think many will try, and hopefully some will eventually also being attracted to, but to start with, I think my very back lane is ready.
Will any of my friends cycle along main roads now?... NO.... but what if there is a proper dedicated lane?
So, will any of my friends use their back lane now?.... NO.... but what if the back lane is being 'treated'? ....... ?????
Eating beside the longkang (drain)???..... I wont because it is dirty.... although many people do at MAYBANK (back lane) nasi lemak just across my house....Nevertheless, the idea of this project is to ensure we occupy the space, make it our own, and then eventually we ought to take care of it together...
Its about economical of space too.... its about compacting activities (park, pedestrian path, terraces, and etc)
At least to me the main challenge is not whether people will use the space or not, but the challenge here is to come out with solutions and ideas where there are economical, doable by individuals, and it's something that people desires, - anything that will improve their livelihood.
If there is no challenge in any of the short-listed proposal then how can it be part of this Genovasi Challenge Competition.
So yeah, if you are not only doubtful but still curious, you can actually check out Jane Jacobs and her thoughts about city, public spaces, safety, human behaviour and etc.
Yes, as Sheu Yang mentioned, if you think you will do something, or your current back lane has been disturbing to you and if you are looking for ways to improve the situation, PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS IDEA!!! ..... (btw, click on the Vote button to vote, as like on facebook only doesn’t count as a vote) THANKS!!!
last but not least, a quote to share "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." .... Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Hui Ping Foo • about 13 years ago
Fernando A, thank you for sharing your views.
Historically, I guess there was a technical reason for the existence of such back lanes in Malaysia. Although it may not serve any purpose now, unfortunately, we cant erase it from our urban scape.
Indeed there are many landed properties in Malaysia with gardens that are not private enough to be put to good use. This proposal of back lane spaces may seems like it is tackling the lane only, but be open for the fact that, it could inspire change and have impact on the typology (plan design) of existing housing in Malaysia, there can be a garden at the back, there can be a second entrance for tenant at the back?... and what else?? ....
In general, we shouldn’t be the victim of anachronism. Seemingly, the back lanes can have a new meaning today.
QY Goh • about 13 years ago
Turning back lane into useful space is brilliant idea! Not only the community get extra space to do something useful, it is an opportunity to get to know your neighbours better and building stronger community in that area (where your neighbour would help watch your house when you are away). Starting new idea is tough so keep up your good work!
AiHuey Tan • about 13 years ago
Truly a brilliant idea!! i think if we can one day have "sheltered" back lanes, there will be even more potential for the spaces.
Chien Kuan • about 13 years ago
I think it's a great idea... It's a great place to foster the muhibbah spirit too :) As the back lane is less busy (i.e. less vehicles), it is safer for children to play together too! Wishing you all the best Hui Ping ;)
Azizan Ali • about 13 years ago
I live in a community where our back lane is a garden that are being shared among 10-15 houses. We neighbours use this garden for everything, dog walking, kids playing, party, badminton and many more. I like this idea, because i see many benefits. This idea is doable for future development. But, there are a lot to pull together for existing back lane... Especially, people might be the biggest challenge. All the best!
Dan Lee • about 13 years ago
Communities, especially RAs should look at how to maximize the usage of back lanes in housing area to encourage community interaction, build stronger bonds within the neighborhood. Closely knitted communities are even more essential these days to prevent robberies, kidnapping etc as we would then look out for each other.
Chen Wong • about 13 years ago
@sheu yang t I think it's not about whether in reality will people do it or not. It's an effort that the creator hopes others will make. It's the mindset and condition of the people and the backlane that stops people from doing it. That's fundamentally what the project is about. Whether this project is a success or not, we will wait and see. But at the very least, shouldn't we stay optimistic rather than trying to find faults in good intention such as this?
discordant dude • about 13 years ago
I think all of sheu yang's concerns have already been addressed by the creator and others above - so no point elaborating further - since some ppl have a fixed way of looking at things and can't get outside their own mental paradigm/box.
if you ask me, i will be very happy to have this idea on my back lane (i think others who commented also share my sentiments) and the creator also talked about doing a survey in the neighbourhood and they have also expressed interest. This is the reality for me, and for all these people who are interested.
I hope no one impose one person's "reality" on our realities - because our reality is to solve problems on our back lanes than keep labeling them as "reality" and don't do anything about it.
Please come to my back lane!
discordant dude • about 13 years ago
haha, it's all friendly exchange here, don't worry - just wasting time to respond to you :) it's fine if you want to invite your neighbour to your frontside. nobody is stopping you from doing that. but you don't represent everyone, and especially not me, because i will like to see my back lane revitalized and invite my friends to both front and back. that's my reality bro, and hope u respect it as i respect yours.
discordant dude • about 13 years ago
Great! You are slowly getting it. Different back lanes have different conditions, which is why it is important to get the community involved in coming out with solutions for the back lanes (also what this project is about). Different back lanes can have different solutions.
You have admitted that this is a problem for old housing and Malaysia has many old housing - so the project can already start in these back lanes.
However, I have stayed in both old and new housing and I don't agree that it only applies to old housing. This is what I experienced and I am happy someone has proposed to do something about it. Also check out this link:
http://www.tslr.net/2011/11/why-do-terrace-houses-in-malaysia-have.html
discordant dude • about 13 years ago
as you mentioned, it is very subjective - maybe eating and recycling are not the most suitable for your back lane but could be relevant for others - i can imagine these happening for my back lane. anyway, i don't think the back lane project is only pushing for eating/recycling - the main idea is to get people together to think and decide on what to do with their back lanes. Read the proposal again slowly and try to understand first. If this is ever implemented in your back lane, then you can tell your neighbours that eating and recycling not suitable for you - but for me, I will tell my neighbours it is very suitable :)
Clarence Choong • about 13 years ago
Sheu Yang,
Yes, I agree that it's a real world that we are living in and to a certain extent, every idea has to be based on the realities around us. But you have to understand that every great idea also has to be imaginative at point of conception. Centuries ago, the idea of air transportation may not be real to the people then, but look at where we are today. Even in Economics, we have "ceteris paribus" (literally translated: all other things being equal or held constant), which is an assumption fundamental in the formulation of economic outcomes but not "reality" per se. I think it's important to be visionary but of course, it has to be balanced with facts. And this proposal definitely has both.
I also partially agree with your statement that "people do not gather and communicate together it is not because of lack of space to do so, but a lot of factor influence it". Yes, there are many factors as to why there is a lack of participation/communication within communities today but I don't think this proposal is talking about a "lack of space". In fact, this proposal highlights the availability of space but a lack of "utilization"; hence, the term "lost space". It is important to understand the proposal in its context and entirety before coming up with constructive criticisms and opinions.
The idea of a "happy back lane" requires a fundamental element which is participation. A "happy back lane" would not happen if the neighborhood is not comfortable with the idea. It would happen when there's mutual consent from the community. This also addresses the problem of "who cleans, who pays" which you mentioned. Again, a "happy back lane" is a collective effort and therefore, any costs, whether in terms of monetary, time, etc. would be borne by the community who chooses to participate. If there's a particular individual who does not want to participate like yourself, then by logical reasoning, you will not be required to clean up the "mess" or bear the costs. Also, your arguments about "gathering creates noise" and "inviting people to front side of house" are really quite absurd. Your "noise" argument is invalid because any gathering, whether inside, outside, backside, or frontside is bound to create a certain level of noise. If it's not after 12am, I don't think it's against the law to be a little "noisy". And I don't see any possibility for "happy back lane" activities to be after 12am, unless it's a "dodgy happy back lane".
Anyway, criticisms are always welcomed. That's how we move forward with ideas. But baseless and prejudicated criticism is detrimental to a healthy and fruitful discussion.
Cheers.
Ivan Hoo • about 13 years ago
My mother in law actually turned her back alley into a little garden. But it's just all pots of plants growing.. your video was inspirational to take it to the next level, put some garden stools, a little plastic table and we can hold a mini garden party! Semangat Muhibbah !! Like!
Hui Ping Foo • about 13 years ago
Dear Sheu Yang,
Thanks for reading the proposal 3 times!! It says a lot.
Since you brought up the 3 activities, i would like to take the opportunity here to explain to others, because i know the project is partially misunderstood by a few.
The main objective of this project is to share the idea and give direct solutions to the people about back lane spaces as effective as possible. So the 3 activities that are part of this project are activities to help make it happen.
If in future, by all means, if the residents want to eventually use it occasionally for community project, like garage sales, community chinese new year gathering and etc... please do, since the back space is no longer dirty and smelly...
Indeed many questions have been brought up here or to me personally, which has been activated by the nature of how this competition has been organized for a constructive reason. For me to be aware of most resident's concerns definitely helps, as these are existing concerns in regardless of whether i think it is valid or not. In another words, concerns will still needed to be addressed, either by tackling the problem itself, or BRAINWASH the people.... :)
Explaining to some saying that back lane does not exist because of fire regulations and why not, sharing to some that negotiation within a community is part and parcel of living rather than i just need to be happy within my house boundary, i do what i want, you do what you want, but actually, the reality is, if your neighbour is so dirty, it attracts rats, It will affect you although you are in your own territory... and some worry about weather, talking about weather- think of back lane as a park/playground, one can choose not go to the park when it rains, or when it is too hot, or when there are mosquitoes at night. We do not stop building parks and playgrounds just because of the weather and etc... so yeah, please see that back lane spaces as an addition. It is how we condition ourselves rather than condition the environment/nature, otherwise, we would have a big gigantic umbrella over kuala lumpur - lets be realistic. taking about safety, the more open it is the more safe it is, individuals are attacked at dark alleys, corners and etc.... In bright day light crime happens, that is not because we should not be out there, that problem is the crime and the criminals, not entire us.... BUT by having more people outside on the street/back lanes, we are all acting as an eye watching, hence there is an additional security features in this back lane idea. The burglars might not know when someone will open the back door to check his or her plant... although in actual fact no one will be there... Because of all the existing furniture on the streets, it comes with invisible eyes that will freak the nasty people away....
Let's all think or rethink of the way we have been living, or want to live in future. Typically, from a house, and then into a car, and then maybe driving to a car park basement and then ended up in an office or shopping malls with an elevator. From one indoor space to another and finally ended up in another, it is like, can you imagine all the air that you breathe are indoor air... not so good for the brain... ;)
How the whole back lane thingy came about?... because i think, we all need more open public spaces for everyone.... we definitely lack those that we can call ours, we have KL Pac, we have KLCC park, we dont get to do what we really want there, those are private parks with guards.... you cant BBQ there, and we dont want to all end up in condos, so that we can book a place for BBQ, we want to live as freely as we can (not in a harmful manner)....
so yeah, last but not least, VOTE first, fix the problem as we go.... sheu yang, i count one vote from you too... ;) and thank you for playing the bad cop here. Thank you discordant dude and clarence c for playing the good cop.
Sofea Ghani • about 13 years ago
Voted for you! :) Great idea and really like the layout of your proposal. Promotes Msians to be more creative & think out of the box! Well done :)
Sarah Lasung • about 13 years ago
Heya, Really love your idea.
Came across this cafe in Auckland in Imperial Lane. The concept is very similar to yours as they took over a forgotten alley and converted it into a lovely space for drinking coffee and mingling.
Here's a sneak peek at the place:
http://eyeonauckland.com/2011/12/fort-lane/
Just thought I'd share it with you because, I wanted to encourage you to know that it is possible and can be successful :)
have a look at it and all the best!