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
Homun Loh • about 13 years ago
I gather we all know we are living
in Malaysia and not Alice 's wonderland where we can dance with the rabbits and queen of hearts in the back lane lushed with a beautiful flowers with a. royal band playing I dream a dream. ps don't wake me up.
Christopher De Shield • about 13 years ago
Great idea. I can see it happening, as already my neighbors do use it daily for walks, as extra container garden space and catching on the latest gossip and the road to let their kids race up and down since there's almost no vehicular traffic. I hope urs wins!
Khalil Mohammad • about 13 years ago
As housing areas get congested , the backlanes should be transformed restarea. As the space area isless than 200 sg.feet small garden/lawn and garden chairs should be emplaced there. Again the lanes can be playground for kids, and padestrian only. No open drain and dustbins around. Lighting should be provided and common area for neighbours and friendly meeting. Thus the area is safe from thieves and again promote knowing your neighbour.
Kooi Lew • about 13 years ago
I believe back lanes are essential spaces created under some building by-laws to serve many purposes such as fire-breaks, noise barriers and emergency passages, As such any project to claim "lost spaces" in back lanes must be well thought-out to ensure that temporary structures do not obstruct the passage way in times of emergencies. Which party is going to take on that responsibility? The local authorities will find it sticky to approve projects that border on safety and security.
Kevin Hau • about 13 years ago
I do believe in the potential but this is just my 2 cents worth. The drain needs to be closed and covered (a. people cant throw things inside and b) no toxic fumes/insects). For cleaning the road/floor, a high water pressure spray will help with cleaning and use less water than a normal hose.
your project however will promote a sense of trust and community back into malaysia hence like the good old days. i use to live in a terrace housing estate and i remember the times when my whole 'taman'/estate would congregate in my neighbours house during hari raya eve to help with the cooking/cleaning/eating and they would use the back alley too..
kudos to you and your project. wish ya the best of success in promoting real prosperity and richness in life of communities. Unlike some politicians who talk harmony but do harm.. :) thanks
Christopher Choong • about 13 years ago
Hi Kooi L, i think you raised an important and valid point on the need to engage local authorities in revisiting existing bylaws and see what can be improved and what not. And i think that's the aim of the project, to crowdsource feedbacks and opinions of actual and potential users of back lane as 'materials' for engagement with relevant authorities. Basically a bottom-up approach. Do also check out this article on safety, etc from an architect: http://www.tslr.net/2011/11/why-do-terrace-houses-in-malaysia-have.html?m=.
Christopher Choong • about 13 years ago
Hi Kooi L, i think you raised an important and valid point on the need to engage local authorities in revisiting existing bylaws and see what can be improved and what not. And i think that's the aim of the project, to crowdsource feedbacks and opinions of actual and potential users of back lane as 'materials' for engagement with relevant authorities. Basically a bottom-up approach. Do also check out this article on safety, etc from an architect: http://www.tslr.net/2011/11/why-do-terrace-houses-in-malaysia-have.html?m=.
Kooi Lew • about 13 years ago
Thank you Christopher, for providing the input...a new dimension to the age-old layout (back-lanes) in building plans. Perhaps the relevant architects, planners and law-makers should take a que here to include new concepts for more open spaces around buildings and in particular in housing estates. Very true..planning from the bottom-up would be an inclusive approach and hence the "bottom" group who are the eventual beneficiaries will get to participate in nation building as well.
Edward Lim • about 13 years ago
Hello Kooi L, awesome project. Voting!
Clarence Loong • about 13 years ago
CONGRATULATIONS -NOW IS TIME TO GET THINGS STARTED . HOPE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS CHALLENGE WILL TAKE THE LEAD . CLEAN BACK LANE , HEALTHY LIFE STYLES AND ACTIVE LIVING WILL DEFINITELY PROMOTE THE HARMONIOUS 1 MALAYSIA CONCEPT