Atkinson Clock Tower
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Welcome back! Continuing off from where we left off, the clock tower as it stands, has been gazetted since the implementation of the Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1997 and has been further reinforced of it's heritage status since the launch of the newly State Heritage Enactment 2017.
What really irked the local public as well as the local chapter of architects' association, was the fact that there was a development proposal at the adjacent land, just right next to the Atkinson Clock Tower. A 16-storey shopping mall in fact.
Take a look at the drawing plan below.
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The tiny square dot on the left is the clock tower.
Definitely pales in comparison with the huge mall development.
Check out the artist's impression of what it will look like next to the clock tower.
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The monumental scale really overshadows the clock tower and out right disrespects the sense/spirit of place or genius loci of the area.
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It's waaaay to instrusive..
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Like, really?
Such a proposed development left the local community flabbergasted (especially the architectural community - professional and conservationists alike).
Prior to that, I did my dissertation on the clock tower - mainly was a study towards reinterpreting the genius loci towards ensuring the cultural heritage was conserved.
To cut the story short and spare you the details, after two years of studying, analyzing, and redesigning, the resulting proposal was a combination of multiple elements that captured the identity of place and reinterpreted them physically into a construct of cultural heritage enhancement and conservation.
It's history, it's importance, it's identity, the surrounding context, all were reinterpreted and juxtaposed onto the site that it locks itself to reinvigorate the clock tower sense of place. Care was taken to ensure it doesn't overshadow the clock tower (I tried) and it was an attempt to redirect focus onto the heritage significance it held.
If I could, I would revise and tweak the design much more. It's far from perfect. But was a good learning process in understanding how architecturally we could make a place better.
Anyways, hope it would spur us on to appreciate the historical significance of buildings that we take for granted everyday. May not seem a lot to the main public eye, but those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it!
(Doubt we would get colonized again, but still, good to know history)
Thanks for reading!
Cheers till next time!
VL
Photo credit: @gareleos
“...if places are not designed to respect the genius loci, then they would lose their identity. To respect the genius loci, is to determine the identity of the place...the identity of place must be interpreted in new ways instead of copying the old models...”
Norberg Schulz, 1980
You can read up on Part 1 here: Atkinson Clock Tower Part 1
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Wow fascinating stuff!
Thanks @reidlist! Browsed your blog, fascinating poems too!
Thanks for the interesting read! The big block of building was certainly oblivious to the clocktower! I like your design, it is nice and elegant and highlighting the clock tower at the same time despite the scale of your building. Well done!
Thanks @gloriachee! Yeah it was, glad that it wasn't approved (at least what I heard about so far). Thanks for your feedback!
Is the mall already approved?
Unfortunately according to some sources it was approved by the city council, yet at the same time recently was gazetted. So for now, if I'm not mistaken there's still an ongoing effort to conserve it and prevent it from being relocated.
so many mall here in KK.. but not many people living here in KK like KL.. I see shops closing down 1 by 1.. behold traffic jams everywhere..
Yeah, I'd very much like that money is invested into creating an efficient public transport system, couple that with good city planning, and that should improve things. But still, easier said than done haha
Oh my, that ugly giant mall. Rather than taking over the ground level, the mall should show respect to the landmark and adapt to it. A mall is just a vessel for commercial activities that are replaceable over the place but the clocktower possess the spirit of place and time that is irreplaceable.
Blinded by money and profit in shorter term, and build environment and the people will suffering from it.
Unfortunately that happens in most cases :(
Exactly! Not sure on the current status, but it's been quite awhile since I've heard any news of the development going ahead
Great article, like the introduction of the previous post and the continuation of your story telling. Indeed, the big block mall are ugly AF and it does not show any respect to the clock tower. Since nowadays local architect trying to help clients to earn more profit, instead of helping to build a long term relation build environment. Council should be the key player in approving such design. Once it build, it stay there forever.
Thanks @cklai! Agreed. Long term considerations, I believe it's advocated for, just maybe not widespread enough to be an impact probably. I guess it needs the art of convincing :)
you design so well! :) if only they approve your proposal instead XD
Thanks @stephhchia! Haha, my proposal also needs a lot of rework!
Hi @honjun88, may i know where did you study for your architecture course? are you currently a student or in practicing. Interested to know of, because saw your works on the clock tower site are amazing.
Thanks @cklai! Graduated from UTM, currently practicing in KK. My thesis was associated with the clock tower. It's far from perfect haha. Looking back at it now seems could've improved way more. Yourself, are you studying/practicing?
Awesome, graduate UTM 2017 and currently practicing in KK too. looks like we can grab some drinks some day.
Oh? UTM as well! That's great! I'm 2012 graduate. Sure, one of these days we should :)
I hope you will continue to write this kind of posts - you did excellent job here. It would be awesome if you could share some info about the urban planning procedures in your city/country. Was there any kind of public participation process during the planning? Was there an open call for urbanists and architects? Is community ready to participate?
Anyway, I will follow you please don't hesitate to write more about this matter. Good Luck!
Hi @hidden84, thanks for your comments! Here urban planning usually wouldn't involve public participation unless it is of great public interest. Somehow this went under the radar, and unfortunately was not open to public participation during the development process.
We should preserved out heritage & not to demolish it..good job, keep it up 👍.
Thanks @ivora! Yup, we should! It's inevitable for development to continue on though. A clever blend of preserving heritage and introducing new spaces suited for the times and context is needed. Still learning!
Congratulations @honjun88!
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Nice work...ur hard work got recognised.
Thanks @perennial! Means a lot coming from you! I still have a lot to learn though..haha