Speaker
Description
This paper explores the evolving nature of Temporary Appropriation (TA) in Auckland’s Queen Street by employing assemblage theory. Building on the concept of TA as an emergent phenomenon within urban landscapes, this study examines two distinct periods—August 2018, before the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent urban renovations, and August 2024. Utilising activity mapping techniques through in-situ observations, the research investigates how these temporal changes reflect broader assemblages such as culture, legal frameworks, and urban design. In a novel approach, the visual complexity of Queen Street’s streetscape during these periods is analysed through AI-driven methodologies, mirroring principles previously applied by a panel of architects. The AI-based analysis provides a comparative assessment of TA by identifying shifts in visual complexity and diversity in urban appropriation practices. The study concludes that assemblage theory offers a robust framework for understanding TA, highlighting how new methodological tools such as AI can augment traditional architectural and urban analysis. By comparing the 2018 and 2024 iterations of Queen Street, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how urban transformations and technological advancements influence the dynamics of temporary appropriation of public spaces in contemporary cities.
References
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| Keywords | Temporary Appropriation; Assemblage Theory; Public Spaces; Urban Landscape; AI-driven Analysis |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
