ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the concept of ‘hybrid’ as a design with ‘mixed characteristics.’ It rejects the modernist notion of a ‘tabula rasa’ and ‘total design’ at both the individual building and city planning levels, advocating for a more fragmented approach. The authors stress the significance of repurposing existing resources to prevent waste and displacement. They argue that cities should be regarded as material banks, with the mining of materials taking on a new meaning to discourage destructive practices.
These ideas evolved into a practical workshop that explores city-making in the form of a game. The format draws inspiration from the Dada and Surrealist movements, the Texas Rangers, and the concept of ‘Collage City’ by Colin Rowe and Fred Koetter. Over a span of two weeks, a diverse group of participants delved into the concept of creating hybrid spaces within their respective towns by repurposing existing materials. This process involved documenting available materials, introducing ‘intruders’ from architectural history, and envisioning small interventions without erasure.
While acknowledging the challenges of conducting the workshop in a hybrid format, which combines online lectures and in situ explorations, the text underscores the value of collaborative learning.
