The Treasure of the Plateau
Speculative Environments
Supervisor - Mr. Tomohisa Miyauchi
Tibet is a place of ambiguity and puzzling contradictions. One of the most striking aspects of contemporary Lhasa is the superimposition of the "Old Tibet" with the "New Tibet."
This thesis, set in Lhasa, considers integrating yak farming into the existing urban fabric to bridge conflicting narratives between upholding tradition and advancing modernity. Yaks have historically played a pivotal role in the lives of Tibetan. Increasingly, the animal has also been garnering international recognition over the recent years.
Yak farms, in the form of modular link bridges, connect processing towers responsible for the production of food, wearables, or everyday items from the animal across the city. These processing towers, situated near historical and cultural nodes, act as beacons, highlighting the importance of these heritage sites. With yaks as a common medium, the towers also function as a meeting ground between different user groups such as the Tibetans, Han Chinese, and visitors.
Tibetan tradition could become more relevant in an increasingly modern and capitalist society by appealing to the contemporary consumer. For thousands of years, yaks have helped Tibetans survive in the harsh climatic conditions amongst the mountains. In the twenty-first century, this thesis postulates that yaks would continue to play a crucial role in supporting the city’s inhabitants, helping them further adapt to the modernized world.
Links & Contacts:
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/shichan-shen
Tags: #tibet #china #lhasa #masterplan #urban #farm #tourism #consumerism #animals #yaks #bridge #tower #shrine #cultural #historical #conservation #modernity #tradition #celebration
Comments