John Hong has been invited to lead the international masterclass, Devious Topographies, at the University of Technology Sydney from Feb 1st–12th.
The Brief: Bridging the Disciplinary Void
As cities grapple with cultural and economic viability, the scale between urban planning and architecture is more relevant than ever. However, architects often mistakenly treat territorial scales as “extra-large buildings,” while concepts like “landscape urbanism” remain too ambiguous to coordinate interior and exterior civic domains.
The Tool: The “Devious” Contour Line
This workshop reinvents the topographic line. By releasing the contour from its traditional relationship to the ground, we redeploy it as a nimble design tool capable of synthesizing building, landscape, and city.
Through “devious” techniques—intentionally misusing conventions to achieve specific spatial goals—students will imbue the topographic line with new capabilities to coordinate both physical and socio-political urban dimensions.
The Site: White Bay, Sydney
The inquiry focuses on White Bay, a highly topographic seam between city and waterfront. Participants will navigate the site’s uncertain future, mediating the tension between its industrial infrastructure and adjacent residential zones.
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