JAILCD2026-004: Reconstructing Urban Narratives through Alleyway Space: The Case of Hamasen, Kaohsiung

Abstract

Hamasen, the starting point of Kaohsiung’s modernization, carries layered memories of port trade, railway transportation, and urban expansion. Its grid street pattern and diverse architectural styles from the Japanese colonial period have shaped intimate alley spaces rich in everyday life. Situated at the junction of the MRT and light rail, the site holds strong potential for reconnecting urban flows with historical spatial textures. This study employs historical investigation, block observation, and façade analysis to examine how old buildings, alley gaps, and resident activities collectively shape the area’s spatial character. The design adopts “alley narration” as the core strategy, structuring a four-stage spatial sequence—from entrance imagery and historical exhibition areas, to communal nodes and a final vantage point—allowing visitors to experience overlapping layers of present, past, and future as they move through the site. Through the principle of “old structures, new functions,” the project introduces multimedia displays, a cultural society space, new exhibition zones, and open public areas, guiding pedestrian flows while reconnecting the site with the historic district. This research aims to demonstrate the potential of alleys as carriers of life, memory, and urban narratives, offering design insights and practical references for the regeneration of historic districts.