See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/318182156

Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era

Conference Paper  in  Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing · June 2018

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60450-3_1

CITATIONS READS

3 5,669

1 author:

Teresa Bardzinska-Bonenberg
University of Arts in Poznan
10 PUBLICATIONS   7 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Teresa Bardzinska-Bonenberg on 13 September 2019.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing 600
600th Volume of AISC · 600th Volume of AISC · 600th Volume of AISC · 600th Volume of AISC · 600th Vo

Jerzy Charytonowicz Editor

Advances in Human
Factors, Sustainable
Urban Planning and
Infrastructure
Proceedings of the AHFE 2017
International Conference on Human
Factors, Sustainable Urban Planning
and Infrastructure, July 17–21, 2017,
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel,
Los Angeles, California, USA
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing

Volume 600

Series editor
Janusz Kacprzyk, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
e-mail: kacprzyk@ibspan.waw.pl

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
About this Series
The series “Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing” contains publications on theory,
applications, and design methods of Intelligent Systems and Intelligent Computing. Virtually
all disciplines such as engineering, natural sciences, computer and information science, ICT,
economics, business, e-commerce, environment, healthcare, life science are covered. The list
of topics spans all the areas of modern intelligent systems and computing.
The publications within “Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing” are primarily
textbooks and proceedings of important conferences, symposia and congresses. They cover
significant recent developments in the field, both of a foundational and applicable character.
An important characteristic feature of the series is the short publication time and world-wide
distribution. This permits a rapid and broad dissemination of research results.
Advisory Board
Chairman
Nikhil R. Pal, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India
e-mail: nikhil@isical.ac.in
Members
Rafael Bello Perez, Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Cuba
e-mail: rbellop@uclv.edu.cu
Emilio S. Corchado, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
e-mail: escorchado@usal.es
Hani Hagras, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
e-mail: hani@essex.ac.uk
László T. Kóczy, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
e-mail: koczy@sze.hu
Vladik Kreinovich, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, USA
e-mail: vladik@utep.edu
Chin-Teng Lin, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
e-mail: ctlin@mail.nctu.edu.tw
Jie Lu, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
e-mail: Jie.Lu@uts.edu.au
Patricia Melin, Tijuana Institute of Technology, Tijuana, Mexico
e-mail: epmelin@hafsamx.org
Nadia Nedjah, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
e-mail: nadia@eng.uerj.br
Ngoc Thanh Nguyen, Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
e-mail: Ngoc-Thanh.Nguyen@pwr.edu.pl
Jun Wang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
e-mail: jwang@mae.cuhk.edu.hk

More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/11156

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Jerzy Charytonowicz
Editor

Advances in Human Factors,

Sustainable Urban Planning
and Infrastructure
Proceedings of the AHFE 2017 International
Conference on Human Factors, Sustainable
Urban Planning and Infrastructure,
July 17–21, 2017, The Westin Bonaventure
Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA

123
teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Editor
Jerzy Charytonowicz
Department of Architecture
Wroclaw University of Science and
Technology
Wroclaw
Poland

ISSN 2194-5357 ISSN 2194-5365 (electronic)

Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
ISBN 978-3-319-60449-7 ISBN 978-3-319-60450-3 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60450-3
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017943060

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018

This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part
of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations,
recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission
or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar
methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this
publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from
the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this
book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the
authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or
for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to
jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Printed on acid-free paper

This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature

The registered company is Springer International Publishing AG
The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Advances in Human Factors
and Ergonomics 2017

AHFE 2017 Series Editors

Tareq Z. Ahram, Florida, USA
Waldemar Karwowski, Florida, USA

8th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics

and the Affiliated Conferences

Proceedings of the AHFE 2017 International Conference on Human Factors,

Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure, July 17−21, 2017, The Westin
Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA

Advances in Affective and Pleasurable Design WonJoon Chung and Cliff (Sungsoo)
Shin
Advances in Neuroergonomics and Cognitive Carryl Baldwin
Engineering
Advances in Design for Inclusion Giuseppe Di Bucchianico and Pete
Kercher
Advances in Ergonomics in Design Francisco Rebelo and Marcelo Soares
Advances in Human Error, Reliability, Resilience, Ronald L. Boring
and Performance
Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics in Vincent G. Duffy and Nancy Lightner
Healthcare and Medical Devices
Advances in Human Factors in Simulation and Daniel N. Cassenti
Modeling
Advances in Human Factors and System Isabel L. Nunes
Interactions
Advances in Human Factors in Cybersecurity Denise Nicholson
Advances in Human Factors, Business Jussi Kantola, Tibor Barath and Salman
Management and Leadership Nazir
Advances in Human Factors in Robots and Jessie Chen
Unmanned Systems
Advances in Human Factors in Training, Terence Andre
Education, and Learning Sciences
Advances in Human Aspects of Transportation Neville A. Stanton
(continued)

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
vi Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics 2017

(continued)
Advances in Human Factors, Software, and Tareq Z. Ahram and Waldemar
Systems Engineering Karwowski
Advances in Human Factors in Energy: Oil, Gas, Paul Fechtelkotter and Michael Legatt
Nuclear and Electric Power Industries
Advances in Human Factors, Sustainable Urban Jerzy Charytonowicz
Planning and Infrastructure
Advances in the Human Side of Service Louis E. Freund and Wojciech Cellary
Engineering
Advances in Physical Ergonomics and Human Ravindra Goonetilleke and Waldemar
Factors Karwowski
Advances in Human Factors in Sports, Injury Tareq Z. Ahram
Prevention and Outdoor Recreation
Advances in Safety Management and Human Pedro Arezes
Factors
Advances in Social & Occupational Ergonomics Richard Goossens
Advances in Ergonomics of Manufacturing: Stefan Trzcielinski
Managing the Enterprise of the Future
Advances in Usability and User Experience Tareq Ahram and Christianne Falcão
Advances in Human Factors in Wearable Tareq Ahram and Christianne Falcão
Technologies and Game Design
Advances in Communication of Design Amic G. Ho
Advances in Cross-Cultural Decision Making Mark Hoffman

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Preface

The discipline of Human Factors and Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure
provides a platform for addressing challenges in human factors and engineering
research with the focus on sustainability in the built environment, applications of
sustainability assessment, demonstrations and applications that contribute to com-
petitiveness and well-being, quantification and assessment of sustainable infras-
tructure projects, and the environmental, human, social, and economic dimensions
of sustainable infrastructure. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of a
wide range of people is essential in the development of sustainable infrastructure
and systems and serves as valuable information to designers and helps ensure
design will fit the targeted population of end users.
This book focuses on the advances in the Human Factors in Sustainable Urban
Planning and Infrastructure, which are a critical aspect in the design of any
human-centered technological system. The ideas and practical solutions described
in the book are the outcome of dedicated research by academics and practitioners
aiming to advance theory and practice in this dynamic and all-encompassing
discipline.
A total of three main sections presented in this book:
I. Ergonomics in Building and Sustainable Architecture
II. Public Building and Urban Design
III. Infrastructure Planning and Learning for Sustainable Future
Each section contains research paper that has been reviewed by members of the
International Editorial Board. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the board
members as listed below:
Clinton Aigbavboa, South Africa
Agata Bonenberg, Poland
Wojciech Bonenberg, Poland
Bogdan Branowski, Poland
Alexander Burov, Ukraine
Alina Drapella-Hermansdorfer, Poland

vii

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
viii Preface

Klaudiusz Fross, Poland

Anna Jaglarz, Poland
Bronislaw Kapitaniak, France
Ludmila Klimatskaya, Russia
Vladko Kolbanov, Russia
Robert Masztalski, Poland
Andrej Szpakov, Belarus
Romuald Tarczewski, Poland
Elżbieta Trocka-Leszczyńska, Poland
Joanna Tymkiewicz, Poland
Edwin Tytyk, Poland
We hope that this book, which is the international state of the art in Urban
Planning and Sustainable Infrastructure domain of human factors and ergonomics,
will be a valuable source of theoretical and applied knowledge enabling
human-centered design for global markets.

July 2017 Jerzy Charytonowicz

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Contents

Ergonomics in Building and Sustainable Architecture

Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era. . . . 3
Teresa Bardzinska-Bonenberg
Guidelines for Managing Complex Scenarios for Optimization
of Infrastructure Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Johannes Schwank and Sebastian Schöffel
Beauty – Aesthetics – Senses Research of Attractiveness
and Magic of the Built Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Katarzyna Ujma-Wasowicz and Klaudiusz Fross
Accessibility, Easy and Comfort of Using Sanitary Devices
by Preschool Children: Pre-design Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Anna Jaglarz
Kitchen Chores Ergonomics: Research and Its Application. . . . . . . . . . . 43
Przemyslaw Nowakowski
Genius Loci – Examples of Changes of the Image of Post-industrial
Areas in Poland in the Region of the Upper Silesian Conurbation . . . . . 53
Katarzyna Ujma-Wasowicz and Anna Sulimowska-Ociepka
Ergonomic Formation of Hygienic-Sanitary Spaces in Consideration
of Health, Safety and Well-Being of Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Jerzy Charytonowicz and Anna Jaglarz
“Student Zone” as a New Dimension of Learning Space. Case Study
in Polish Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Klaudiusz Fross, Dorota Winnicka-Jasłowska, and Agata Sempruch

ix

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
x Contents

Causes-Effects Relationship of Construction Project Delays

in Ghana: Focusing on Local Government Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Simon Ofori Ametepey, William Gyadu-Asiedu,
and Millicent Assah-Kissiedu
Regenerative Ergonomic Design – Biocentric Evolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Leszek Świątek
User-Oriented Method as a Way to Humanise the User-Energy
Relationship in Public Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Eduardo Gonçalves, Ana Margarida Ferreira, and Henri Christiaans
Barriers to Implement Building Information Modeling (BIM)
in Public Projects in Saudi Arabia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Abdulaziz Banawi
Developers Knowledge and Compliance Towards Development
Control Regulations in the Bolgatanga Municipality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Callistus Tengan, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, and Stephen Allan Balaara
A Conceptual Building-Block and Practical OpenStreetMap-Interface
for Sharing References to Hydrologic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Werner Leyh
Child-Friendly Kindergarten Bathrooms – Design Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Anna Jaglarz

Ergonomics in Public Building and Urban Design

Smart Street Furniture: Innovation in the Concept Design Process . . . . 163
Lorenzo Savio, Grazia Cocina, Roberta Gariano, Federico Giampetruzzi,
Roberto Pagani, Marco Maria Pedrazzo, and Roberto Pennacchio
The Requirements of Human Factors and Ergonomics
for the Safe and Comfortable Stairs Versus the Escalators . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Zdzislaw Pelczarski
Evidence Based Design of Scooter Parking Space in Taiwan . . . . . . . . . 187
Meng-Cong Zheng
Ergonomic Experimentation in the Architectural Design
Process – Types of Test Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Agata Bonenberg
The Case Study of BIM in Urban Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Xia Wei, Wojciech Bonenberg, Mo Zhou, Jinzhong Wang,
and Xiaolei Wang

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
Contents xi

Requirements Engineering as a Tool for Sustainable

Architectural Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Wojciech Bonenberg
Changes in the Contemporary Public Space: Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Joanna Jablonska, Romuald Tarczewski, and Elzbieta Trocka-Leszczynska
Ergonomic Solutions in Capsule Hotels? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Joanna Jablonska, Romuald Tarczewski, and Elzbieta Trocka-Leszczynska
Analysis of the Transformation of Industrial Parks in Chinese Urban
Planning to Eco-Chinese Parks and How They Are Performing –
A Case Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Mo Zhou, Wojciech Bonenberg, and Xia Wei

Infrastructure Planning and Learning for Sustainable Future

Better (not) Charge in Your Garage! Perceived Benefits and Optimal
Positioning of Public Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electrical
Vehicles from User’s Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Julia Krause, Stefan Ladwig, and Maximilian Schwalm
Analyzing Time-Dependent Infrastructure Optimization Based
on Geographic Information System Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Sebastian Schöffel and Johannes Schwank
Urban Informality and Infrastructure Planning in Hong Kong
and Lagos Metropolis: Professionals Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Oluwole Soyinka and Kin Wai Michael Siu
Global City: Index for Industry Sustainable Development . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Isabel Loureiro, Eduarda Pereira, Nelson Costa, Paulo Ribeiro,
and Pedro Arezes
Effect of Skills Shortage on Sustainable Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Ayodeji Oke, Clinton Aigbavboa, and Tshinakaho Khangale
Renewable Energies: Sustainability by Installation of Photovoltaic
Panels and Urban Mobility by Electric Bicycle Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Fábia de Oliveira Rodrigues Maruco, Lucio Garcia Veraldo, Jr.,
Minella Martins, and Patricia de Lima Bianch
A New Methodology for Partnering Transportation Projects . . . . . . . . . 318
John Hannon and Fan Zhang
Author Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Ergonomics in Building
and Sustainable Architecture

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice
of the Postmodern Era

Teresa Bardzinska-Bonenberg(&)

University of Arts in Poznań, Aleje Marcinkowskiego 29,

60-967 Poznań, Poland
teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl

Abstract. Contemporary use of the term parasitic architecture refers to a wide

scope of small scale architectonic “additions” to existing buildings. Legal and
illegal, temporary and permanent, they all expand volumes of their hosts and
sometimes develop their functions. The parasitic function, due to cities’ density,
growing homelessness and immigration problems seems to divert the aim of the
trend from artistic manifestations to social actions. Gradually the scope of the
problems solved by parasites increases and discussion on the phenomena
develops. The first developments distorting volumes of listed buildings were
signed up by star-architects. Acceptation of sometimes outrageous changes
seems to pave the way for architectural parasites. Applied methodology of the
research focuses on finding historical justifications of the discussed phenomena
and to investigate the forms of parasitic inclusions as well as possible influence
of this trend. The methods involved included studies of literature, professional
web pages, and research in situ.

Keywords: Parasitic architecture
Extensions
Modernizations
Social

problems
Homelessness
Experiments
Artistic manifestations

1 Introduction

Researchers investigating architecture of the Age of Enlightenment and the nineteenth

century, are unanimous in that the trail towards architectural stylistic diversity, the
emergence of Eclecticism as an architectural style making use of architectural details
originating from various periods, was broken by garden design. Buildings inspired by
cultures of faraway lands, gradually becoming a part of the Empire, appeared in English
gardens for the first time in the 18th century. These were the times when the aesthetic
shock phenomenon entailed negative opinions from conservative circles appointed for
that purpose. As recognised by researchers, Cristal Palace was an exception to this rule,
erected in 1851 as a framework structure made out of cast iron, iron and glass. The new
experiences afforded by it, an integration of the interior and the goings on of the
exterior, were well received, if not applauded.
One hundred and fifty years later, in an epoch following modernism, aesthetic
shock is an expected phenomenon, novelty in every field is received with an accepting
inquisitiveness. These changes occurred gradually and encompassed all aspects of
everyday life (fashion, cars) and culture. The Japanese Metabolism has had a presence

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018

J. Charytonowicz (ed.), Advances in Human Factors, Sustainable Urban
Planning and Infrastructure, Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing 600,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60450-3_1teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
4 T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

in architecture since the 1960s and introduced new aesthetic dogma: modularity,
combined with “randomness” of forms, and breaking down thereof. At the same time
theoretical, re-scaled urban units and mega-structures, impossible to put into practice
during those times were created. They were formed freely, organically.
The post-modernism of the 1970s reinstated symmetry of old, adding a plethora of
colours and relying on shapes of well-known items and forms. Deconstructivism,
which rattled structural rationality and entered into a discourse with the gravitational
pull of the Earth emerged from that movement. High-Tech and gradually also other
contemporary architectural trends appeared in different countries and for different
reasons. High-Tech accustomed the average recipient to exposed technical elements of
a building, constituting new, sometimes variable architectural detail.
In modern Europe, palace extensions were an often occurrence, executed in styles
and shapes current at the time. The French castles of the Loire Valley are an example
here, where subsequent epochs left their mark in the form of new wings, stairwells and
details. Chateau Blois has seen development from a 13th century fortress, with suc-
cessive additions of a Gothic, Renaissance and Classical wings. In those days, the
concept of a stylistic subordination or inviolability of a form once considered to have
been finished were unheard of. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the
foundations of architectural monuments conservation theory were being created in
France, a doctrine permitting a large dose of freedom in interpreting forms of buildings
restored in the spirit of stylistic uniformity.
At the same time, the randomness of style was a characteristic of architecture
created during that period. In subsequent decades of the 20th century, driven by needs,
feasibility and ardent modernism ideologists, this movement gained in prominence.
In the context of Oswald M. Ungers’ theory, a city’s urban plan yielded to a spatial
definition imposed by structures which constitute further inclusion in the network of
streets, injecting life into them. In his book “Großformen im Wohnungsbau”
(O. M. Ungers, E Mühlthaler, 1966) he has used the term parasitic architecture in. He
discussed urban scale of the Großformen which imposes a sense of order in the most
spheres of the cities’ life. Architectural tissue was considered to be a parasite form
within it: unpredictable and spontaneous fabric bringing life into the frame. Hence
parasitic, thriving on urban network, was not a negative evaluation [1].
The intensity of contextual proliferation, plethora of forms, urban planning detail
and infrastructure required by the residents to live gained momentum in the 20th
century. A look at the vedutas of former masters and the staffages depicted thereupon,
we realise how “empty” city spaces were. Road signs, information displays, adverts,
radio and television antennas, fans, air conditioning units - the tale signs of an
advanced infrastructure and symbols of a more comfortable lifestyle became an
obvious part of urban space [2].
Citizens, artists, architects are used to experiencing and creating mobile urban
space. Parametric design applied in architectural practice allows to adapt every form to
changeable needs and situations entailed by a mutable urban environment.

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era 5

2 Building Extensions – Needs, Emotions, Freedom

The middle of the 20th century is a period when Europe was shaking of the destruction
of World War 2. The ever-present modernism was gradually overpowered by
post-modernism and echoes of Japanese Metabolism seen since 1960s. The construc-
tion of Moshe Safdie’s “Habitat 67” at Montreal’s Expo was also significant. These
were reinforced concrete structures, made up of repeatable blocks of typical dimen-
sions, making up single family homes with terraces oriented towards Saint Lawrence
River. The shapes were piled up in a seemingly random manner [3].
The concept of a function-driven building shape, resulting in breaking down of
façade surfaces and silhouettes was developed in subsequent decades.
Form the sixties of the 20th century on, modernistic architecture was gradually
infiltrated by the post-modern ideas. Symmetry, colour, references to the historical
forms and details, humor – the new qualities were introduced [4]. Deconstructivism,
high-tech, brutalism, established fertile ground for diversified formal, technical and
structural solutions. Green terraces, balconies and roofs added a variability factor.
Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers in the Porta Nuova in Milan (2015),
designed by Boeri Studio (and gardening specialists), has achieved its changeability in
this way (Fig. 1) [5].
In terms of diversity of architecture and multiplicity of movements which
are developing at the same time, the recent decades have no equivalent in history.
A simultaneous saturation of city centres by listed buildings subject to heritage pro-
tection, resulted in the need to expand, convert and complete some of them.
Modernisations of post-industrial structures in city centres were the first important
step in the theory and practice in handling non-typical, historic, architectural fabric.
Due to the scale, character and used materials, post-industrial buildings constitute a
specific group. Converted into lofts, shopping spaces and galleries, where both historic
technological devices as well as systems were on show, they are important step in the
theory and practice of buildings modernization1 and gentrification of the districts
process [6]. Today it is difficult to determine, by how much the coincidence in terms of
dates explains the mutual inspirations between industrial architecture conversions and
the High-Tech movement which has been growing since the 1960s.
An example of inspirations by technical ideas which go even further are the ecological
movement and the sustainable development policy for cities and the construction industry.
The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) in London’s Hackbridge estate is a
prime example. Designed in 2000 by architect Bill Dunster, aided by the industries and
specific engineering firms. Both the shape of buildings as well as their details seen inside
and outside are subject to technical requirements. These are: obtaining energy only from
locally available renewable sources, significant energy efficiency, water efficiency, low
environmental footprint and waste recycling. Eco-orientation of the development was

1
Typical “hard loft” is a flat in abandoned postindustrial, historical, probably listed building. The first
lofts were occupied by artistic bohema of the sixties, as a result of downtowns’ expansion and
evacuation of plants and warehouses seeking cheaper locations. Gradually lofts were converted into
fashionable and expensive residences.

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
6 T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

Fig. 1. Residential towers in the Porta Nuova Fig. 2. Zero Energy Development (BedZED)
in Milan, Boeri Studio, phot. T. Bardzinska- in London’s Hackbridge, technical details in
Bonenberg designer forms, phot. A. Bonenberg

accentuated by exposed, designed on purpose and colourful technical details of the

buildings (Fig. 2).
Conversions following changing needs and creation of additional floorspace were
also necessary in buildings such as town houses, palaces, churches, historic municipal
and military buildings. They occupied plots within dense city centres and were
enlarged in many ways.
The first project which prompted discussions amongst architects, as it broke away
from the principles in use to date, was the expansion carried out for a law firm by Coop
Himmelb(l)au between 1988 and 1989 (Fig. 3). The deconstructive interference in the
structure of noble, historicizing, Viennese town house was an unexpected solution.
From that time, similar, contrasting designs could be seen in the projects of
numerous architectural firms. Their scale gradually grew: some tear the existing
building apart, through an element alien in terms of shape and texture, purposely
deconstructing the whole. With major architectural personas behind them, they were
received by the architectural circles with acclaim. Critical opinions were far and few
between. That’s how it was in 1996 when it came to the expansion of the Victoria &
Albert Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind, an architect rather unknown in that
time. It was to occupy the site of the Museum former boiler house [7]. Examples of
successfully completed museum extensions include The Royal Ontario Museum in
Toronto, known as The Crystal, piercing stone-clad edifice, completed in 2007 [8], and

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era 7

Fig. 3. Coop Himmelblau, 1998, Schuppich, Fig. 4. Daniel Libeskind, 2011, Bundeswehr
Sporn, Winischhofer, law firm office extension, Military History Museum Dresden, phot.
Vienna, phot. M. Baczkowska. M. Nowosad

2011 extension of the Bundeswehr Military History Museum in Dresden, by the same
architect where the eclectic building was similarly deformed (Fig. 4) [9].
In many cases, in designs and projects Dutch MVRDV develops the concept of free
façade structure which reflects the internal functions. This holds true for both multi-
functional buildings as well blocks of flats. WOZOCO complex for elderly people,
known as hanging houses of Amsterdam, was built in 1997. Characteristic cantilevered
volumes resulted from too small plot and adhering to the daylight regulations [10].
Recently MVRDV developes its project of modernization of mix-use complex Van-
damme Nord in Gaîté-Montparnasse in Paris. The complex was built in the early
seventies by French architect Pierre Dufau [11, 12]. The reconstruction includes a
collection of glass “boxes” inserted into the existing reinforced concrete frame and
penetrated by greenery. The volumes vary in size, programme, colour, and materials.
Set against the background of rythmically cadenced facades of high rise office build-
ings, they create outstanding informal composition.
Vitra Haus by Herzog and de Meuron in Weil am Rhein is a manifestation of
structural freedom. The space for arranging furniture and other home fixtures in a
manifestational manner assumed the shape of stacked, simple, archetypical pitched roof
houses [13].
The freedom to shape architecture remains in accordance with the way in which
they are used. Conversions, adaptations, temporality, stem from growing impact of
everyday mobility. Purchases in “pop-up” shops: temporary, operating out of rented
spaces, advertising over the internet and attracting customers via that channel,
co-working offices which rely on a turnover of “employees” where each one is a
freelancer in their profession, became a sign of the times [14].
Residents have increasingly more to say when it comes to the shape of existing
buildings and the form of their façades: pipe aerials were replaced by plate-like satellite
installations that constitute a detail in their own right in the landscape of estates and
large city streets. ICT system elements are part of building façades and silhouettes.
They constitute a spontaneous and variable composition, driven by the needs of users
and media providers.

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
8 T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

Fig. 5. Shanghai, balconies an office building Fig. 6. Poznan, an office building from 2010
with a frame added to provide space for air is dominated by industrial “roofscape” of the
conditioning units for every room separately, ventilation and air conditioning equipment,
phot. T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg phot. T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

The facility to individually adjust the temperature and exposure to sunlight of

residential and office interiors constitutes a basis for further interventions into the
external form of buildings. Air conditioning units have appeared by windows and on
balconies in accordance with the uninhibited will of the residents. External shutters and
awnings amend wall colour, structure and articulation, which is taken into account by
architects when it comes to new buildings (Fig. 5).
Roof areas are evading attempts to control them in modernised buildings and in
new structures. Intelligent air conditioning systems and air ventilation systems change
the silhouettes and building dimensions through numerous box-like additions together
with ducts. Unpredictability, stemming from technological progress and changing
standards is, in this case, significant (Fig. 6) [15].

3 Parasitic Architecture – Manifestations, Solutions

and Jokes

Theoretitians of architecture, visioners, such as Archigram group and AA circle in

London, the Metabolists in Japan, Lebbeus Woods in the USA anticipated these
phenomena in the sixties of the 20th century. Their followers Zaha Hadid, Rem
Koolhas and Peter Eisenman introduced the new qualities into architecture. Variability
in architecture gained professionals, users and onlookers appreciation.
Spontaneous activities of owners and inhabitants result in “personalised” additions
to the elevations, roofs and volumes of buildings. Although they melt into contem-
porary townscape, the sense of susceptibility to deformations of buildings and urban
spaces remains. This concerns laymen, artists and architects, and contradicts former
constancy of architecture [16].
Probably the facts mentioned above contribute to perceiving buildings and urban
space as adaptable structures.

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era 9

Fig. 7. Chinese street poster warning against Fig. 8. Restaurant “Priceles Milano” on the
illegal developments on the rooftops of the top of Banca Commerziale Italiana building in
blocks, Shanghai 2015, phot. T. Bardzinska- Piazza della Scala during the Expo 2015, phot.
Bonenberg A. Bonenberg

However the first attempts of placing parasitic extensions on existing buildings

were implemented in the seventies of the last century. In 1971 architect Jean-Louis
Chanéac and Pascal Haüsermann installed a “parasite” bedroom for a baby on the
façade of a modernist residential apartment block in Geneva for a family struggling
with no success for a bigger flat. “La Bulle Pirate” had organic shape and was made of
laminates, resins, glass fiber, reinforced polyester and foam [17]. In that time actions
like this were considered artistic manifestations. Clip-on extension of the director’s
office in Centraal Museum in Utrecht, by Atelier Van Lieshout was mounted in 1997,
and now constitutes a part of the Museum exposition [18].
Recent social problems in Europe gave a new sense to such interventions. Move-
ment in favour of reclaiming locations for a minimum standard living spaces for
homeless, immigrants and fugitives is developing. Young generation of architects and
artists puts forward propositions of the different locations and develops appropriate
projects. They follow citizen-led initiatives and temporary projects by people hoping to
make their lives better. In some situations such ideas get clearance and are carried out;
if not approved they remain illegal building works (Fig. 7).
In a crisis situation city authorities allow to organize temporary living spaces in
forms that were unthinkable several years before. Architect Stephane Malka is an
author of such shelters as A-Kamp 47. One of them is located between a cultural centre
and a railroad network at La Friche de La Belle de Mai in Marseille. Its construction
employs scaffolding mounted to a blind wall and separated from the street by vertically
spread army tents [19]. Similar idea was employed in constructing a shelter in Herleen
in Holland. A scaffolding mounted on a blind wall is divided into separate cubicles and
protected from the outside by a patchwork of reused windows and doors [20]. Con-
verting billboards of different types into habitable structures is one of the most inter-
esting ideas. Supplied with energy, these big structures are distributed across cities as
well as in the open, they cover blind walls, offering a challenge to architects and
designers. In Belgium architect Karl Philips uses billboards to arrange different types of
houses and shelters depending on the kind of a billboard structure [21].

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
10 T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

Manifestations aimed at awareness of the problem of homelessness are also

undertaken. Project of situating the structure of habitable containers under the cover of
the Great Arch in Defense in Paris by Stephane Malka was published in 2009 [22].
Repetitive habitable structures can be mounted on the walls as the Rucksack House by
Stefan Eberstadt. A cube of 9 m2 offers a variety of activities: an extra bedroom, studio
space or a living area. The box is mobile and in 2004 it was in Leipzig, in 2005 in
Cologne and then in 2011 – in Bamberg [23]. Lara Calder Architects designed an
advanced, parametric Parasite Prefab flat construction, aimed at mounting at walls,
pillars of bridges and viaducts [24].
More realistic (and built) are living units occupying roofs of the existing buildings,
using their staircases and installation ducts. Among the examples the Las Palmas
Parasite in Roterdam, by Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten is the best known [25]. In
Paris small flats in the “boxes” were overhung above the abandoned houses. This
development by Stephane Malka, named 3BOX, is placed on and over their existing
rooftops. It was made possible with a new legislation acts from 2012 on, that allow
urban heightening in French cities [26].
Large scale propositions are also put forward. On Salerno - Reggio Calabria unused
highway viaduct, Ja Studio Inc. designed “Slow up-rising” structure, a network of solar
villages set in a picturesque landscape [27].
“Parasitic” conventions in developments occur recently in the housing areas as an
architectural gag. Astonishing colours, forms and textures contrasting with the
host-building adhere to the idea of comforting yet distinctive additions. Among them
the extension by MVRDV (2007) of a house in Rotterdam is an outstanding example.
Blue “one-room-houses” situated atop of the old structure, create private
micro-townscape on the roof of the building. The bedrooms and atelier are conceived
as separate volumes, providing needed space and privacy of every member of the
family [28]. In Cologne, Germany, a red, irregular mixed-use building was constructed
over a large historical entrance gate to the former factory warehouse area. Built by
Manuel Herz Architects and named ‘Legal/Illegal’ by its designer. It follows all the
building codes but also breaks conventions of a suburb house. It engages the core of the
existing building acting as a true “parasite” and forming one cohesive unit with it. The
extra effect factor was vital in this project, as the environment was not attractive, nor
the district booming [29].
Many of the interventions mentioned above exploit the same aesthetic idea as the
discussed before modernizations and adaptations built in compliance with the building
codes and carried out by recognized architectural companies and star architects. They
all contradict unity, rigidity and grid of architectonic composition.

4 Conclusions - from Avant-Garde Achievements

to Institutionalized Developments

Parasitic volumes use construction, media, communication spaces from their

mother-structures. Acceptance of this trend and its attractiveness is confirmed by the
examples of ephemerical and exclusive structures built in locations offering unfor-
gettable views and experiences. They come into being in the great cities of

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
 Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era 11

contemporary Europe. Temporary, transportable restaurant on the roof of the Palais de

Tokyo Museum in Paris was designed in 2009 by architect Pascal Grasso. It offered a
panoramic view over the Seine and the Eiffel tower as well as the top quisine [30].
Restaurant The Cube was designed by Park Associati Design Studio in Milan, as a
pop-up restaurant and was sponsored by Electrolux Co. Since 2011, two versions of the
restaurant have been located in different cities in Europe. During 2011 they visited
Milan and Brussels, while in 2012 they were in London and Stockholm. In each city,
the restaurants were placed on top of a monument; in Stockholm atop of the Royal
Swedish Opera House, in Brussels on the triumphal arch at the Parc du Cinquantenaire,
in London it was located on top of the Southbank Centre [31].
During the Expo 2015 this idea was revived, and restaurant “Priceles Milano” on
the top of Banca Commerziale Italiana building, offered a view of the Piazza della
Scala and silhouette of cupolas and towers of the city centre, along with the cultural
events in its flexible, adaptable interior. It was designed in 2015 also by Park Associati
Design Studio and supported by the Master Card investor (Fig. 8) [32].
There was a number of unaccomplished designs of additional commercial “para-
sitic” spaces throughout Europe; most of them were abandoned for financial reasons
and some frightened away decisive bodies. Project by Claudio Silvestrin (2007),
proposing a cafeteria on the rooftop of the National Museum in Poznan and postponed
for a time being, inscribes itself within this trend [33].
The fact of emergence of the parasitic extension trend in architecture is confirmed
by the A.I.R. prefab system by Canard Development Group [34]. The system consists
of ready-to-mount elements that can be added to any building and multiplied to achieve
expected size of the interior. These “parasites” also thrive on the media delivered by the
main building.
It can be assumed that the gates to free structuring of a building volume are slowly
opening.

References
1. Hättasch, M.: Form after urbanism: the potential of Grossform. Plan J., 59–76 (2016). http://
www.theplanjournal.com/article/form-after-urbanism-potential-grossform. Accessed 28 May
2017
2. Bardzinska-Bonenberg, T.: On Unarchitectonic Geneaology of Contemporary Architectural
Details. In: Misiągiewicz, M., Kozłowski, D. (eds.) Technical Transactions, Architecture,
5-A/1/2012, Issue 15, Year 109, pp. 7–20, Krakow (2012)
3. https://www.dezeen.com/2014/12/19/moshe-safdie-movie-interview-habitat-67/. Accessed
28 May 2017
4. Goessel, P., Leuthäuser, G.: Architektura XX wieku, p. 395. Taschen, Köln (2006)
5. https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/. Accessed 28 May 2017
6. Bardzinska-Bonenberg, T.: On gentrification of historical districts in Poznan. In:
Misiągiewicz, M., Kozłowski, D. (eds.) Technical Transactions, Architecture, 1-A/1/2012,
Issue 1, Year 109, pp. 7–20, Krakow (2012)
7. Steele, J.: Architecture Today, pp. 216–217. Phaidon Press Limited, London (1997)
8. http://libeskind.com/work/royal-ontario-museum/. Accessed 28 May 2017

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
12 T. Bardzinska-Bonenberg

9. https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/military-history-museum-dresden-daniel-libeskind/.
Accessed 28 May 2017
10. Parasitic Architecture: Theory and Practice of the Postmodern Era 9. http://www.archdaily.
com/115776/ad-classics-wozoco-mvrdv. Accessed 28 May 2017
11. https://www.mvrdv.nl/en/news/Gaite_Montparnasse. Accessed 28 May 2017
12. http://archinect.com/news/article/121532238/mvrdv-approved-to-redesign-the-70s-
vandamme-nord-block-in-montparnasse-paris. Accessed 28 May 2017
13. http://www.archdaily.com/50533/vitrahaus-herzog-de-meuron. Accessed 28 May 2017
14. Bonenberg, A.: Place brand building. Urban empathy as an evaluation method. In: Antona,
M., Stephanidis, C. (eds.) Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Methods,
Techniques, and Best Practices, UAHCI 2016. LNCS, vol. 9737, pp. 150–161. Springer,
Heidelberg (2016)
15. Bardzińska-Bonenberg, T., Bonenberg, A.: Eclecticism of the 20th-century Tenement House
Façades as a Reiterating Occurrence. In: Misiągiewicz, M., Kozłowski, D. (eds.) A House in
a City - Properties of an Architectural Thing, Monograph 529, vol. 1, pp. 7–17.
Wydawnictwo Politechniki Krakowskiej, Kraków (2016)
16. Marini, S.: Architettura parassita Strategie di riciclaggio per la città. Qodlibet Studio.
Architettura Ascoli Piceno (2009)
17. de Boer, J.: The Pirate Bubble: Parasite Architecture from the Seventies. Pop-up-City, 11
January 2014. http://popupcity.net/the-pirate-bubble-parasite-architecture-from-the-seventies/
18. http://inhabitat.com/the-netherlands-medieval-centraal-museum-gets-a-beautiful-glazed-
renovation/beel-achtergael-versseput-glazed-renovation-centraal-museum-utrecht-4/.
Accessed 28 May 2017
19. http://www.stephanemalka.com/?portfolio=a-kamp47-i-inhabit-the-wall-i-marseille-
2013&lang=en#&gid=1&pid=15. Accessed 28 May 2017
20. http://www.designboom.com/architecture/stephane-malka-architecture-bow-house-09-17-
2014/. Accessed 28 May 2017
21. http://www.urbangardensweb.com/2015/09/04/guerrilla-architecture-hacktivist-urban-
housing/. Accessed 28 May 2017
22. http://inhabitat.com/parasitic-guerrilla-architecture-hijacks-the-arche-de-la-defense/.
Accessed 28 May 2017
23. http://www.convertiblecity.de/projekte_projekt02_en.html. Accessed 28 May 2017
24. http://www.designboom.com/architecture/lara-calder-architects-parasite-prefab/. Accessed
28 May 2017
25. https://encrypted.google.com/#q=Korteknie+Stuhlmacher+parasite&*
26. http://www.stephanemalka.com/?portfolio=3box-i-on-the-roof-tops-i-paris-2016&lang=en.
Accessed 28 May 2017
27. http://inhabitat.com/parasitic-city-takes-over-decommissioned-italian-highway/. Accessed
28 May 2017
28. https://www.mvrdv.nl/en/projects/didden. Accessed 28 May 2017
29. http://www.manuelherz.com/legal-illegal-cologne. Accessed 28 May 2017
30. https://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/11/nomiya-temporary-restaurant-by-pascal-grasso/.
Accessed 28 May 2017
31. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cube_(restaurant). Accessed 28 May 2017
32. http://www.scattidigusto.it/2015/04/16/milano-priceless-ristorante-250-euro/. Accessed 28
May 2017
33. http://www.bryla.pl/bryla/56,85301,17467426,rozbudowa-muzeum-narodowego-w-
poznaniu-proj-claudio,,6.html. Accessed 28 May 2017
34. http://www.canarddevelopmentgroup.com/project.html. Accessed 28 May 2017

teresa@bardzinska-bonenberg.pl
View publication stats