Parasites

Book excerpt: One of the most emerging and controversial social issues in the 21st century is ‘Parasitic Structures,’ which began to underpin its presence within the existing urban environment. Parasites in the city refer to various forms of individual interventions that are implanted in the fabric of the city and have an impact on the visual character of its cityscape and urban context. These forms include a parasitic addition to an existing structure, reconstructed in-between spaces in the urban fabric, and parasitic graffiti. However, this book grounds itself on the act of these different forms of parasites since they form a robust architectural discourse that inspires alternative spatial configurations within the urban fabric. The book also intends to allow the readers to trace the development of the notion of parasitic, and explore the potential of the visual continuity of the parasitic components within its physical, social, and cultural context.