SUMMARY:

This article compiles some research on informal sapce, including case of spontaneous buildings of many cosmopolitan cities such as Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Beijing. Informal space is often judged by its much-maligned management logic and visual effects. These cases could help us better understand the rationale behind the formation and existence of informal space from perspectives like living condition and the rationality of people. Thus, the article is expected to provide reference for the research on the spontaneous buildings of food shops at Xiangmi Lake.