New Era of Ancient Charm: The Perfect Integration of Tradition and Modernity

January 14, 2025

Categories: Award-Winning Design Agency, Brand Design Company, Brand Identity Design Services, Full Service Design Agency, Motion Graphics Design Service

The shared space project shared today combines traditional Chinese wooden residences with contemporary reinforced concrete houses. The density of regional buildings is extremely high, and public open spaces are scarce. The project site covers an area of 2135 square meters and is a group of abandoned public granary buildings in the early days of China’s planned economy. These buildings consist of 8 buildings, all with traditional gray tile sloping roofs made of a mixture of wood, bricks, and rammed earth, and have suffered severe damage and collapse. The site has been occupied by individuals for personal purposes such as storing miscellaneous items and growing crops. In the context of budget constraints, the design aims to transform the area into a vibrant public open space, providing a venue for various activities.

By redesigning, renovating, and reusing existing abandoned structures, the original spatial composition of the site has been preserved. The selective demolition of existing walls breaks down the boundaries between internal and external spaces, creating a cohesive spatial system throughout the entire area and providing sufficient flexibility for various activities to occur. The new functional area, including a public restroom and an information kiosk, has been strategically placed to meet daily functional needs.

The design area mainly covers permeable paving surfaces, and old bricks and wood removed from the structure have been selectively recycled for new designs. Local trees are used for necessary shade. In addition, the project reinterprets traditional local architectural elements and creates new forms of wooden structures. The entire construction process was completed by the local construction team with the help of nearby residents.

This project coexists harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Since its construction, it has been welcomed by communities of all ages, offering a variety of activities ranging from leisurely daily walks to organized local opera performances.