Reimagining Tradition and Urban Narrative in Beijing

Written by Qiya Chen

Blending tradition with modernity, this project sows hope in an elderly community, creating a cultural gem for generations to share.

Wandering through the old alleys of Beijing, if you follow the sound of children's laughter and look up, you will be greeted with a splash of red. The meandering space of the red and orange playground surrounds the traditional grey tiled roofs, creating a captivating scene.

In the bustling modern metropolis, preserving and inheriting traditional cultural heritage is a significant mission. Beijing's traditional alleys, and the ancient courtyards are outstanding representatives of traditional Chinese architecture and a living microcosm of Chinese culture. They bear the weight of a rich history and cultural legacy, harbouring deep-rooted traditions. However, with the acceleration of urbanisation, many ancient buildings inevitably face the threat of alteration and demolition. The question arises: How can we breathe new life into these ancient buildings while safeguarding our cultural heritage?

Located on Shuangqiao Street in Beijing's Chaoyang District is a courtyard house with a documented history since 1725. In 2017, YueCheng Kindergarten commissioned MAD Architects to transform the ancient courtyard into a kindergarten. So, this ancient courtyard has a brand new look in 2019. The project covers an area of 9,275 square metres, and the kindergarten will be able to provide space for 390 children between the ages of 1.5 and 6 years old.

During the renovation process, MAD Architects' design team focused on the site's location and the children's requirements. MAD's design team dismantled the surrounding antique buildings in the previous site, preserved the valuable courtyard, and created a "suspended" wrap-around play space above the old courtyard. The new elements do not overshadow the old, the ancient does not overpower the modern, and the mutual tension gives new life to the building.

This new play space is the highlight of the renovation, with its low, gentle form surrounding the grey roof. More than a typical playground, this rooftop play space has been given a rolling, hill-like form so children can touch and explore it. It is providing children with more opportunities for interaction. The design makes the whole rooftop play space more intriguing and varied. Colour also plays an essential role in this project. The gradient of red and orange colours used throughout the rooftop play space differentiates the undulating terrain and creates a vibrant, outer-space fantasy play environment. The entire rooftop play area features a gradient of red and orange hues, serving not only to distinguish the undulating terrain but also to create a vibrant, otherworldly fantasy gaming environment. This colour scheme captures children's attention and fills them with excitement and joy, intensifying the fun of play. It has even earned the nickname "Mars on the Rooftop" among media.

Ma Yansong, Founder and Partner of MAD, quoted a Chinese proverb, "If you don't beat your kids for three days, they will go up to the house to break the tiles". This proverb vividly describes the mischievous and innocent nature of children. This childish nature inspires the design of this project and fully embodies flowing lines, jumping colours and flexible layouts. By integrating this lively design element into the previously dull courtyard, the kindergarten makes the community more vibrant and bright.

Chunxue Wang is a resident living in this community; she moved here seven or eight years ago to care for her elderly family members and has been residing here ever since. Her daughter is currently enrolled in the Toddler School at YueCheng Courtyard Kindergarten. Wang mentioned that living in this community has provided convenience for caring for older people and commuting her daughter to school. Additionally, her daughter is exceptionally fond of the YueCheng kindergarten and looks forward to playing in the rooftop play space every day. The undulating rooftop play space reminds her daughter of the rolling meadows in their hometown.

The interior design of YueCheng Kindergarten also considers the child's natural inclination to explore. A staircase and a slide connect the' suspended' roof to the ground floor.

This floor has an interior play space for the children to play in case of bad weather. The learning space has no enclosed walls separating different age groups. Instead, curved walls are placed at intervals, also serving as the primary structural support of the building. The entire interior space is free of columns, and there are no strict boundaries between classrooms. There are no distinct corner areas, and the interior space is fluid. This design significantly reduces children's safety hazards while providing a more unrestricted experience. community. The colourful play spaces and unique design of this renovated kindergarten delight the children and add colour to the life of the surrounding retirement community.

Wang said she had visited the kindergarten's interior during the parents' open day and found that each classroom had plenty of light from both sides of the courtyard. She was also impressed by the lack of columns in the interior. She believes that such a construction provides a safe environment and stimulates children's creativity. It's also helpful for children's development.

The renovation project not only practically blends the old and the new, mixing history with the new generation, but also brings diversity to the community regarding life and cultural perspectives. This is uncommon in Chinese architecture.

Wang said the renovation of the YueCheng Courtyard Kindergarten had increased the diversity of the retirement community, fostering interaction between neighbours while attracting more families to choose this community, which is undoubtedly a positive contribution to the community.

In addition to the beautiful renovation and design of the project, it also plays a role in the community. The courtyard is located in a retirement community in Beijing and has become a place that is relevant to the residents and children of the surrounding

MAD's kindergarten renovation project is more than just a kindergarten; it is a creative and caring educational centre. The success of this project demonstrates how architecture can transcend function and become a catalyst for community development and cohesion. Connecting people of all ages and combining the development and history of the times. This renovation project has brought a true treasure to the society.