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Viviani Li Wang - Interior Architecture Thesis NewSchool of Architecture & Design -
ife
- June 2018
Domus Academy School of Design
table of contents
1 2 3
introduction
analysis
case study
Project Overview & Statement
Location History Culture Site User Profile Execution JianYeLi Hotel Renovation TianZiFang El Marques Boutique Hotel Zannier Hotels
4
design
Street Gate Alley Architecture Courtyard
4A 4B 4C 4D 4E
Conclusion FF&E
5
about
Her Acknowledgement
1
introduction Project Overview & Statement
Project overview
Shanghai is one of the biggest financial centers in the world, which is also the biggest city in China with the highest GDP and population. Because city development needs, a lot of historical architecture has been demolished. In 2017, the Shanghai saw a 17.5% increase of tall office buildings.
Shikumen is one type of historical building in Shanghai China with a lot of historical identity, with a mixed of Western and Chinese culture. The goal of this project is to significantly reduce the living density and create a new living system and lifestyle for new generations while preserving the remaining Shikumen buildings. Shikumen is separated into five parts:
streets, gates, alleys, ar-
chitecture, and courtyard. This project focuses on the alleys and architecture. The new program will include different kinds of living options, such as living, or mixed-use (live and work) units as different options for the consumer. By achieving this goal, three matrixes will be used to create customizable, flexible, and DIYable experience for the future consumers.
2
analysis Location History Culture Site User Profile Execution
location The site is located in the city center of Shanghai, China, which is on the border of French Concession area and English Settlement area. The housing in this area is one of the most expensive in Shanghai, with luxuries malls and tree-lined boulevards.
When China first opened its gate to the rest of the world. Shanghai became the financial and trading center for national and international business. The population of Shanghai has significantly increased; therefore, this new type of housing structure is needed, which results in the creation of Shikumen. Shikumen is still the most beautiful architecture in Shanghai.
history Since 1869 First Generation ShiKuMen
Since
Second Genera
Shikumen started around 1869 and ended around 1920s. It is a style influenced by Western culture mixed with Chinese style. There are two generations of the Shikumen. First generation Shikumen is older; the alleyway is narrower. Stones are used to make the ornaments of the gate and the doors. Second generation Shikumen is newer; they have wider alleyways. The ornaments on the gate are more complex, using bricks in addition to stone for
1910
Since 1990s
ation ShiKuMen
Demolishment
the structure involving more western elements. In the 1950s, 65% of the population lived in the Shikumen, which was approximately 9000 communities. However, according to a recent census, there are only 30% out of 65% Shikumen are left, which is 19.5% among all the living structure in Shanghai. The decrease of Shikumen from 1950 to 1990 is 2680 square kilometers to 250 square kilometers.
Culture
Shikumen has its own unique culture, which is the alleyway. The alleys are the most important parts in Shikumen. Because of high-density within in one structure for cheaper housing, there are common area. The alley serves this purpose. It has also become the social area for adult and the playground for kids. Kids will gather and play traditional Chinese alley games. They share their childhood life. For adults, they will help each other with cooking, gather for dinner, share and gossip. During the evenings of summer, tenants will bring their chairs and gather in the alley for the cool air due to no air conditioning.
Li in Chinese means alley. All the names for Shikumen contain Li as part of the name. Alley life is an important part of social life for the tenants and Shikumen is an alley-oriented structure. It contains all their emotions, life, and memories. My family used to live in the Shikumen as well, however, before I born, our Shikumen was demolished due to the city redevelopment. According to my parents, though the living conditions were very poor, so many warm memories of the beauty of humanity was created.
Unlike
today where people are addicted to their technology. People living in Shikumen have a more traditional lifestyle, they still gather, share and play in the alley.
site The site is located in Jin’An area in Shanghai, China, which is the City Center of Shanghai, with all the attractions, luxurious malls, and treelined boulevards. It is also the most expensive area in Shanghai. The main streets and shopping malls are reminiscent of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. The United States Embassy is located here. The old programs of the Shikumen are streets with no sidewalks, undersigned alley, and overly dense. The buildings I chose are called ChunYang Li and XiangYun Li.
The existing site is accessible from the street and three intersecting alleys. There are 15 two-floor housing structures, about 2000 sqft each level. The three alleys function as the playgrounds and clothes drying area for the tenants who lived in the Shikumen. Each house accommodates 4-10 families, which amounts to 15-50 per unit. The maintenance is poor due to the fact that 30-150 families live in this community. Shikumen has very poor living conditions due to lack of adequate, bathrooms and kitchens. There is no plumbing infrastructure.
Street
Structure
Gate
Alley
Parking
Site
Street to the Site
Shikumen
Similar to the ChunYang Li and XiangYun Li, there are another two areas surrounded are undeveloped Shikumen, which has the very similar condition to ChunYang Li and XiangYun Li.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden
Zhang’s Garden has been protected and redeveloped by the government, currently being utilized as a museum and working office. Garden style structures built later than Shikumen creates a higher quality of living, so it is more valuable to be protected.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa
It is unusual to have villas in Shanghai, especially in the city center. Since Jin’An is one of the most expensive and popular districts in the Shanghai, a lot of richest people will live in this district, so the living conditions are better than other districts.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa Hospital
There is one general hospital near the ChunYang Li and XiangYun Li building.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa Hospital Shopping Mall 1
This shopping mall is called Four Season Fang. It is targeted to a younger generation, with different cultural backgrounds and trends.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa Hospital Shopping Mall 1 Shopping Mall 2
The second shopping mall is called TaiGuHui. It contains all the luxurious brands, including European, American, Korean, and Japanese brands.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa Hospital Shopping Mall 1 Shopping Mall 2 Tall Buildings
Surrounding this area, there are a lot of tall buildings used for apartments, hotels, and offices. Next to my site, there is the Four Seasons Hotel.
Shikumen Zhang's Garden Jin'an Villa Hospital Shopping Mall 1 Shopping Mall 2 Tall Buildings
Subway 2, 12, 13
There are 15 subway lines in total, and another 6
are un-
der construction in Shanghai. Three subway lines go around this site;
2, 12, and 13. Line 2
is one of the major metro lines that goes through from the east and west side of Shanghai. It has the main attractions, such as Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, the band and so on.
user profile & execution
The target user for Shal will be younger generation couple around 25-45, with or without kids (1-10), with or without the elders. The Shal Community also target the young freelancer, or small studio business, such as photographer, younger designer, and crafters by creating mixed-use units for them to work on the first floor, and live on the upper level.
The main supporter for this project will be Shanghai government, which will allow the project to move forward. This project will partner with IKEA and LiBang Corporation. The execution will be ShuiOn Land, HengFu Development, and Capella Hotel Groups. All of them are involving and supporting in housing renovation and development and JianYeLi hotel renovation before.
3
case studies JianYeLi Hotel Renovation TianZiFang El Marques Boutique Hotel Zannier Hotels
jianyeli renovation
Location : Shanghai, China Renovation : Finished in 2017 Built : 1930s Size : 18000 sqm2 / 193750.39 sqft
JianYeLi is a new renovation hospitality project in ShangHai, Chine. JianYeLi was built in 1930s, which is the second-generation Shikumen style. The renovation pulled down couple of ShikuMen to make the alley wider and easier to access. The Hotel is more towards to the hotel apartment and house with the service of a hotel. It contains SPA area, dining, and lounge area aside from rooms. In this hotel project, the developer pulls down couple rows of the structure to make the alley bigger, with easier access into the hotel. The interior is new Chinese style design, with more Chinese elements in the interior. The feeling it gives is 1950s Chinese style mix with contemporary and luxurious textures.
tianzifang
Location : Shanghai, China Renovation : 1998 Size : 30000 sqm / 322917.31 sqft
TianZiFang is the one of the biggest ShiKuMen Renovation Entertainment Area in ShangHai. It started to re-plan the area since 1988 to renovate the first generation of ShiKuMen. There are lots of shops, bars, snack shops, dessert shops, and restaurants that contain more Old ShangHai Life Style. It became one of the most popular locations for the Shanghainese residence and tourist will go. It is one of the Shikumen renovations that keep as much original culture as possible. It keeps the gathering culture in the alley by creating bar seats in the alley. However, this renovation project did not change the original problem of living.
El marques boutique hotel
Location : Cartagena, Colombia
El Marques Boutique Hotel is located in the historic center of Santo Domingo. It has a total 8 guest rooms. The hotel is well known for its unmatchable value of its colonial architecture dating from the 17th century. Currently, it retains the infrastructure of the Spanish colonial houses of the era, its floors, walls, columns, staircases, balconies and doors, which contrasts with the contemporary design of the guest rooms.
zannier hotels
Location : Ghent, Belgium Since : 1898 Renovation : Around 2002
Zannier Hotel was a post office until 2001, and then it was renovated into a hotel. The goal of re-designing this hotel is to their goal is to “create total comfort surrounded by elegance and discretion while maintaining the purity of the space. Absorb the moment and glorify the place.� The designer brings touches of history to every aspect of the space. 20th-century furniture and attention to detail give the interior a warm, inviting feel.
4
design Street Gate Alley
Architecture Courtyard Conclusion FF&E
4A 4B 4C 4D 4E
shiku
street
gate
alley
umen
architecture
courtyard
4A street
The streets of Shikumen usually have no sidewalk, nature, and parking spot. These streets are narrower with no traffic lighst or stop signs. The cars usually go inside are normally for the maintenance, visitors, employees, and residents.
In the street part, designed a small sidewalk for the residents, and created a small green belt with the trees and plants to give the Shikumen more life are the main goals.
4B GATE There are three main gates to enter the Shikumen. The gates are named by alley, which ends with Li. To keep the original identity of the Shikumen is the most important part in this project. When people look into the gate, it is normally messy because of the old structure and flooring color, which also make it look sad. There are always full of clothing are hanging on the string over the alleys.
The goal of designing the gate is to create a view from the gate that gives a refreshing and attractive scene to make a deep impression to residents and travelers.
4C ALLEY
In order to change the view from the gate, one must redesign the alley. Traditional five elements are the major philosophical theory in Chinese history. Five elements are water, wood fire, earth, and metal. In this theory, each element can create another one, also can destroy another one. Water can give life to wood; wood can make fire; fire can create earth; metal comes from the earth; and after metal melts, it became liquid. One element can destroy another one. Metal is a tool used to cut wood. Wood can put its roots in the earth. Earth can stop the water. Water can extinguish the fire. Fire can melt the metal.
Each sub-alley represents one different element. Using the five elements as concepts to design the alleys according to its color representation, texturing, and Fengshui position.
Five elements are water (liquid), wood, fire, earth, and metal. Within these five elements, one can create and destroy another one.
In Fengshui understanding, water (liquid) stands on the north side; wood stands on the east side; fire stands on the south side; metal stands on the west side, and the earth stays in the middle.
The color representations are similar to the element itself. The color representation comes from the philosophical theory and historical stories. Black represents water (liquid); green represents wood; red represents fire; yellow represents the earth, and white represents the metal.
Apply all the color representaions and Fengshui position on the existing alley.
five elements on alleys
earth
Everything comes out of the earth and made by the earth. Using yellow earth stone as flooring for this alley and incorporating trees and green walls give more color and life to colorless of the Shikumen. Having multiple seating areas because this is the main alley connects all different options of the housing and community center. When the sky turns dark, people can come out to gather and enjoy the cool air.
metal
Using the very light grey limestone on the metal section as the color representation and creating the metal arc as the extension of the gate and metal structure of the green wall to represent the metal.
water
The small water pool is inspired by Salk Institute of Biological Studies. Walking to the end of the alley, there is a water “crying� wall and a pool with lotus.
Lotus is
main Chinese representation flower. Using black slate outdoor floor tiles for color representation. It is a great place for kids to play in the summertime.
wood
In the wood section, using the wood texture for flooring, and incorporating the Chinese geometry made of wood to create special shading on the alleyways.
fire
In the fire section, using the red brick as flooring because the red is the color representation of fire. Since this alley is at the very end, the number of people will go through this alley is going to be little. So making this alley into a fireplace that people can gather and share in the winter.
4D ARCHITECTURE
The new program for this site separates it into four sections, which became for options for different type of persona to choose. The ones around the street will become the mixed-use units, which upstairs is for private use, such as living space, bedrooms, and workout space. The lower level is used for tenants working and social space and kitchen. One community center is located in the center of the site, which exclusively open for the tenants. The community center will have a multi-purpose space on the first level, which can be used for events, movie nights, meetings, and exhibitions. Upstairs will have a small gym and co-working space. Studio and duplex are two living layouts for smaller and bigger families.
For all options, tenants can access from both alleys, or from one alley and one street. The circulation created is based on the less is more theory. Keep the main circulation as clean as possible, so
Mixe
that the other program in the space can be open and flexible.
Stud Based on different needs, three matrixes will be applied to the program layout. The floor plan is flexible and DIYable.
Dupl
Com
ed-use
dio
lex
mmunity Center
Matrix 1 - persona
In China, the family types are more complicated. After a couple had kids, a lot of time, grandma will go to their kids’ place to have a short-term stay to take care of their grandchildren, because the parents will be busy on working for the most of time. Therefore, a lot of families will have a guest room for their parents to vist and stay. Due to so many different situations and family types, matrix one is created to show the different housing options for different family types. All the families are going to share the alley and community house together.
Matrix 2 - layout puzzle Due to various lifestyles, matrix two is applied for the interior layout. The future tenants can choose their puzzle for their own needs. The interior option has three areas to choose from the first level, and two areas on the second floor.
For the interior finishing and furniture selection has two options as well. One is high end for the high-income family, using Italian furniture. Another one is for medium income family using IKEA furniture. IKEA is the biggest furniture retailer in China. It controls huge percentage market from the Chinese consumers.
Because of the Shikumen is a mixture architecture as resulting from the Western and Chinese culture. The interior design will be more contemporary with a little touch on the Chinese elements, that contrasting the Chinese elements in the alley design, as well as matches the living style of the younger generation.
a b c
d
e
- 1 apartment in the structure on the 2nd level - 2 retail shops - 1 trash room + 1 electrical room
mixuse
prototype
- 2 units per structure - level one - work studio - level two - living
Stair Bedroom Closet Bathroom Kitchen Dining Living Special Outdoor Work Studio Trash Electrical Hair Nail Salon Dry Wash
- 2 units per structure - 3 bedroom - 3 bathroom - 1 share outdoor garden + 1 private outdoor garden
living
prototype
- 4 units per structure - 1-1.5 bedroom - 1 bathroom - 1 share outdoor garden or 1 private outdoor garden
Stair Bedroom Closet Bathroom Kitchen Dining Living Special Outdoor
community center
The community center is located in the center of the site. It is serving exclusively for the tenants in the community. On the first level, there is a multi-purpose space that can be used for events, exhibitions, classes, workshops, and meetings. It also contains a coffee bar and a small kitchenette. In the normal days, it serves the people use the gym and co-working space for free. In the events days, the bartender will be serving the drinks. On the second level, there is a small gym and co-working space for tenants to use. The co-working space has multiple layouts of seating for the different working style. Creating a small gym can promote a positive environment and healthy lifestyle in the community.
Stair Bathroom Bar & Kitchenette Office Storage Multi-Purpose GYM Co-Working Outdoor
4E COURTYARD matrix 3 outdoor area & bridge house The courtyard is the biggest signature for Shikumen. The outdoor spaces are both on the first floor and second floor. F is the courtyard space one the first floor. G space is the outdoor space on the second floor. H space is a glass bridge house on top of the alley that connects the five elements. The glass bridge house is the add-on options that can be the working spaces or meditation space. This add-on feature is giving another suit room a garden space.
h f
g
conclusion
By creating the new system of puzzling the program layout, recreating the alley by incorporating the sustainable feature and five elements concept and redesign the Shal community, the social innovation influence is massive. Shal will become an icon of new living lifestyle in Shikumen. This new system and lifestyle will save 20% of the Shikumen.
FF&E
Axolight U-Light
Design Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Magis Officina Round Table
Herman Miller Designed by Charles and Ray Eames Eames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chair (DSW)
Mater Terho Lamp Medium
Black Tie Anton bed side table
Designed by EOOS for Geiger Crosshatch Stool
Axolight U-Light Suspension lamp
Herman Miller Designed by Studio 7.5 Polygon Wire Table
Knoll Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe & Lilly Reich Barcelona Chair
By Michael Anastassiades for FLOS String Cone LED Pendant
Design Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Magis Central Table
Presotto 1950 Bed
Sollos Designed by Jader Almeida Table lamps
Designed by Jens Risom T.710 Small Side Table
My home collection Softly Sofa
ikea
DALFRED Bar stool
MORBYLANGA Table
SINNERLIG Table lamp with LED bulb, frosted glass,
BERNHARD Chair, chrome plated
HEMNES Nightstand, black-brown
REGOLIT Floor lamp with LED bulb, white, black
VEDBO Armchair, Gunnared dark gray
TOFTERYD Coffee table, high gloss white
RANARP Wall/clamp spotlight, black
NOCKEBY Sofa, with chaise, left Tallmyra
NORDDAL Bunk bed frame, black-brown
KRUSNING Pendant lamp shade, white
DYNAN Shelving unit with cabinet, white
MALM Bed frame, high, black-brown
NYMO Pendant lamp shade, white
FF&E
5
about Her Acknowledgement
Her
My name is Viviani Li Wang. I am an Interior Designer. I got my bachelor’s of Interior Architectural Design at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design/Domus Academy of Design.
As Interior Architectural student with the belief that design can transform the research and creative into reality to make our future better. I have a multi-cultural background being born in Brazil and raised in China, with my college design studies in Los Angeles, San Diego and Milan, Italy. These varied experiences in different countries prepared me to become a designer who has a global vision.
Raised up in a very humble family, I learn to be independent at a very young age. But growing up without my parent around may have affected on my personality but by no means felt unloved. Up until now my journey has been thorny and challenging, culture and language barrier set every step of the way, but it has paid off. With the help and guidance of my professors, I took an interest in architecture, which later on narrowed to interior design. At interior of architecture and design, it could be described as the doors were just opened. At school of architecture and design are where it has been solidified and the place where my journey really started. Despite all hardship I made lots of important friends with whom we shared sweat and tears. I had very knowledgeable professors who have shown and guided me to the right path. I intend to continue and explore more after this stage. I am excited and looking forward to it.
acknowledgement I would like to thank the NewSchool of Architecture & Design for preparing me in the design industry. I would like to thank my thesis studio professor Jorge Jorge Ozorno, who gives me his expertise and vision of design. I learned how a good project should have nice “Scheme, S(C)irculation, and Structure�. Jorge has spent countless hours teaching as well as criticizing my work together with the whole class. He never gives negative critique but trying to understand and solving the problems with us. The critique he gives to me that helps me improve vastly and take a large step towards having what I would consider a satisfied end work. I have to thank the humongous patience and effort he put on me. I also would like to thank Elena Pacenti, our department chair. She has been a great supporter to me in these two years. She participates in all of our midterm and final presentation, shares her perspective and gives us critique to make a better project. Her profound knowledge inspired me to walk further.
My path towards interior started at East Los Angeles school. I would like to thank all my professors in Architecture department in ELAC that have shown me the path. Just the simple fact of finding out the path in interior design was a hurdle, yet with all the support and guidance provided, has given me direction and fate that it was the road, which I would continue walking despite the hardships. I am grateful for all their support and efforts that made who I am today.
Then I would also like to thank my friends and colleagues who have shared their advice and perspectives in these two years towards getting my bachelor degree. We share countless happy and sad moments; we have shared frustration and accomplishments, supporting one another through the countless sleepless nights.
Last but not least. I would like to thank my parents and family for all the support they have given me, emotionally and of course financially as well. The unconditional blind trust they have given me endless courage. The unconditional love never gives me up and gives me all their heart.