Reappearance of Blue and Green
Design philosophy The design of the project follows the research closely, though with some certain limitation. The main goal is to try to explore the potential of the VICs, in this case, Lijiao Village. While the government is claiming that different treatment should apply according to different situation, however, the methodology for the transformation of VICs in Guangzhou did not appear to be of much variety. Lijiao is the biggest VIC in Guanghzou city, which has over 2000 year history. It was an typical water town, whose structure and daily life was specially shaped by waterways. It was also an business center during Qing Dynasty, business and trading happened along water. However, this slowly formed beautiful life and pattern started to disappear in the last two decades. The so-called “specific treat-
ment� is not happening. Lijiao is under a transformation that is similar to other VICs, losing its own value and identity. It is certain that VICs are going to be altered and merged into the urban context, however, in what way it should be transformed is still under discussion. This design is seen as an opportunity to express the development under multiple drives other than economy only. The very first step was taken from the urban flooding and The proposal stands on the deep consideration of history, culture, urban context, water management, vegetation, economy, and so on. Practical request and ideal situation are considered and merged, in which way the project has been endowed with a certain degree of feasibility. Through the systemic design of both the whole site and individual systems,
the proposal will reduce the risk of urban flooding, improve the ecosystem, provide qualified outdoor space, restore the valuable pattern, and more importantly, bring an alternative to the methodology of transformation of VICs.
Site analysis
Region The region has been divided by two big roads and a high-raised way, in addition to the pattern, the VIC of Lijiao is quite isolated in this urban context. Most of the original waterways are now asphalt roads serve for automobiles other than people.
Metro line
Main road
Secondary road
Insight It is very common that villagers build new rooms upon the old dwelling to add rental space as well as their income. A lot of the dwellings are built without legal permission. This also brings village a high density. The left waterways are used as sewages and disliked.
The harbor on the south side of Lijiao is still working. Some of the fishermen even live on small boats here. They sail out to catch fishes and shells. There will be trucks in the morning collecting the harvest of these fishermen. The bank is also an important gathering place for villagers. There is an very old banyan tree, who provides a nice space with its huge crown.
Mappings Yards
When walking through the village, many quality space can be found in the old part. Since new construction has adopted the original pattern, some good and positive features have remained. There are so many private yards contributing to the nice spacial experience.
25.4 146.8 277.3 153.6 252.3
48.7 106.5 30.2 26.8 29.5 69.1 54.7 311.7 4.3 0
52.5 223.9 616.3 231.3 403.6
Street People are using buildings along the street for all kinds of purposes. In order to have a better understanding of the life routine and structure of the village, investigation has been taken to map the types of buildings along streets, which were originally water. Although the surface of the town was changed, activities follows the original pattern.
0 0 127 325.4 337.8
96.3 49.4 153.7 73.2 66
21.1 15.5 60 199.6 82.4
13 50.2 100.2 268 180.4
Design
Delonix regia Chorisia speciosa Trachycarpus fortunei Pterocarya stenoptera Ficus septica
B’
Cinnamomum camphora Ormosia pinnata Terminalia mantaly Lagertstroemia speciosa Metasequoia glyptostroboides Senna surattensis Bauhinia purpurea Michelia x alba
A A’
Albizia julibrissin Plumeria obtusa Saccharum officinarum Musa sapientum Camellia chekiangoleosa Hu Prunus ceraifera Averrhoa carambola
Plan
B
N 0
.5
1
2km
Analysis Surface Asphalt Stone pavement for pedestrain Stone pavement for car Grassed pavement Wood Urban farming
Vegetation Evergreen Trees Flowering Trees Colored-leaf Trees Economic Trees Hyperaccumulator
Water Existing waterbody River renaturization Wet pond Dry pond Artificial lined channel Grassed swale Residential cleasing pond
Flowers
Green tree
Hydrophyte
Vegetables
Fruits
Planting strategy Plants are carefully chosen according to the character of the Guangzhou city. Different flowering trees are suggested as to bring various view around the year. Local hydrophyte are adopted in the design due to their efficiency in water purification. Some fruits are also selected according to the history of the site.
Spring
January
February
Color through the year
March
April
Summer
May
June
July
Autumn
August
September
October
Winter
November
December
Section A-A’ (Before)
Long sections
Section A-A’ (After) 0
25
50
100m
Section B-B’ (Before)
Section B-B’ (After) 0
25
50
100m
Detailed sections 1: 200
Section 1
Section 2
2
1
Perspectives View to Weis’ ancestor hall
View to metro station
View to the village dry pond
Model
Reference
Reference projects 1. Huangpu Huangpu is an old village in Haizhu district, which high historical and architectural value. The central area has been cleaned up, only ancient buildings are kept. The original patter of the ancestor temple and its square and water pond are restored according to a lot of research and survey. The village is now an attractive place and many visitors come to see and experience.
Huangpu village Materials from Architectural School in South China University of Technology
Inside Huangpu village From sina.com
Plan of Lingnan From som.com
2. Lingnan Lingnan is a VIC which locates in Foshan, the neighborhood of Guangzhou. It is not only a transformation of a VIC but combination of commercial development and architecture restoration. Original villagers were moved away, all the kept dwellings are turned into shops, cafes, and galleries. Many old valuable buildings are moved from other places to this area to give more attractions.
Birdview of Lingnan From som.com