Growing up in a small town in China, I have witnessed the country's rapid urbanization. The quick urbanization process has driven a series of rapid building constructions and finally led to identical features in different cities. I live in a country with diverse landscapes, climates, and various living patterns, which shape the diversity of traditional vernacular architecture. The in-site nature of architecture and its connection to human behavior and emotions are why I am so passionate about architecture. I have always believed that architecture should be a space that serves human emotions and needs.
In 2023, In order to explore the emotional connection between architecture and people. I participated in the FW Ji Village Revitalization workshop organized by the Rural Research Centre of IARA (Infra-Architecture Reflex-Architecture). Our primary focus is to conduct detailed research on the current state of the rural environment, villagers' well-being, collective history and memory to gain an in-depth understanding of the current situation of the countryside and provide a database for further renewal and revitalization. Our team finished three projects: the Covered Bridge on Aqueduct, the Huzhou Style Corridor and the Field Pavilion
The most challenging part of these projects is balancing the needs of tourists and local villagers while minimizing the impact on the local ecosystem within a limited budget. It enabled me to design from the users' point of view and with local eco-friendly materials and traditional construction techniques.
The significant difference between the modern city and the traditional countryside is that cities, mainly newly formed agglomerations in developing countries, are primarily top-down designs by architects and planners. In contrast, the formation of the countryside is spontaneous and bottom-up. From a top-down perspective, large-scale standardized construction enables rapid urban expansion in terms of cost-effectiveness. However, from those users' and civil perspectives, these homogenized concrete forests emotionally dilute our traditional lifestyles and collective memory. In this regard, a design starting point from users' experience with indigenous techniques and materials could be a solution.
We are facing a severe shortage of land resources on the planet. Do we need so many new buildings at the current stage and future, especially in the Global South like China? Have we also lost much of our cities' identity behind a top-down standardization of construction? From a long-term global perspective, developed and developing countries with undeveloped land stock should pay attention to the sustainable use of land resources. Therefore, I plan to focus on architectural design methodologies that utilize indigenous techniques and materials. In addition, architectural renovation with sustainability is another area that I would like to explore.
CRAZY BOXES
Factory Revonation Based on Flexible Fabricated Units
Nanjing China (06/03/2021)
Nanjing is a city with a long history, and buildings from various periods have been preserved during the urbanization process This renovation project is located in an industrial park next to the Ming City Wall. It used to be a mint factory. The surrounding area is mainly residential. After conducting a survey of residents, a comprehensive space that combines office, learning, reading, and leisure is needed. This renovation project can not only enhance the city image of Nanjing, but also provide more diverse living spaces for residents and increase the vitality of the surrounding community.
This design uses prefabricated units and steel frame structures, which can make the internal space more Flexible so that it can be adapted to different occasions. Traditional solid partitions have been abolished, replaced by flexible planes of different heights. We can have a better view and experience. By incorporating exhibition hall and dynamic bookwalks, the original long factory space has been divided into three side-by-side spaces, witch have their own unique function, it can not only allows users to have their own private spaces but also makes the bilding more transparent.
Individual Project Instructor
Long (Littlorxl@outlook.com)
Published on Archisource 2022, Issue Number 26
THE FIELD PAVILION
A pavilion between tourists and villagers completed project
Huangshan China (04/01/2023)
"The Field Pavilion" is located in an unused area adjacent to the entrance of Fengwu Village, by the roadside.Starting with material selection, the design incorporates the local fir and Chinese grey tiles. The fir is only peeled and treated for preservation purpose, reducing construction costs while harmonizing with the rugged character and natural context of the site. In terms of nodes and structural elements, the design utilizes a combination of overlapping and bolt fixation methods. This not only enhances the overall uniformity of the design, but also allows for potential replacement of wood during usage.
In terms of design aesthetic, the overall concept adopts two centrally symmetric triangles connected by an observation platform. One triangle is made into wooden steps, while the other is covered with tiles as roofing, naturally dividing the station into two distinct spaces with different atmospheres. Below the steps, there is a direct connection with the ground, allowing light and air to penetrate through the gaps, creating a natural and transparent space. Under the tile roof, a wooden platform is built with rounded logs, intentionally raising the height of the seat backs above head level, creating a tranquil space.
Team Project Instructor
Zhu Shikun (rallyart91@126.com)
Role in the Team
Field Research (100%), Schematic Design (50%), Modeling (80%), Drawing (100%) making Exhibition Brochures (100%) and physical modle (70%) photograph (100%)
IN THE NAME OF REBEL'S SOUL
Power Experience Hall Based on Event of Anti-COVID Control Regulation Demonstration
Urumqi China (05/24/2023)
In 2022, China witnessed its most stringent COVID-19 lockdown measures, resulting in a series of unusual events including long-term quarantine, mandatory nucleic acid testing, and rising unemployment rates. Towards the end of November, a tragic incident unfolded in Xinjiang when 10 individuals lost their lives in an apartment fire. Shockingly, their doors had been sealed from the outside as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 transmission. This tragic event acted as a catalyst, unleashing pent-up public emotions that had been suppressed for an extended period. In response to these improper lockdowns and growing discontent, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the nation. These gatherings served as a form of resistance against the authority's handling of the situation, leading to confrontations between the public and the government.
Fast forward to 2023, it is important to question how architecture could allow remembrance for the past through manifesting the power dynamics and experiences during quarantine . This design of Power Experience Hall aims to recreate the tumultuous events of that period, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the unfolding narrative from multiple perspectives. Within the hall, individuals can choose to take on the roles of either the authority figures or the public, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire sequence of events. Upon entering this building, visitors can bear witness to history being replayed before their eyes. The intention is not to provide a definitive judgment on right or wrong but to encourage each person to seek their own understanding. In this unique space, salvation is found within the layers of narrative.
Individual Project Instructor
Manda (tiansiman@126.com)
Amber (amberh206@outlook.com)
METABOLIC MEDIATORS
Design of community center based on garbage self recycling system
Shanghai China (10/01/2022)
With the advancement of modernization, Shanghai has developed into an international metropolis. However, compared with other cities, the garbage recycling rate in Shanghai is very low. Such a situation is particularly easy to occur in old communities. Through the "self recycling" treatment method, garbage is collected and classified, and then centralized treatment is carried out, which can be converted into electricity and gas, and fed back to the residents' lives. The by-products can also be exchanged for corresponding services through points
On the basis of theoretical research and case analysis, this project plans to propose a community transformation scheme design based on the "metabolic cycle system", which can promote the classification of residents' garbage and improve the urban environment. At the same time, in the context of "high-density" and "intensive" Longchang apartment life, through effective architectural layout and design, through both material and spiritual needs, to call back the life of the neighborhood and meet the dignity of the residents.
Individual Project Instructor
Long (Littlorxl@outlook.com) Ge Shaofeng (gsf@jit.edu.cn)
EVERYTHING GROWS
Rural planning based on slime mold growing algorithm
Guangzhou China (10/10/2021)
Guangzhou's ancient water town is known for its three-dimensional and diverse agricultural and fishery resources.With the development of modernization, this ancient village is facing two problems: 1. The influx of large amounts of capital and the emergence of large-scale aquaculture have affected the local traditional agriculture, and folk memories are slowly disappearing.2. Industrial wastewater is slowly eroding the appearance of the water town, causing the originally orderly ponds to become fragmented, which has greatly inconvenienced residents' transportation.
To solve this problem, I designed a "highway" that can connect residents through the study of slime mold. The instinct of slime mold is to survive. In the early stage, it will stretch out multiple tentacles to detect food around. Once it finds food, other tentacles will disappear.Using this mechanism, we can find a fast track to connect the villagers and speed up the efficiency of material exchange.In addition, a food bank is designed in the center of the village to revitalize traditional agriculture by recycling the materials produced by residents to increase their income.
