The Huaxi Campus of Sichuan University is rich in cultural heritage, and the library in this project, as a core part of the university, holds significant influence. The library is situated in a unique geographic location, perfectly aligned along a central axis that faces the most prestigious building on the Huaxi Campus—the Huaxi Bell Tower—and the beautiful Lotus Pond. On either side are teaching buildings that reflect the architectural style of the Republic of China.
In this project, I aim to explore how to conduct architectural design in this important axial location while effectively addressing the relationship between the building and its surrounding environment to enhance the overall unity and harmony of the space. Additionally, I wish to tackle a long-standing question: how to incorporate contemporary design elements into a new building within a historically styled and already harmonious area, fostering a dialogue and integration between old and new architecture while preserving cultural heritage and introducing modern functions and aesthetics.
East Suburb Memory is an industrial heritage-themed tourist destination located in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Originally the site of the state-owned Hongguang Electron Tube Factory, it preserves Soviet-era office buildings from the 1950s, early 21st-century office buildings, multi-story workshops, and industrial chimneys and pipelines, while also incorporating many contemporary buildings. This project aims to celebrate and preserve the cultural memory of the area, striking a harmonious balance between historic and modern architecture.
Materials are key to the project's harmony with its surroundings and its excellent spatial experience. Using bamboo, a material characteristic of Chengdu, for the exterior cladding, gaps are left during the enclosure process to maximize the use of natural light. The interior employs frosted glass and concrete, commonly used in industrial buildings, to integrate the project with its environment.
Walls, as fundamental spatial elements, define architecture and establish order. At the urban scale, they become "city walls," creating spaces within and around them, allowing architecture and urbanism to coexist fluidly. These walls shape both domestic life and public spaces, fostering adaptability and organic growth within a clear structure.
Urban villages, like Shipai Village in Guangzhou, are under increasing pressure for transformation due to urban development. As China continues to evolve, these villages, rich in history and memory, must adapt. This project incorporates the concept of city walls into Shipai Village, dividing space while offering new residential areas. The old village buildings are preserved as exhibition pieces, and their original functions are relocated within the walls. A streamlined exhibition path at the base of the walls invites visitors to engage with the village's history.
Oarai Town, located along the Pacific coast of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a small town known for its thriving fishing industry, which plays a significant role in the local economy. However, in recent years, the town's fishing sector has been severely impacted by the Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge incident.
This project seeks to bolster the local tourism economy while supporting the town's fishermen. The proposed hub will be located in front of Oarai Port's Sentan Green Park, designed to cater to tourists while also addressing the needs of the local fishing community.
A key focus of this project is the exploration of prefabricated modular architecture. All building components will be sourced locally from Oarai Town, ensuring a continuous and sustainable supply. The modular components are also designed to be replaceable, reflecting the principles of metabolism in architecture, allowing the building to evolve and adapt over time.