2014
Municipal Government Landscape Design & Facade Redesign
Introduction
This project is situated on Qinnian Road in Xuzhou, which is in the northwest region of Jiangsu province. The designated area was once occupied by a government office building. However, due to the government's relocation, the original edifice fell into disrepair. Given its central urban location and the presence of nearby residential structures, it is imperative to prioritize environmental conservation and incorporate sustainable design principles. Consequently, there is a compelling need to reimagine the existing setting.
In light of these considerations, the key objectives of my design endeavor encompass:
1. Revitalizing the interior space of the building to align with novel functional requisites.
2. Enhancing the external landscape, optimizing spatial configurations, and catering to the needs of the populace.
3. Ensuring that the design harmonizes with the overarching city planning directives and respects the historical essence of the locale.
Planning area: 21448 ㎡ / Building area: 38164 ㎡ / FAR: 1.78
Greenland and public space: 59.0% / Greening rate: 20%
My role
Landscape designer, Graduation project (undergraduate), Jan.-Jun.2014
Supervisor
Prof. Pingjia Luo (Dean, School of Architecture and Design, CUMT)
This project is situated on Qinnian Road in Xuzhou, which is in the northwest region of Jiangsu province. The designated area was once occupied by a government office building. However, due to the government's relocation, the original edifice fell into disrepair. Given its central urban location and the presence of nearby residential structures, it is imperative to prioritize environmental conservation and incorporate sustainable design principles. Consequently, there is a compelling need to reimagine the existing setting.
In light of these considerations, the key objectives of my design endeavor encompass:
1. Revitalizing the interior space of the building to align with novel functional requisites.
2. Enhancing the external landscape, optimizing spatial configurations, and catering to the needs of the populace.
3. Ensuring that the design harmonizes with the overarching city planning directives and respects the historical essence of the locale.
Planning area: 21448 ㎡ / Building area: 38164 ㎡ / FAR: 1.78
Greenland and public space: 59.0% / Greening rate: 20%
My role
Landscape designer, Graduation project (undergraduate), Jan.-Jun.2014
Supervisor
Prof. Pingjia Luo (Dean, School of Architecture and Design, CUMT)
01. Previous Analysis
Based on interviews with residents, the existing spatial issues primarily revolve around concerns voiced by the neighboring inhabitants regarding inadequate transportation facilities, which appear to be more pronounced than external environmental shortcomings.
To delve into the specifics, it's noteworthy that due to its strategic location at the confluence of major city thoroughfares, the surroundings experience high residential density and have endured prolonged traffic congestion. Parking, in particular, emerges as a persistent and formidable challenge.
Furthermore, upon conducting a comprehensive investigation, it became evident that the exteriors of several buildings exhibited signs of deterioration, with instances of damage and peeling surfaces. In certain cases, water seepage issues were also observed. During its previous tenure as a government facility, the building merely served its functional purpose as an office. Hence, a thorough internal reconfiguration is imperative. Concurrently, there is a need for an aesthetic revamp of the exterior façade.
A meticulous review of urban planning documentation revealed that a substantial portion of the local populace consists of individuals who were employed in food factories during the previous century. Shared backgrounds and circumstances unite them: 42% fall within the age bracket of 45 to 70, with over half of them having resided in buildings lacking elevators. (It's noteworthy that buildings constructed between the 1970s and 1990s in China, often comprising fewer than six stories, typically lack elevator facilities.) Many grandparents assume caregiving responsibilities for their grandchildren. Consequently, their demands for safety, entertainment, and recreational amenities are exceptionally pressing.
To delve into the specifics, it's noteworthy that due to its strategic location at the confluence of major city thoroughfares, the surroundings experience high residential density and have endured prolonged traffic congestion. Parking, in particular, emerges as a persistent and formidable challenge.
Furthermore, upon conducting a comprehensive investigation, it became evident that the exteriors of several buildings exhibited signs of deterioration, with instances of damage and peeling surfaces. In certain cases, water seepage issues were also observed. During its previous tenure as a government facility, the building merely served its functional purpose as an office. Hence, a thorough internal reconfiguration is imperative. Concurrently, there is a need for an aesthetic revamp of the exterior façade.
A meticulous review of urban planning documentation revealed that a substantial portion of the local populace consists of individuals who were employed in food factories during the previous century. Shared backgrounds and circumstances unite them: 42% fall within the age bracket of 45 to 70, with over half of them having resided in buildings lacking elevators. (It's noteworthy that buildings constructed between the 1970s and 1990s in China, often comprising fewer than six stories, typically lack elevator facilities.) Many grandparents assume caregiving responsibilities for their grandchildren. Consequently, their demands for safety, entertainment, and recreational amenities are exceptionally pressing.
02. Design Strategy
1. Addressing Parking Challenges and Enhancing Traffic Infrastructure
2. Revitalizing Interior Spaces to Embrace Public Sphere Attributes and Incorporating Elevational Accessibility
3. Innovating Exterior Wall Aesthetics and Structure
4. Crafting an External Landscape that Nurtures Community Engagement and Physical Well-being
2. Revitalizing Interior Spaces to Embrace Public Sphere Attributes and Incorporating Elevational Accessibility
3. Innovating Exterior Wall Aesthetics and Structure
4. Crafting an External Landscape that Nurtures Community Engagement and Physical Well-being
03. Landscape Design
The vicinity features prominent pedestrian walkways along the main roads. At the heart of the development, a verdant central courtyard serves as a communal oasis, while the flanking streets are fashioned to echo the historical charm of the Han Dynasty era.
Given that the local inhabitants predominantly comprise the elderly and children, the landscape architecture adheres to two foundational principles:
1. Safety: A clear demarcation between pedestrian zones and vehicular pathways is established, ensuring a level terrain with slip-resistant pavements that cater to the needs of both the elderly and children. Accessibility and security remain paramount in this regard.
2. Emotional Well-being: The design envisages public gathering spaces and verdant pockets purposed for fostering physical fitness and social interactions. These spaces are meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of connection and vitality among the community members.
Given that the local inhabitants predominantly comprise the elderly and children, the landscape architecture adheres to two foundational principles:
1. Safety: A clear demarcation between pedestrian zones and vehicular pathways is established, ensuring a level terrain with slip-resistant pavements that cater to the needs of both the elderly and children. Accessibility and security remain paramount in this regard.
2. Emotional Well-being: The design envisages public gathering spaces and verdant pockets purposed for fostering physical fitness and social interactions. These spaces are meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of connection and vitality among the community members.
04. Stone Caving
Through my research, I unearthed a captivating facet of the local culture—stone carving. This distinctive artistic tradition holds profound significance for the residents, who regard it as a living testament to the city's historical tapestry. Their pride in this art form stems from its deep-rooted history.
To honor this sentiment, I deliberately embraced stone as the primary material in my design. Additionally, I endeavored to conserve elements of the original buildings by retaining select stone components, including ornate stone drums employed at entranceways and passageways. Even the weathered sections of stone pillars found a renewed purpose as integral features in the creation of informative signboards. These stone carving fragments, remnants from earlier disassemblies, had languished in obscurity, awaiting a revitalized purpose.
It is my aspiration that this endeavor not only serves as a homage to traditional stone craftsmanship but also prompts contemplation on the preservation of these intricate sculptures in the face of urban development's potential erosion. By igniting a discourse on safeguarding these cultural gems, I aim to inspire heightened awareness and consciousness regarding the city's rich heritage.
To honor this sentiment, I deliberately embraced stone as the primary material in my design. Additionally, I endeavored to conserve elements of the original buildings by retaining select stone components, including ornate stone drums employed at entranceways and passageways. Even the weathered sections of stone pillars found a renewed purpose as integral features in the creation of informative signboards. These stone carving fragments, remnants from earlier disassemblies, had languished in obscurity, awaiting a revitalized purpose.
It is my aspiration that this endeavor not only serves as a homage to traditional stone craftsmanship but also prompts contemplation on the preservation of these intricate sculptures in the face of urban development's potential erosion. By igniting a discourse on safeguarding these cultural gems, I aim to inspire heightened awareness and consciousness regarding the city's rich heritage.
05. Impact and problems
The project's design brought about a transformative alteration to the initial space, rendering it more versatile and attuned to diverse requirements. Commencing its operations in June 2015, the initiative aimed to furnish the neighboring residents with both public gathering areas and commercial amenities. As of now, this endeavor is undergoing continual enhancement, evolving into a dynamic commercial enclave.
However, this voyage is far from its culmination. Subsequent research unveiled a nuanced reality: while the space has succeeded in drawing substantial footfall, the infusion of commercial enterprises has given rise to new challenges. Notably, the comfort of the environment has been somewhat compromised by these commercial endeavors. One disconcerting development is the encroachment of certain businesses upon pedestrian walkways, coupled with a deficiency in effectively managing public activities and their ensuing issues.
In my assessment, a comprehensive resolution demands a dual approach involving legal regulations and astute management. Moreover, the exigency extends to devising meticulously detailed design strategies. This transformative process is undoubtedly protracted, necessitating persistent efforts over time to engender a perceptible shift.
However, this voyage is far from its culmination. Subsequent research unveiled a nuanced reality: while the space has succeeded in drawing substantial footfall, the infusion of commercial enterprises has given rise to new challenges. Notably, the comfort of the environment has been somewhat compromised by these commercial endeavors. One disconcerting development is the encroachment of certain businesses upon pedestrian walkways, coupled with a deficiency in effectively managing public activities and their ensuing issues.
In my assessment, a comprehensive resolution demands a dual approach involving legal regulations and astute management. Moreover, the exigency extends to devising meticulously detailed design strategies. This transformative process is undoubtedly protracted, necessitating persistent efforts over time to engender a perceptible shift.