BJDW 2015 is officially launching in just under 24 hours! And one part of the programme that many have been anticipating include those activities taking place in and around Baitasi (the White Stupa Temple). This is a traditional hutong area that sits adjacent to Xizhimen business district, as well as Fuchengmen, Xidan and Xisi. Baitasi, thus, presents itself as a cultural enclave situated amidst newly-developed commercial areas. In this old neighbourhood, an alternative approach to urban upgrading and community regeneration will be explored via efforts like Baitasi ReMade. We spoke with architect Dong Gong of Vector Architects, who is taking part in this initiative, about the project and what we might expect from it.
Tell us about what you are doing for BJDW 2015.
Our project, Hybrid Courtyard, entails the renovation of a za yuan courtyard (or a chaotic courtyard), which came about as a result of policies that followed liberation. On the other hand, they also represent strong cultural traces and values of a certain stage in history. As transformations of modern living styles are continuously taking place in Beijing, many have started to explore how traditional structures can be renewed to serve the needs of today. In this project, the client invited multiple architects to participate in the renovation of a local area. As an architect, it is a precious opportunity to explore new possibilities in a traditional urban fabric. At the same time, the collaboration of multiple architects and projects allows our influence to move beyond a single family and further into the whole community.
At our site, the courtyard house at Baitasi No. 22, we explore new relationships between new and old from two different perspectives. First is the continuation of old and new lifestyles: in the future, the No. 22 courtyard will not only carry a living function, but also spaces for offices and public activities, too. Through a thorough division of space, each yard has been assigned a specific function – and this is what we intend to promote in the space: a form of “hybrid living” that is more suitable for the urban context of today.
Second is the juxtaposition of old and new in construction. While still respecting the fabric of the old town in Baitasi, Hybrid Courtyard strictly follows the existing order. We will overhaul and protect the north building, demolish the low quality temporary structure in the courtyard, and replace this with a new installation system. One major material for the new installation will include laminated bamboo. Our building components, meanwhile, can be prefabricated in the factory and assembled on site, minimizing construction disturbances for local residents and neighbours. Transparency and permeability also provide natural lighting and ventilation, and create a unique spatial experience.
What can your approach bring to the urban development of Beijing? How might it potentially impact on the future growth of the rest of the city?
This regeneration project focuses on enhancing living quality by creating a future hub that injects public functions into a residential community. By combining programs of living (residential units), working (office spaces) and public leisure space (cafes), Hybrid Courtyard aims to enrich existing spaces with more diverse activities.
The energetic vibe is the most attractive characteristic of a hutong neighbourhood; however, this often gets lost in the unclear domain between residential units, where people frequently come into conflict and where privacy is disturbed. In this project, we want to re-establish a quality living space for residents, while also creating a vibrant community that will attract different groups of people. If we can make this successful, similar models may then be established elsewhere in the city.
What other challenges have you, as a Beijing-based architect, come across in some of your other projects?
The industry and environment in China today is, perhaps, not as mature as in other countries, but I find that there is a certain energy in Beijing nonetheless. In America, for instance, the system is more complete and well developed, but in China, there is more space for creation. In addition, for new and emerging architects, China is definitely a land of opportunity.
How important is a platform like BJDW, and why?
Platforms like BJDW are beneficial to us, since we are able to see a wider range of works from both international and local architects and designers. The diversity and richness of the topics foster communication and the exchange of ideas, and it also invites both professionals and non-professionals to experience the field. This increases their concern and awareness, as they gain more understanding of the industry.
What part of the BJDW 2015 programme (outside of your own contribution) are you most excited to see?
This year, there is a stronger focus on the economic and cultural implications of design. After a while of progressive construction, we have come back to the root question of what designing for China actually means. Besides the Baitasi ReMade project, there are also the Dashilar revitalisation projects that will be presented. It is exciting to see such diverse experiments and approaches that envision new possibilities for future living, which are also informed by and inherit our unique cultural values.
Find out what else is happening in the Baitasi area via the BJDW website.
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