Ancient Rejuvenation in China

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    “If not necessary, don't add entities”, this rejuvenation project is similar to “acupuncture therapy”. The most critical meridians and acupoints were selected and then intervened slightly to avoid the stratification of the regional social structure and spatial texture. Through redesigning the Longjin River, architects organically connected public and private spaces around and stimulated the vitality of the surrounding by curating public art exhibitions and organizing cultural heritage activities.

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    Holcim Awards Silver Asia Pacific

    Winner presentation to Ancient Rejuvenation in China (l-r): Magali Anderson, Member of the Board of the Holcim Foundation, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer of the Holcim Group; Xian Lu, Italy on behalf of ARCity Office, Shenzhen, China; Philippe Block, Member of the Holcim Awards jury Asia Pacific 2020 and Professor of Architecture & Structure, ETH Zurich.

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    Holcim Awards Silver Asia Pacific

    Winner presentation to Ancient Rejuvenation - Urban revitalization as alternative to demolition, Shenzhen, China (l-r): Maria Atkinson, Chairperson of the Holcim Foundation (at podium); Magali Anderson, Member of the Board of the Holcim Foundation, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer of the Holcim Group; Xian Lu, Italy on behalf of ARCity Office, Shenzhen, China; Philippe Block, Member of the Holcim Awards jury Asia Pacific 2020 and Academic Committee of the Holcim Foundation.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    The project demonstrates a gentler alternative to demolishing and rebuilding the district.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Due to the decline of the entire region, houses are in disrepair, weathering, and even collapsed into ruins. In fact, these traces of space formed by time and natural forces are very beautiful. For this reason, architects decided to protect the “spatial artwork” to the greatest extent through designing interesting viewing paths (such as sky bridges, viewing pavilions, resting platforms, etc.), allowing people to change their perspectives to appreciate these most precious everyday heritage.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Separate rain and sewage, and redesign landscape in a low-cost way to promote regional rejuvenation.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Selected six unique locations along the Longjin River for architectural, landscape and interior design.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Plant vegetation along the river, add flower ponds, seats, and viewing pavilions to bring the river to life.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Reconstruct old buildings in a very ‘light’ way, integrated new and old into one whole.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Turned a fire station into a semi-open stage, where villagers can view entertainment.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Designed a sky bridge and a small square for villagers to practice Mantis Boxing on a ruined site.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Architects, also the curators, curated TimeDrift -Shajing Fair urban site-specific exhibition.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Local cultural heritages (market, Cantonese Opera and martial arts) will be revived with the place.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    Project main authors (l-r): Jing Han and Yuxing Zhang, ARCity Office, Shenzhen, China.

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    Ancient Rejuvenation in China

    ARCity Office was founded by Dr ZHANG Yuxing and Dr HAN Jing located in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

  • Awards Silver 2020–2021 Asia Pacific

By Yuxing Zhang, Jing Han - ARCity Office, Shenzhen, China

Ideas: Inclusion, Ecosystem Restoration, Urban Requalification, Economic & Social Empowerment

An intervention for the preservation and revitalization of a historical district demonstrates sustainable alternatives to demolition.

Ancient Rejuvenation in China

Project authors

  • Ancient Rejuvenation in China
    Yuxing Zhang

    ARCity Office

    China

  • Ancient Rejuvenation in China
    Jing Han

    ARCity Office

    China

Project updates