urbanfabric design preserves and revives ancient chinese town with modern methods

urbanfabric design restores Fuqian Road Historic District

UrbanFabric Design breathes new life into the historic street of Fuqian Road at Yangming Ancient Town, reviving the traditional structures using modern materials and design methods. The commercialization project, seeking to enhance to the Chinese neighborhood’s tourism economy and image, is centered around architectural and cultural preservation.

Aiming to encapsulating the historical memory of the site for contemporary commercial activity, the design team carried out extensive research in search of a clear thread of history in the existing complex and disorderly environment, while initiating the sorting and preservation of its historical objects.

the renovated site restores and passes down historical memory | all images courtesy UrbanFabric Design

reviving historical contexts through modern design

Based on investigation and analysis of historical materials and relevant literature, UrbanFabric Design recreates the original fabric and memory of Fuqian Road. ‘This project deviates from the typical standardized commercial transformation model that is prevalent in projects aimed at growing tourism economies and improving city images,’ notes the team. Instead, it remains sensitive to the street’s overall scale and the lifestyle of its local community while carrying out its restoration process.

Through numerous on-site surveys, mapping projects, and interviews with local residents, UrbanFabric Design collected an ample amount of primary data and oral history documents which guided their concept. Further, research of other nearby historical towns informed the design team’s use of certain modern construction methods and building materials.

the renovation of Y23 with a well preserved eastern wall

The project thus saw the restoration of the original alleyways, walking paths and courtyards in the west section of Fuqian Road. Better-preserved elements such as water vats, gates, and newspaper boxes were maintained in their original state, meanwhile damaged elements, particularly bricks and tiles, were reintegrated into the neighborhood with close adherence to their historical contexts.

UrbanFabric Design further respected the wishes of two residing families by renovating their homes and integrating them into the wider rebirth project of the neighbourhood. ‘Empathy and understanding helped maintain a positive relationship between the city and its residents,’ writes the team.

the north side courtyard was renovated

utilizing the traditional form to conceal the abruptness of the fire water tank on the roof

the broken wooden structure and eaves were reinforced and repaired

the new Y16 (left) and the restored house of the old mansion (right) form a new interface of the street

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site plan (after renewal)

Y23 before renovation -- the wall was mostly preserved in its original state

broken eaves and structure

north side courtyard before renovation

 

Y15 elevation and section

Y10 elevation and section

Y08 elevation and section

project info:

name: The West Section of Fuqian Road at Yangming Ancient Town

location: Yangming Ancient Town, China

architecture: UrbanFabric Design

project lead: Ouyang Zhixi, Xiao Jie

design team: JIA Ting, Yang Jiankai, Wang Zengjie

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom