zigzagging verandas enclose courtyard of atelier archmixing's memorial in shanghai

atelier archmixing renovates chen huancheng memorial

Atelier Archmixing has completed a renovation of Chen Huancheng Memorial in Baoshan District, Shanghai. With a surface renewal scheme, composed of a more unified appearance and rhythmic spatial order, the commemorative design concept seeks to embody a sense of familiarity and tranquility. The site is composed of four galleries of varying dimensions topped with sloping roofs that enclose the existing building in a zigzag boundary, forming a continuous space marked with a series of verandas and courtyards.

Following the intervention, the Chen Huancheng Memorial hall becomes an open public space instead of an enclosed patriotism educational venue. In order to avoid visual shock to everyday users in the park, the Chinese practice applies not only traditional building forms and tectonics but also common materials and modest treatments. The exterior walls and concrete columns are concealed with plain cement, the timber columns, beams, rafters are all painted dark, and the modern timber and steel structure is oiled to black.

all images courtesy of Atelier Archmixing

a rhythmic spatial order and cohesive appearance

The memorial hall was originally located in a magnificent Confucian Temple in Riverside Park. When the Confucian Temple would be revived, Chen Huacheng’s memorial was planned to be re-accommodated in an adjacent commercial building. With a vast gap between the two structures of varied scale and sequencing, the team at Atelier Archmixing sought to change this facade renovation program into that of a spatial reorganization. By rebuilding the visiting route as well as the general atmosphere, the design further aims at achieving an appropriate sense of remembrance and creating a positive everyday public space integrating the structure with its surrounding landscape.

On one hand, this effectively enlarged and regulated the space and volume of the old building, maximally extending the visiting route and consequently gifting the memorial with a formal appearance, rhythmic spatial order, and a sombre atmosphere. On the other hand, by retaining the original blank walls, a necessity for interior exhibitions, the galleries resulted in open boundaries integrating with the surrounding environment.

Atelier Archmixing renovates Chen Huancheng Memorial