top of page

CACP "DESIGNING?"
​Chengdu, China
2022-2024

CACP “设计中?”公共空间
中国 成都 武侯区玉林
2022-2024

Project Name: CACP’designing?’

Project Location: Yulin 2nd Alley, Chengdu, China

Design time: 2022.08-2022.12

Completion: 2024.03

Project Area: 150 ㎡

Design Team: Zhang Tang, Xia Fan, Chen Shenbin, Zhou Yuhan

项目名称:CACP’designing?’

项目地址:中国成都玉林二巷

设计时间:2022年8月-2022年12月

完成时间:2024年3月

建筑面积:150㎡

设计团队:张唐、夏凡、陈申斌、周雨涵

CACP 'Designing'? is a spatial practice project of CACP (Community Art Creative Project), revitalizing an abandoned bicycle shed into a vibrant public space that encourages recycling and community involvement.

 

The Community Art Creative Project explores the potential of informal urban leftover spaces in China, addressing the neglect these areas face due to rapid urbanization and non-privatized land policies. As urban renewal progresses, these informal spaces present unique opportunities for revitalization. The initiative utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, engaging local communities through architecture, design, sociology and art.

 

Situated in Yulin 2nd Alley, an area marked by partially demolished red-brick buildings in a dense urban center, the project serves as a hub for low-income groups, migrants, minorities and indigenous residents. Over three decades, from a once bustling urban landmark to a stagnant “waiting land”, the socio-ecology here has emerged as the community adapts to urban challenges.

 

  1. A non-welded, assembled light steel structure provides possibilities for a participatory construction process and continuous spatial updates:

Lightweight galvanized steel, which is easy to recycle, assemble, and construct by anyone, was selected as the structural material. The use of basic modular units ensures spatial functionality adaptability, while the exposed structure supports future modifications. Team CACP, community members, and 30 volunteers completed the assembly of the main steel structure within 7 days.

 

  1. The rotated units and roof planting create zigzag boundaries, blurring the relations between nature, space, and neighborhood:

The design includes sawtooth gaps that facilitate seamless integration with nature and enhance public orientation. The exposed structure supports ongoing modifications, while the planted roof serves as a community garden, further enhancing the ecological impact of the space. Additionally, the roof incorporates terraced planting, providing cooling benefits and scenic green views while fostering collective maintenance of public gardens.

 

  1. Readily available everyday materials perform like an "accordion," creating dynamic spatial hierarchy:

The material selection prioritizes low-cost, locally sourced products. Constructed from recycled materials, this space is designed for functionality at minimal cost and future adaptability. It features a lightweight modular galvanized steel structure complemented by transparent polycarbonate panels that maximize natural lighting. This combination lends the space an accordion-like softness and airiness, fostering a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.

 

  1. Sustainable spatial content creation and autonomous mechanisms are reshaping the life and rights in informal spaces:

Activities held in the space include furniture renovation workshops, community meetings, and exhibitions, aiming to connect stakeholders, revitalize the community, and establish sustainable operational mechanisms.

 

This project embodies a light-touched, soft-edged design philosophy, highlighting the construction process and demonstrating a commitment to community empowerment and sustainable urban living. With an open, fluid and diverse structure, Team CACP welcomes members to join or leave as needed. The team emphasizes the importance of process in understanding societal dynamics, viewing events as ongoing rather than static. By receiving feedback at each stage of their work, team CACP continuously refine their approaches.

 

The team’s interventions address urban challenges by fostering community participation through events that emphasize sustainability and social engagement. Over time, Team CACP have established resilience by forming alliances among government, local youth, and autonomous resident groups. The concept of ‘The Multi-layered Alley’ emerged from CACP research, encouraging diverse working groups to engage with the space dynamically. The project promotes creative expression and sustainability, integrating artistic interventions to address social issues and support local vendors. These efforts have revitalized channels of communication between top-down government initiatives and bottom-up community actions, enhancing urban life.

 

The next phase of CACP will use the new public space as a foundation, inviting florists to open shops to balance public activities with commercial operations. This collaborative approach will promote new business opportunities while extending the community model to other aging courtyards, encouraging greater community participation and attracting new visitors. The project will continuously inspire further dialogue about the community commerce’s importance to local culture.

“设计中?”是CACP(Community Art Creative Project)项目下的空间实践项目,该项目再利用紧邻居民窗外的废弃车棚空间形成新的公共空间。

 

CACP项目探讨了中国非正式城市边角空间的潜力,这些区域由于快速城市化和非私有化土地政策往往被忽视。随着城市更新的推进,这些非正式空间为城市复兴提供了独特的机会。该项目采用跨学科方法,通过建筑、设计、社会学和艺术,积极与当地社区互动。

 

项目位于玉林二巷,该地区位于密集城市中心,残留着拆除过程中的红砖建筑。聚集了低收入群体、流动人口、少数民族及原住民居民。过去三十年中,从曾经的城市繁华地标到现在的停滞的“等待之地”,形成了一种独特的社会生态。

 

1)非焊接的组装式轻钢结构,为参与式建造过程及空间持续更新提供了可能性:

选择便于回收、组装和谁都可以简单搭建的轻型镀锌钢作为结构材料,用统一标准50*100C型钢完成空间所有主结构。空间结构以基础单元形式保持空间功能适应性,外露结构支持后续改造。CACP小组、社区成员和志愿者30人在 7天内完成了主要钢结构的组装。

 

2)旋转的锯齿单元空间、屋面种植融合自然,模糊边界:

紧贴邻里的空间方向,以锯齿空间形式去处理边界。将每个单元旋转,避免直面邻居留下隐私空间余地。锯齿形缝隙不强调建筑轮廓,实现了与自然的无缝融合,增强了公共空间的开放性。屋顶设计为梯田式种植区域,既提供降温效益和绿色景观,又促进公众共同维护公共花园。

 

3)就近可得的日常材料如同“手风琴”一般演奏着具有张力的空间层次:

材料选择以低成本和本地采购为优先。透明聚碳酸酯板顶部最大化自然采光,夹棉防风布帘作为局部立面材料,为建筑增加更多不常用的日常材料。与镀锌钢之间的碰撞呈现刚柔融合气质,也让空间如同手风琴一般,柔软蓬松增加社区友好的亲人氛围。

 

4)可持续的空间内容生产及自治机制重新塑造着非正式空间的生活与权益:

空间举办的活动包括家具翻新工作坊、居民会议及展览,旨在连接各利益相关方,激活社区,以及可持续的运行机制。

 

本项目体现了轻触式、软边缘的设计理念,强调建造过程,展现了对社区赋权与可持续城市生活的承诺。

团队结构开放、灵活且多样化,欢迎成员根据需求加入或离开。团队强调过程的重要性,以理解社会动态,将事件视为持续进行而非静态的结果。通过在每个工作阶段获取反馈,不断优化方法。

 

团队的介入通过举办活动推动社区参与,强调可持续性和社会互动。通过政府、当地青年及自治居民群体之间的联盟建立韧性。通过研究形成的“多重二巷”概念,鼓励多样化工作小组动态地与空间互动,确保协作学习与参与的连续性,最终在邻里之间建立更紧密的联系。项目倡导创意表达与可持续性,通过艺术介入解决社会问题并支持本地商贩。重建自上而下的政府举措与自下而上的社区行动之间的沟通渠道,改善城市生活。

 

项目接下来以新公共空间为基础,邀请花艺师开设店铺,平衡公共活动与商业运营的需求。这种协作方式不仅能创造新的商业机会,还将社区模式延伸至其他老旧庭院,鼓励更多社区参与并吸引新访客。探讨社区商业对本地文化的重要性。

Photo Credits: Arch-Exist Photography, YIIIE Architects

摄影: 存在建筑、一介建筑

bottom of page