MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group
03/09/2018.
[Beijing] China
metalocus, JUDIT OTERO
metalocus, JUDIT OTERO
A space in which to host events of different natures, but which adjusts to the current demands of young companies or start-ups. This is the new rehabilitation of the Latitude Architectural Group.
Exterior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Exterior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Exterior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Exterior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Interior view. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Photograph by Héctor Peinador
Photomontage. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Courtesy by Latitude Architectural Group
Plan. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Courtesy by Latitude Architectural Group
Section. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Courtesy by Latitude Architectural Group
Section. MeePark CBD, the conversion of an industrial warehouse into a place for events by Latitude Architectural Group. Courtesy by Latitude Architectural Group
In this rehabilitation, Latitude Architectural Group is committed to materials and the use of light: to the north, dark steel panels and large windows enclose a preexisting saw-tooth roof, while the west facade functions as the main entrance to the building. It also presents copper panels that find continuity in the interior.
Description of project by Latitude Architectural Group
Beijing has a growing demand for places to host different kinds of events. As a city in rapid transformation froman industrial heritage into the service sector, it requires spaces to hold business meetings, product presentations and leisure activities. In the past, hotels offered ballrooms for formal events, while industrial compounds did the same for less formal activities.
However, neither hotels nor industrial compounds can offer installations suitable to the current demands of companies, due to thestatic appearance of the first and the lack of adequacy of the latter. Modern companies and organizations prefer spaces with dynamic and integral features.
Located by the south bank of the Beijing River, an existing concrete structure with a space of 1,000 square meters has been renovated to create a refined space, yet flexible enough to serve the needs of multiple companies.
Once inside, two-story galleries to the north that function as service spaces surround the seven-meter high auditorium. The first floor becomes the natural entrance and reception lobby. The second floor then becomes a place forcasual conversationafter the events.
Materiality
The sculptural ceiling is an important element that defines the character of the space inside the galleries. While the walls become dark elements made of LED screens and black wood panels, the floor works as a mirror to the roof's appearance with its brown wood planks. The roof made of steel and copper in the gallery on the firstfloorconnectswith the one on the second. As a counterpart to the galleries, the auditorium functions as a black box with gray PVC floors, gray fabric walls and an open ceiling painted black. In addition, steel stripsare used on the cage of the stairs, the handrails by the doors and various decorative elements. The auditorium is a room of 15meters wide by 26 meterslong surrounded by LED screens that transform presentations into complete three-dimensional experiences.
Renovation remains at a functional level, as the sculptural facades and internal ceilingsdefine the character of the building.
More information
Architects
Latitude Architectural Group.
Client
Blue Focus Communication Group.
Budget
€450,000
Area
1,000 m².
Dates
Project.-2017. Inauguration.-2018.
Type
Commission.
Services
Architecture, Interiors.
Sector
Leisure.
Venue
Beijing, China.
Photography
Manuel N. Zornoza. Latitude Architectural Group
Manuel N. Zornoza. Founder of Latitude Architectural Group. Architect. Originally from Spain, Manuel N. Zornoza establishedLatitude Architectural Group in 2013, after receiving a Master's Degree in Urban Design from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, 2009-2010. In 2006, the entrepreneur architect graduated from the Escuela Politécnica Superior UAXas an architect, in Madrid.
Unlike the generic architecture that can be found everywhere, Manuel proposes the development of a precise architecture that arises from the empathic reading of the social, climatic, and physical diversity of each territory. From his point of view, this holistic attitude towards the design of our urban environment, can give a better response to our needs and desires as inhabitants.
Apart from architectural practice, Manuel regularly lectures and teaches at various universities and international institutions, transmitting his vision on how architecture is always present in our daily lives, and our life has pragmatic and intuitive components that we must incorporate into the design process.
Unlike the generic architecture that can be found everywhere, Manuel proposes the development of a precise architecture that arises from the empathic reading of the social, climatic, and physical diversity of each territory. From his point of view, this holistic attitude towards the design of our urban environment, can give a better response to our needs and desires as inhabitants.
Apart from architectural practice, Manuel regularly lectures and teaches at various universities and international institutions, transmitting his vision on how architecture is always present in our daily lives, and our life has pragmatic and intuitive components that we must incorporate into the design process.
Previous Professional Experience
2011 ~ 2012. Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos GMBH
2008 ~ 2009. RBTA, Barcelona
2005 ~ 2008. Luis Vidal + Architects, Madrid
2005 ~ 2008. Richard Rogers Partners, Madrid
Registered Architect COAM, Official Association of Architects Madrid, Spain.
