Reactivating historical assets in an intelligent way. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects
01/01/2020.
[Suochengli - Yantai] China
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
New Suochengli Neighborhood Library, designed by Vector Architects, as satellite branch of the Chefoo Institute and Library, locates in a traditional Chinese courtyard in the northwest corner of Yantai’s historic district Suochengli.
Although the original conditions might appear messy, in our point of view, the added structures by local residents from past years were precious traces of time. In order to accommodate the courtyard with needs of contemporary lifestyle, how to deal with the relationship between the old and the new became the focus of their design.
Although the original conditions might appear messy, in our point of view, the added structures by local residents from past years were precious traces of time. In order to accommodate the courtyard with needs of contemporary lifestyle, how to deal with the relationship between the old and the new became the focus of their design.
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Site plan. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects.
Sketch. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects.
Axonometric. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects.
Ground floor plan. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects.
Section. Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects.
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library by Vector Architects. Photograph by Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
Firstly, Vector Architects did a systematic reorganizing and restoring of the original walls, doors, windows, roof truss, flooring and other architectural elements. At the same time, they established a cloister system for this courtyard house, reframing the courtyard into several smaller sections, including a multifunctional public space at the center and three parts of vegetation on the sides.
At the entrance, the cloister opened out into the alley of Suochengli neighborhood as a gesture of invitation for the public. Within the courtyard, the cloister connected all the programs, including the entrance, reading space, café, gallery and restroom, creating space for outdoor activities. The cloister also function as a rain shelter during bad weather conditions.
At the entrance, the cloister opened out into the alley of Suochengli neighborhood as a gesture of invitation for the public. Within the courtyard, the cloister connected all the programs, including the entrance, reading space, café, gallery and restroom, creating space for outdoor activities. The cloister also function as a rain shelter during bad weather conditions.
Project description by Vector Architects
Suochengli Neighborhood Library, as a satellite branch of the Chefoo Institute and Library, locates in a traditional Chinese courtyard in the northwest corner of Yantai's historic district Suochengli. Before the renovation, three rooms in the backyard of historic Zhang Ancestral Hall revealed an intricacy of information and elements. Although the original conditions might appear messy, in our point of view, the added structures by local residents from past years were precious traces of time. In order to accommodate the courtyard with needs of contemporary lifestyle, how to deal with the relationship between the old and the new became the focus of our design.
Firstly, we did a systematic reorganizing and restoring of the original walls, doors, windows, roof truss, flooring and other architectural elements. At the same time, we established a cloister system for this courtyard house, reframing the courtyard into several smaller sections, including a multifunctional public space at the center and three parts of vegetation on the sides. At the entrance, the cloister opened out into the alley of Suochengli neighborhood as a gesture of invitation for the public. Within the courtyard, the cloister connected all the programs, including the entrance, reading space, café, gallery and restroom, creating space for outdoor activities. The cloister would also function as a rain shelter during bad weather conditions.
Weathering steel, a new material introduced to the existing courtyard, would serve as the structure as well as the spatial interface. Its muted coloration would sit well with the tones of old brick, stone, tile and greenery. The bent steel canopy was suspended by the gantry-like frame. The bent steel plate became structure itself and served in place for the beam system. It also functioned technically as a rain gutter and visually as an element of lightness. The 8 mm thick steel plate articulated the delicate edge of the material and the 40 mm diameter steel columns supported the cloister system, indicating the historic weight of the new intervention in comparison to the old house.
We believe that the architecture of our time should, in an intelligent way, reveal and reactivate the historical assets and local cultures. The library would retain both the lifestyle and pace of the local community, while serving as a practice of contemporary culture and aesthetics of modern society. Within the space, where a dialogue between the new and the old would be cultivated, the energy and vitality from local communities could be stimulated, further contributing to the knowledge production and dissemination as well as space sharing.
More information
Architects
Vector Architects. Principal Architect.- Gong Dong. Project Architect.- Han Zhang.
Design team
Zhoujie Chen, Dan Zhao, Jacopo Ruggeri, Simin Li, Yeqian Tan.
Collaborators
Construction Management.- Yang Zhou. Site Architect.- Dan Zhao. Structural and MEP Consultants.- Zhigang Ma, Xiaolei Zhao, Gong Han.
Client
Yantai Chuangyuan Culture Communication Co.,LTD
Area
Building Area.- 150m²
Dates
Design Period.- 12/2016-01/2017. Construction Period.- 03/2017-07/2017
Location
No.12 Shiyan Street, Chefoo District, Yantai, China
Photography
Su Shengliang / Vector Architects
GONG DONG. VECTOR ARCHITECTS
GONG DONG, one of the most active young architects in China, received Bachelor & Master of Architecture from Tsinghua University, followed by a diploma at University of Illinois where he received the Master of Architecture. He also had an exchange experience at Technical University of Munich. During his study in America, Gong Dong received several awards including Excellence Award from Steedman Fellowship International Architectural Design Competition, 2000; First Prize from American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter’s Student Design Competition,2001 and Excellence Award from Malama Learning Centre International Architecture Design Cmpetition,2002. Prior to establishing his own practice he worked for Soloman Cordwell Buenz & Associates in Chicago, then at Richard Meier & Partners and Steven Holl Architects in New York.
VECTOR ARCHITECTS was founded in 2008, Beijing. During seven years practice, we have always believed that design needs to confront problems, and it should be the attitude an architect ought to possess. Instead of enforcing architect's self-conscious or following icons and superficial forms, a good design has to respect the existing environment with support of logic and reasons. The contemporary Chinese design industry today is rather blundering that the rapid production and pursuit of landmark in height, size and form have become the main stream.
Architects no longer devote their effort for the fundamental and substantial truth of architecture. In this environment, the persistence of confronting problems remains essential and crucial. In every project, Vector Architects is devoted to discover the unrevealing relationship and various possibilities in existing context. Through our design, to create the new perception and experience which are exclusive to each project. The sense of ‘being here’ is uniquely established and reflected in percipient's emotion and action. Therefore, the space, being the vessel of living, has formed an irreplaceable connection between place and experience.
