Category D-1: Historical Restoration Projects
Gold Winner
Award credit: Chen Ling, Zhiyuan Zhu, Gang Song, Guanqiu Zhong
Location: Guangzhou, China
Photography: Siming Wu, Ruiyang Tang
Enning Road is located in the middle of Xiguan Old Town in Guangzhou, China. As urbanization in the area picked up, the renovation of Enning Road became highly anticipated, but was, however, difficult to implement, that is, until 2016, when the developer China Vanke Co., Ltd. transformed Yongqing Square in Enning Road into a multi-program urban complex.
The architects worked with the developer in the early scheme phase of the project; the developer’s resources in real estate ensured that the project could bring back real urban activity and real programs—as many as possible—instead of simply creating just another old town image for tourists.
The heritage of the old houses has been retained by restoring, renovating, and structurally reinforcing the old houses, so that their historical features are restored as faithfully as possible. In complement, elements of transparency, openness, flexibility, and dramatic scenes have also been introduced to keep up with modern trends and accommodates the needs of today. The old-and-new collisions in this revamp of Yongqing Square make the neighborhood glow with a new spirit. The design reflects an ambitious approach by using small-scale space layouts, original façades, and other traditional ways to obtain a better, yet more practical way for revitalization. The project has had great public response and has been highly praised by the Guangzhou Bureau of Renewal and become an example of micro-reconstruction that serves as a valuable reference for old town revitalization in many cities.
loading......