INBETWEEN

Influenced by the warm and humid climate, large roof and porch spaces become character of Sichuan architecture. The gray space created under the roof provides shelter from the rain and meanwhile promotes community activities.

Located to the south of Qionglai Pingle old town, there is a mix of traditional style and 80-90s’ style residential buildings in the site area. A strong visual symbol is in need to strengthen the identity for a community center in the chaotic context.

The current building is composed of two parts: a two-story flat-roof office building and a sloped-roof theater building. From the outside, the image of the building is quite closed to the environment. Within the interior space, the ceiling steps down to fulfill original acoustic and lighting functions while a rhythmic steel truss structure is hidden between the ceiling and the roof. As renewed community center, how can the building present an open image from the outside? As a strong visual character within the space, how can the ceiling bear a new meaning and function for the interior space?

The proposal tries to create an image of an open community center, where everyone can gather together under a large roof. For the interior space, by “pressing down” the characteristic ceiling, a new "floor" is generated “in-between”, making both spaces useable. The upper part extends from the front plaza to the interior as a new cultural exhibition hall; the lower part contains the theater function and can be used as a dance rehearsal or lecture space.

Status

Qionglai Yuwang Theater Renovation Competition

Team

Shiqing Liu, Kai Fu Chung, Yang Liu