Renovation of the Former Residence of Zhang Taiyan - Gu Wu Xuan Bookstore
Tsing-Tien Making
Agency: Tsing-Tien Making
Client: Gu Wu Xuan Books Publishing Co., Ltd.
The site comprises three mixed-style houses built during the Republican period (1911-1949), showcasing a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles in the facades. The exterior features plain brick walls, Suzhou-style wooden lattice windows, Chinese-style pavilions, and Roman columns. The southern building, spanning nearly 600 square meters, is designated as the residence-based museum, while the two northern buildings, occupying approximately 880 square meters, constitute the main section of the bookstore. The project was marked by numerous challenges: 1. In addressing the circulation and spatial relationships within the over 90-year-old protected cultural heritage site, the design team decided to selectively open parts of it for public use. This requires planning circulation patterns that better align with the intended public functions. 2. With reference to the characteristics of Suzhou gardens, known for their shifting scenery and varying elevations, the design seeks to create a diverse experience within extremely limited space. The creation of folded spaces is intended to enhance the integration of "greenery" and "garden" elements, fostering the concept of a vertical garden - to serve citizens of different age groups and incorporate reading into daily life. 3. Considering the constraints of the existing site conditions, different materials and colors are strategically employed to enhance the overall tour experience while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic of the entire venue. Connect the rooms through a viewing corridor. Divide the rooms into two. North serves as B.O.H while the south as public. This resolves both circulation and lighting issues Creation of folded spaces: before, each room was challenging to distinguish. The only clue was the locations of the trees outside. “Vertical Courtyard” was drafted to draw the “garden” into the space “Ambiguous Landscape”: the existing garden was straightforward. The transformation introduces a layer of ambiguity. Through the creation of a new layer over the current space, the design allows people to perceive a vision in every corner while preserving the integrity of the original elevation and structure. As a historical listed building, the renovation emphasizes reversibility. Prefabricated components were applied. It allows: construction speed; quality control; cost efficiency; environmental and safety; transportation efficiency. It provides community gathering space; promotes cultural diversity. It promotes dialogue and understanding to enhance the social cohesion and tolerance within the community. This fosters a sense of ownership for the community and city.