We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Ziyu Zhuang about their original and creative Historic Building Renovation design work. Ziyu Zhuang is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original historic building renovation works.
Ziyu Zhuang ("ZZ") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Tongling Recluse Historic Building Renovation. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
ZZ : This dwelling practices RSAA/ Büro Ziyu Zhuang’s methodology of new generation-From Chinese form to Chinese narration. In order to find out the extension of new narrativity and typology from the current Chinese society and spatial context, we have been studied for years, whether projects under construction or completed projects, or the excavation of the relevant contents and theories. The complete “take-ism” is out of date. We devote ourselves to realize the Chinese traditional space without any additional cultural symbols. In our opinion, on the basis of how the Chinese live and think, the new design origin is something realized by the local design rethink and re-create, which is make use of the western practical experience.
ZZ : This project is a combination of new and old. The project is originally a run-down dwelling with damaged walls and roofs. During the process, we need take these problems into consideration: firstly, how do the new walls connect with the old ones? Secondly, how does the project be in accordance with the surrounding residential buildings? Thirdly, how does the local culture be applied to the rebirth project. Fourthly, how do we deal with the details? The intersection of the new wall and the old wall formed the main interior activity space, and the original damaged walls became internal walls and partitions. On account of the limitation of storey height and run-down roofs, we increased the original building into 2 storeys and used the grey tile to cover the whole roof, which made the dwelling concordant and outstanding. The new walls consist of the old bricks from other local buildings. In order to enlarge the difference, we painted the new-built walls with common white coating and faded the connection of new and old walls, so as to make them harmony and unity. The columns and the roofing of the project are recycled old materials from other aged residential buildings, which were built by the local craftsmen with traditional means.
ZZ : Tongling Recluse is an important practice of the methodology of new generation-From Chinese form to Chinese narration. Since then, we will continue use this concept in our design.
ZZ : Brain media.
ZZ : This name reflects our thoughts about living in seclusion and living in the cities, which tries to describe our design purpose.
ZZ : The columns and the roofing of the project are recycled old materials from other aged residential buildings, which were built by the local craftsmen with traditional means. In this case, this design reflects the local culture as well as the sustainable ecological concept.
ZZ : Daniel Wu is a famous Chinese actor who gave some meaningful advice to help improve the design.
ZZ : This project is limited by both time and construction. On the one hand, the project is required to be finished in 45 days. On the other hand, the construction requirements are very high, while the technology of local Construction Party is limited. It took efforts for us to communicate with the Construction Party to achieve the best performance. Time, the main limiting factor, which led to no chance to modify the design. Therefore, the dwelling is just as what it looks like in the sketches.
ZZ : There is no doubt that A' design Award is a widely accepted award. We want to be recognized and known by more people over the world. Therefore, we apply for this international competition.
ZZ : After the project finished, the nearby citizens like to visit here, which made the project become a sightseeing.
