2000-2003
Situation: Completed
GFA: 650m2
Specialty: Architecture, Landscape
Village Activity Center is part of the renovation project of Sham Chung which is located on the eastern border of Guangzhou City. Sham Chung is the boundary of two villages, village on the west is Huangcun which has gathering places around the Banyan trees along the riverside. The luxuriant Lychee trees on the bank have been perfectly preserved in the reconstruction.
The activity centre building and its outdoor space together serve as a focal point for villagers’ social activities.For example, as the villagers of Huangchun still annually celebrate the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, the centre provides a venue for the public to gather and cheer for the racing teams, as well as a service base for all dragon boat teams during the race.
The characteristics of lightness and transparency create a natural transition between the inner and outer space, which then are united into a integral body. Being environment and climate responsive, the design is an exploration on new forms for vernacular architecture.