01. The Great People’s Republic of Wall/ 万民の長城
2017.6 - 2018.3
UCLA AUD Introductory Design Studio 412
Project Breif: The aim of this project is to inherit the characteristics of Beijing Hutong, also known as the slums and recreating the residnetial neighborhoods into a modernized residneitla and business community. According to historical records, the hutongs were first created during the Yuan Dynasy and were later popularized in the eras that followed. Hutongs are alley formed by joining Siheyuan, traditional courtyard houses
Hutongs represent an important cultural element in Beijing; it is alsonotable for its distinct reflection of the lifestyle of the grassroots Beijingers. The population boom of the early 20th century has made housing one of the biggest challenges for the government, and Siheyuan also known as ‘Dazayuan’ are used as housing complexes fofr many local Beijingers. Today, many residents of Siheyuan are granted property rights and each courtyards can host as many as ten households. This form of overcrowded residential community also known as ‘Village within Cities’ has become a serious social phenomenon. The goverment’s senseless renovations not only demolished the slums but also destroyed Beijing’s history and its characteristics. As a result, many newly established residence have lost the sense of community and is no longer suitable for many of the originalresidents. This proposal project is aimed at preserving and maintaining Beijing’svaluable cultural heritage fromadding and migrating complex destruction.
Bird-eye image
Modern vs Cultural Heritage
Diagram of manipulations
South elevation
