OPEN Architecture

STEPPED COURTYARDS . Changle

OPEN Architecture . photos: © Jin Boan . + archinect

This project is the first phase of NetDragon Company’s dormitory development. Not far from the ocean, the open site is virtually a tabula rasa with neither much context, nor defined physical boundary. The idea is to create a collective living commune with inward-facing and semi autonomous forms that can foster a strong sense of community. 3 square-shaped buildings with large central courtyards are arranged on the site at different angles. The form is inspired by the square Tulou, a vernacular residential typology in local Fujian province, employed by early migrants from inland.

By stepping down in different ways according to wind and views, these 3 buildings each have a series of carefully landscaped open terraces to be shared by the residents. This also opens up the otherwise enclosed central courtyards to the surrounding nature, be it the mountain or the ocean. Commune residents can enjoy their after work hours together on these terraces with great views. Circulation is arranged on the courtyard side, and connects to all shared terraces.
These 3 large blocks are lifted off the ground to allow free air circulation and foot traffic from outside through the courtyards. The ground has a complex folded geometry to form different mounds that appear to support the buildings above. Ancillary facilities for the dorms, such as gyms, laundry room, cafeteria, convenient stores, are accommodated in these landscaped mounds, with storefronts open to the central courtyards.
Communal living and social interactions are of particular significance to these employees who are otherwise immersed in creating the virtual fantasy world every day, subconsciously becoming part of it. The old time socialist communal living is reinterpreted here in a totally new context.

Year: 2012 – 2013
Location: Changle, China
Floor Area: 35,887
Site area: 44,728
Type: Architecture
Program: Residential
Status: Completed
Principal in charge:
Li HuHuang Wenjing
Project Team:
Wang JianlingZhou TingtingLaurence ChanLi QiangQi ZhengdongChen ChenYurou Cynthia CuiTang Wei
Photographs:
Jin Boan
COLLABORATORS
Local Design Institute:
Times Architectural Design Institute (Fujian) Co. Ltd