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關鍵詞:基于遺產的設計;價值評估;活化再利用;工業遺產
0 引 言
自后現代時期以來,遺產與當代生活的交匯創造了一種日益明顯的新舊交織的生活、工作和居住體驗。由于后工業主義和后現代資本主義的轉變等多種因素,這種經常是刻意的與過去的物理痕跡在當下的相遇,已不僅在城市中心的設計中占據核心地位,也影響了農村和邊緣地帶景觀的演變。隨著技術、社會經濟和環境加速變化,這些發展促進了懷舊情緒的增強和對可能在當前環境中喪失的經驗、記憶和價值的保護興趣[1]。因此,遺產,無論是有形的還是無形的,越來越被視為一個積極的過程,它涉及組織和策劃反映當代價值觀和意愿的對象、地點和實踐,使遺產成為開啟對話、影響決策以及解決社會文化、經濟和環境問題的創造性工具[2]。
矛盾的是,激發對遺產更大興趣的同一力量,也催生了其展示和消費的新市場,有效地將其轉變為體驗經濟中的寶貴資產。在各個領域中,旅游業是最早將遺產作為此類商品的行業之一[3]。作為越來越廣泛的推動地方經濟的工具,中國的旅游業在過去幾十年特別關注農村和邊緣地區[4]。然而,這些新旅游目的地文化體驗和參與活動的增加——通常涉及歷史建筑、遺址、物品和實踐——也導致了過度商業化和舞臺化的問題,削弱了許多傳統村莊和城鎮的歷史完整性。為了應對這些挑戰,眾多學者強調要重視當地居民的利益,并考慮地方對遺產和商業化的態度以及地方的文化和社會資本。
該項目是清華大學鄉村振興工作站工作的一部分。工作站在中國鄉村地區開展了現場調研,探索鄉村的產業、文化、生態和管理領域的相關事務。工作站的一個核心組成部分是在合適的村鎮建立學生研究基地,專注于為教育、文化和社區功能重新塑造被忽視和未被充分利用的結構。這種方法強調了既有結構在豐富和深化建筑環境方面的重要性,并將重點從大規模置換轉向重新思考空間,以恢復和延續其社會經濟和文化意義。項目選取江西省婺源縣清華鎮的典型邊緣地區作為場地,該鎮位于周邊城市中心和傳統徽派村落之間,在遠離風景旅游點的同時,根植于縣域豐富的歷史背景中,因此項目的挑戰在于找到合適的方法,將該地區的落后和限制轉化為能夠可持續和包容性發展的機會和資產。
1 概念框架
隨著時間的推移,“遺產”這一概念發生了顯著的變化。隨著國家和全球遺產保護名錄中項目數量不斷增長,許多學者認為,備受關注的對遺產的官方呈現方式和管理,將其所有權從公眾轉移到了“專家”手中,結果是強調遺產作為一種專業活動和過去的遺跡,與日常生活及地方化語境脫節[5]。作為回應,人們在更廣泛的遺產語境中,越來越認識到“日常”對象和結構的重要性,這對主要關注具有紀念性和美學特質的傳統遺產保護模式提出了挑戰。“日常”一詞指的是可能不具有杰出建筑學意義或歷史意義,但仍在社區的社會結構和集體記憶中發揮關鍵作用的結構和場所,如果不進行保護干預會有消失的風險。這些結構和場所脫離了國家主導的保護力量,也能更有機地與周邊的社會、政治和環境結合發展。
在當代建筑語境中存在遺產的概念,并由于社會價值觀和城市發展范式的轉變而進一步凸顯,強調在文化保護與可持續發展之間取得平衡。在遺產保護、建筑生產和城市發展的交叉點上,學者們倡導應更嚴格地審視傳統方法 [6],這使得工業遺產更加成為這一不斷演變的敘事中的關鍵方面。尤其在中國的許多農村和邊緣地區,由于原有功能過時,那里的舊工業結構和場所,如糧站、工廠和倉庫,已被廢棄和忽視。作為中國工業時代的遺存,這些結構和場所提供了洞悉短暫但關鍵的社會和經濟轉型時期的寶貴機會,塑造了國家的當代圖景[7]。無論是日常的還是紀念性的,對這些空間的保護都提供了一個能夠和既有空間互動、積極而富有創造力的過程。保護和適應在這個過程中相互結合,從而促進社會經濟、文化和城市敘事的延續,以此將過去與現在的元素相連接。
項目以江西省東北部的婺源縣為背景,這里因一些國內保存最完好的古代徽派建筑和村落而聞名,清華鎮的舊糧站就是這種“日常”工業遺產的生動例子。糧站是國家農業發展、糧食儲存和國家管理糧食分配的核心組成部分,曾是國家與人民之間的重要紐帶,起到促進互動并確保糧食安全的作用。在許多地區,它們已成為社區生活不可或缺的部分,對農民和城市居民都有巨大的社會經濟意義[8]。隨著中國經濟的開放和市場化的轉變,糧站與社會經濟之間的相關性逐漸降低,變成了快速現代化背景下公眾觀念中的微弱回響。然而,這些結構中嵌入的敘事反映了人們關于適應集體記憶和過去的社會聯系,而糧站曾經核心的位置現在象征著一個矛盾的空間,呼應了逝去的時代,但同時又存在于當下。
在當前這個加速變革的時代,清華鎮舊糧站的保護和適應性再利用不僅有助于城鄉的可持續發展,而且對于維護該地區的社會經濟歷史的有形聯系至關重要,以促進社區內的延續性和身份認同。該場地缺乏直接的建筑形式特征,這不應被視為限制,而是應作為一個能夠創造性地重新想象和振興其空間的機會,并將其重新整合到當代城市肌理中,從而確保對當代和未來幾代人的相關性和功能性的結合。然而,隨著文化主導的消費市場的崛起和適應性再利用項目的愈加同質化,目前迫切需要一種更細致的方法,這一方法應該能夠有效平衡有價值特征的保留與經濟和社會文化的發展。該項目的研究從理論和實踐作品中汲取見解——不僅限于適應性再利用,還將更廣泛地融入工業遺產的討論和研究,并整合到地方依附及地方記憶的研究中——因此采用了一種基于遺產的方法來研究和理解清華鎮舊糧站獨特的地域和社會背景,以反映并豐富它所屬的社區。
2 方法論
基于近幾十年的眾多遺產修復和適應性再利用項目,顯而易見的是,其與現有建筑和場地的互動存在無數種可能性。理論和實踐的多樣性表明,基于遺產的項目沒有通用的解決方案。正相反,挑戰就在于為每個獨立項目找到最合適的干預措施。這就需要有一個特定的框架來分析遺產的價值和結構或場地的內在特質,并以此作為進行建筑干預的基礎。遺產通過與歷史、實踐和地方依附之間的互動,充當了當下與未來改造提議之間的媒介。因此,基于遺產的方法不再主要受到預設建筑功能或設計師的藝術直覺啟發,而是將焦點轉向探索該遺產的局限性和可能性,從而在未來形成新的功能。
與通常在傳統遺產建筑中強調美學屬性和歷史真實性相反,日常工業遺產的本質主要體現在過去的工業、社區和生活方式的敘事和歷史中。然而,導致這些結構和場所被廢棄的原因也常常對確定其價值帶來重大挑戰。隨著曾經的工人和使用者因經濟轉型而遷出,這些空間常常被遺留在后,并且幾乎沒有任何有形的聯系和可追溯的記憶。因此,考慮到工業構筑物和場地中普遍的建筑和功能類型,這些類型在歷史和社會層面的普遍意義成為背景分析的重要部分。這種研究需要歸納概括,對于在更廣泛的背景下理解和評估工業遺產的價值至關重要。
這些日常建筑物和場所紀念性價值的缺乏也進一步凸顯了需要考慮干預手段經濟可行性的重要性。一方面,這涉及應對有限的財政資源和當地建筑工人有限的技能水平所帶來的潛在限制,另一方面,也需要考慮對這些構筑物和場所進行干預后的長期經濟可行性。在缺少國家或市級保護力量的情況下,對日常工業遺產構筑物和場所的干預有更大的自由度;因此,進行選擇性價值評估十分重要,從而確保其能夠繼續或重獲與當代背景的相關性,并融入當代語境中。
3 基于遺產的適應性再利用的設計策略和框架
本項目的設計策略分為3 個關鍵部分:價值評估、宏觀整合和微觀干預。在第一部分中,設計策略研究并評估當前的遺產價值和場地的內在特質,深思熟慮地設計能促進社會、經濟和文化發展的解決方案,并為其提供堅實基礎。隨后,宏觀和微觀干預過程則分別反映了工業遺產構筑物和場地的性質和規模。從歷史上看,這些空間的戰略區位旨在服務更大范圍,通常從村莊、城鎮和城市群到整個省。因此,需要考慮過去的基礎設施、歷史和社會聯系,以確保它們能夠長期重新融入更大范圍的區域和社會網絡。
在微觀層面,干預重點在于建筑更新、適應和擴展,在強調既有結構獨特價值的同時滿足當代空間標準和需求。微觀干預不僅僅是為當前用途重新匹配現有空間和結構,而是引入當代語境,為今后重新確立空間的相關性和可用性,其中包括對后續調整的準備和應對。
設計框架的搭建基于既定的基于遺產的方法和價值定義,將不同的視角綜合成一個用于分析和評估日常工業遺產的細致結構。場地及其構筑物的內在特質被細分為7 個場地層次(圖1),采用斯圖爾特·布蘭德(Stewart Brand)[9]在其“分層剪切(Shearing Layers)”概念中的術語并進行拓展。在工業遺產的背景下,這通常包括整個組合體而不是單獨的結構,布蘭德對“場地”的定義被拓展,以區分“周邊環境”和“場地”本身。“周邊環境”包括工業場地服務的更廣泛區域,而“場地”指建筑組合的法定邊界。另一方面,由于諸如舊機器等許多工業元素理論上都符合“服務系統”和“內容物”這兩個定義,因此這兩個層次被合并為一類。這個新的“服務系統和內容物”層涵蓋了與原有工業功能相關的固定和非固定組件,包括電氣和管道系統以及可移動的機器和設備。除了布蘭德的術語,框架還融入了保羅·梅爾斯(Paul Meurs)對物體的物質本質、結構的空間本質和敘事的物質本質的定義。前兩者被整合到“場地”“結構”“表皮”和“空間布局”的層次中,強調調查特定建筑構成部分以及建筑布局背后的總體空間邏輯的必要性。敘事的物質本質則被嵌入到庫伊珀斯(Kuipers) 和德容(de Jonge) 的“ 場所精神(Spirit of Place)”[10] 的定義中,捕捉與構筑物及場所相關的或固有的無形的社會經濟、文化和歷史價值。
在這個框架下,對遺產價值的后續評估涉及一個多值決策的過程,融合了阿洛伊斯·里格爾(Alois Riegl)[11] 和保羅·梅爾斯的價值理念。這一過程識別了十類價值,并從“高”到“零”進行評估,顯示了不同干預措施和考量方法的重要性和推薦度(圖2)。該系統通過雷達圖(圖3)可視化,以便進行比較分析,從而指導有關保護的決策,包括對結構、建筑和建筑元素的部分或完全拆除。通過選擇與日常工業遺產相關的價值,這一框架呈現了工業構筑物的特定性質,包括務實的設計意圖和建造過程中資源的有限性。雖然工業構筑物和場地通常出于實用性而缺乏藝術價值,但特定組成部分可能被賦予相對的藝術價值,反映出當下對其非預期藝術性的欣賞。此外,使用價值、環境價值和社區價值等在決策過程中往往占有更大的比重,以確保擬采取的干預手段的可行性、延續性和可持續性。通過這種比較分析模型,設計框架能夠適應矛盾的和互補的價值,強調理解其價值的多維性,及其在促進和延續日常工業構筑物和場地的社會、文化和建筑敘事中的關鍵作用。
項目置于婺源縣更廣泛的文化和經濟背景之中,通過全面的區域分析獲取周邊區域的總體情況,包括人群類型——主要由老年人和兒童組成,以及獨特的建筑和城市特征。例如,狹窄的城市布局、政府的鼓勵措施與這些地區特色相結合,使得該縣對農村旅游的關注度在過去幾十年里逐步提高。此外,當地社區仍然保持著強烈的對傳統民俗文化和非物質文化遺產的重視,許多傳承人在積極實踐和教授他們的手藝。在這一背景下,采用上述的多層次設計框架對老糧站進行分析,包括周邊環境、場地、結構、表皮、空間布局、服務系統和內容物以及場所精神7 個層次,每一層次都能夠提供對場地現狀和歷史意義的關鍵見解。
1)周邊環境。
這一層次關注老糧站和清華鎮的變化及當前動態,重點關注土地利用變化情況(圖4)、城市形態學(圖5)、可達性(圖6)、景觀(圖7)和生活方式(圖8)。鎮上從商業活動中心逐步轉變為以居住功能為主,使得社會活動主要集中在清華路上。這揭示了土地利用的重大變化,包括在建筑中融入對徽派建筑的現代詮釋。雖然住宅供應量有所增長,但公共設施的明顯短缺凸顯了應該整合多樣化公共活動,并將老糧站與其他行業聯系起來,增加當地居民和游客參與的機會;從而振興社會文化和經濟角色。
2)場地。
這一部分深入探討老糧站的歷史背景,探索其歷史語境、空間布局(圖9)及當前狀況(圖10),評估了糧站歷史上的運營情況和最終改造如何反映了更大范圍的清華鎮經濟環境的轉變。場地存在進入限制和物理障礙(圖11),如封閉的邊界和不顯眼的入口,這阻礙了其在當代城市環境中的可見性,難以融入當代城市環境。因此,重新開放這些邊界并增加建筑體量可以大大提高其可見性和可達性,將老糧站重新融入周邊社區。此外,還建議通過增強室內外空間之間的聯系,塑造一個更具互動性的、以社區為中心的環境。
3)結構。
結構分析探討了老糧站4 座主要建筑的結構完整性和構成(圖12,圖13),重點關注了當地建筑風格和實用性建筑傳統。倉庫2,尤其是夾層走廊,以獨特的特征使老糧站區別于同一時期的其他工業建筑。作為一個兼具實用性和結構性的元素,夾層走廊不僅展現了當地工藝,還代表了場地獨特的工業遺產。因此,任何潛在的擴建都應設計為自支撐,以避免對現有結構造成額外壓力,確保在適應現代用途的同時保持老糧站的歷史完整性。
4)表皮。
這一層次評估了立面形式和各結構的材料特點(圖14,圖15),強調具體的細節和元素如何滿足功能需求和操作要求。現有設計以磚柱和統一的結構網格為特點,展示了針對原有建筑功能的實用解決方案。這些特質在建筑的整體結構中發揮著關鍵作用,并呈現了獨特的美學價值,可以在未來的干預中加以突出,增強場地的建筑吸引力。尤其是應該強調在倉庫2 和部分倉庫3 上可見的磚砌圖案,將其作為場地重建中的關鍵視覺元素。此外,對建筑增加的任何新內容都應設計為補足而非掩蓋現有立面,以保持老糧站的建筑完整性。
5)空間布局。
這一部分涉及評估建筑和整個場地的空間組成和流線(圖16),特別關注原有結構如何支撐糧食存儲和加工流程。老糧站原有的設計旨在優化操作流程和功能分離,現在則面臨著適應現代用途的重大挑戰。需要改善倉庫內采光不良的問題,特別是倉庫1 被鄰近建筑嚴重阻擋,光線無法進入。其他倉庫的空間也可能需要改進以滿足內部空間的多功能性,從而適應未來使用。此外,重新啟用沿夾層走廊的二樓流線可以進一步增強空間的功能性,提高建筑內部空間的可達性和流通性。
6)服務系統和內容物。
分析場地的公用設施和服務系統( 圖17),這一層次評估了這些系統的當前狀態及其對現代需求的適應性。老糧站現有的公共服務相當基礎,反映了由于資源和財政限制而要求采取簡單解決方案的時代特征。如今這些系統不足以滿足當代需求,需要進行重大調整,以滿足當前標準。此外,增設專用的公共洗手間將顯著改善清華鎮的公共設施,同時提高場地對當地社區的可達性和可用性。
7)場所精神。
最后這一層次深入探討了老糧站的無形本質,關注其歷史意義及超越物理形態、承載記憶和意義的空間特質(圖18)。盡管老糧站不再是清華鎮日常活動的中心,但該場地的歷史和社會文化價值提供了突出其獨特屬性的重要契機。強化夾層走廊、大尺度的開放式平面布局和倉儲空間較高的層高等元素,在重建中可以激發對原有功能和流線的探索。此外,重新想象并恢復場地開放空間內的社交活動,可以將這些區域重新定位為社區互動和參與的焦點,從而重現老糧站的精神,并將其融入清華鎮當代的社會環境中。
4 設計內容
4.1 價值評估
基于上述分析對老糧站每棟主要建筑進行了評估(圖19,圖20),以確定其保護、適應和再利用的策略,這些策略旨在與清華鎮不斷演進的城市環境(圖21)協調一致。
老辦公樓的結構最破敗,阻礙了目前底層的流線,同時場地缺乏實用性,因此,拆除這座建筑將顯著改善零散的外部空間的連通性,增強與周邊城市肌理的融合,并開放寶貴的公共空間。此外,盡管倉庫1 在結構上大部分是完好的,但由于它與鄰近多層建筑的距離過近,采光極其有限且改造的潛力也受到限制,因此建議將該倉庫替換。
相比之下,倉庫2 有較高的遺產價值,結構相對完整。建議通過謹慎的干預增強用戶體驗感,加強地面層與夾層走廊之間的互動,引入干預性解決方案,在保持建筑歷史特色的同時能夠增強其功能性。倉庫3 為大型建筑,占地面積較大,因此提供了進行富有創意的干預機會,這些干預手段在較小的空間中通常難以實施。此外,倉庫2 和3 中的夾層走廊給出了一個保護與再利用的獨特設計挑戰和機會。重新思考這一特征可以激發建筑內部新的垂直流線和互動關系,既尊重歷史意義,又符合當代安全標準。
4.2 宏觀整合
完成價值評估之后,老糧站策略性地重新關聯了該場地與更大范圍的城市和社會環境進行宏觀整合,重新定義了其為多元利益相關者服務的功能性和現實意義的空間角色。在之前區域分析的基礎上,通過對潛在使用人群及其需求的詳細研究,確定了包括當地居民、工匠、游客和研究團體在內的關鍵目標群體——后者也包括鄉村振興工作站的學生團體。場地規劃圍繞3 個主要部分進行:一個專用的公共空間,一個研究駐地和一些創意工作坊,旨在促進社會互動、知識交流和文化保護。這些空間的目的是解決清華鎮缺乏社區交流空間的問題,并為當地工匠和游客提供教育和互動平臺,同時提供與當地社區深度融合的研究設施。
宏觀整合的關鍵干預重點在于提高場地的布局和可達性。建議策略性拆除倉庫1、老辦公樓和輔助結構,使場地向西南和東北方向打開,改善與周邊區域的聯通性和視覺聯系。倉庫2 改造為主要的公共功能,如咖啡廳和創意工作區,這一區域被定位為游客到來后的首個接觸點和活動樞紐。與之相反,倉庫3 改造為研究人員的宿舍,因為其位于后方能夠確保隱私,但同時也能夠保持與場地內的社區功能相連接。
同樣重要的是改善場地的通達性(圖22,圖23),包括將主入口遷移到東側小巷,以增加清華路方向可見性,且能夠確保更好的緊急通道功能。倉庫1 被停車區取代,這一區域也可以為電動摩托車提供額外配套設施,解決了鎮上游客和當地居民停車困難的問題。
建筑體塊的布局策略(圖24)呼應了自二十世紀七八十年代以來清華鎮不斷演變的城市環境,尤其是中層建筑的增多。在基本保持場地原有的建筑層數較低的特征的同時,建議在特定區域適度增加高度,以提升場地的城市形象并改善自然日光條件。倉庫1 將被一個新的雨篷結構替代,倉庫2 西北側和倉庫3 將分別會在西北側和垂直方向進行加建,使得場地歷史意義不受損害的同時更加協調地融入當前的城市環境。
4.3 微觀干預
作為設計策略的最后一步,微觀干預策略關注在宏觀策略下建筑尺度的實施手段,采用能夠增強公眾體驗的當代空間形式,并延續老糧站的建筑、社會、文化和經濟敘事。
糧站被重新設計為一個創意文化樞紐(圖25),設計過程采用策略性的建筑介入方式,包括選擇性拆除、保護和新項目的整合(圖26)。倉庫2 和倉庫3 分別改造為創意工作坊咖啡廳和研究駐地,同時建議在場地東北側新建一個公共大廳,提供更大的多功能空間和公共設施,以增強場地的功能性和可達性,服務游客和當地居民。
倉庫2 的適應性再利用重點關注對現有結構的最小干擾(圖27),遵循更傳統的建筑布局,對內部空間進行對稱的精細化處理,西側為兩個封閉的工作坊空間,東側為開放式接待處和咖啡吧。中央空間有意避免任何永久性結構,盡可能保留現有的空間體驗(圖28)。與之相反,在建筑的前方進行了擴建,從而在無需對立面進行重大改動的情況下,使得更多日光進入內部空間。這處擴展還增加了一個通往夾層空間的新入口,經由建筑西側的既有入口將舊倉庫與新的公共大廳相連。與此相反,東側破舊的既有入口被轉化為看向空間內部的視覺通廊。
倉庫3 進行了更為徹底的改造(圖29),以滿足小型至中型研究團體所需的生活和工作設施。在設計中盡可能少地干預原有磚石墻,底層包括后方的閣樓房間,前方及側面的公共區域可與場地的其他項目結合使用。中央磚柱被移除,以最大限度地利用既有大尺度空間,這種大尺度空間在婺源縣并不多見。位于上層的中央走廊代替了原有的夾層走廊,重新確立了建筑的中軸線,并在其左右設置了額外的臥室和多功能空間。
場地唯一全新的結構是公共大廳( 圖30),這主要用于承載現有倉庫中無法容納的更寬敞、更高的空間。這棟建筑的一個主要目的是增加公共洗手間,以填補清華鎮公共設施的空白。公共大廳在與之相鄰小巷的關鍵位置使得人們從內部和外部都能夠進入洗手間,從而確保其功能獨立于老糧站的其他區域。
從結構上看,該項目在場地內引入了自承重鋼框架系統(圖31),既保持了原有的工業特色,同時最大化了未來結構的靈活性。設計中注意對既有結構的適應,包括考慮改進保溫隔熱層、結構加固構件(如倉庫3 的原有屋頂桁架)以及加入新的鋼框架,而不損壞現有的木框架和磚墻。既有立面的重復和實用性由建筑干預手段通過外部材料和構成得以延續和補充。基于對現有構成的研究,立面采用了如鍍鋅鋼和垂直金屬葉片等材料,呼應既有墻體的簡潔性和比例,并通過延續視覺節奏感實現新舊融合(圖32)。然而,公共大廳位于場地與糧倉旁邊的現代徽派建筑之間,略微偏離了這一模式,其立面更加強調垂直方向的劃分,并增加了額外的細節,如圖案窗格和回收的傳統門葉,從而實現在傳統語言和工業建筑語言之間的過渡。在保持材料選擇總體特征的基礎上,公共大廳特意選擇了更輕質的材料,將注意力更加集中在堅固的磚石和鋼結構上。
雖然對內部空間的干預更多地關注老糧站的建筑層面和審美方面,但對場地開放空間的變化也強調了其社會和公共角色。通過開放場地邊界和拆除老辦公樓,外部空間融合成一個不同開放程度的大型公共區域,由前面的大型開放廣場(圖33)過渡到后部更私密的庭院(圖34)。它們之間(圖35)由代替了老辦公樓建筑基底的有頂通道相連,在各種天氣條件下均可提供陰涼和遮蔽。這些公共空間通過眾多既有和增設的入口與內部空間相連,以支持各種社區活動和大型事件,吸引當地居民和游客。這種適應性構成了老糧站長期韌性、可持續性和社會經濟價值的核心,塑造了一個能夠隨著社區需求而變化的動態環境。
5 結 語
基于遺產的適應性再利用方法強調將既有的建筑肌理視為可以進行創造性重構的潛在機遇,而非局限性。這一關于清華鎮老糧站的研究關注了遺產保護、建筑生產和城市發展三者的交叉點。這不僅是一個常被忽視的“日常”工業遺產的范例,也是應對改造所遇到的固有挑戰的示例。此外,工業遺產不僅僅是過去的遺存,更能夠對當代社會、文化和經濟活力作出積極貢獻。
本文將理論研究成果融入三層次的設計策略中,從基于現有理論并針對日常工業遺產的背景形成的初步價值評估出發,指導后續的宏觀和微觀層面的干預。在宏觀層面,設計策略性地將老糧站重新嵌入更廣闊的城市與社會脈絡,不僅改善了場地的物理可達性,還重新定義了它在地方和區域環境中的角色。場地本身被重新定位為一個創意文化樞紐,能夠容納多樣化的使用人群,并構建靈活且多功能的空間,用于社區參與和經濟發展。微觀干預策略詳細闡釋了適應現代需求的建筑方案,同時保護并在某些情況下強化場地的歷史意義。除了新建的公共大廳外,兩個既有倉庫被改造成創意工作坊的咖啡廳和研究駐地,每個空間都旨在增強公眾體驗并為場地注入新的活力。這些干預措施不僅僅帶來物質環境的轉變,還通過創建可適應和多功能的空間來促進可持續發展,確保老糧站長期的適應性和相關性。
本項目中使用的設計框架強調了采用多層面的基于遺產適應性再利用方法的重要性,這種方法整合了社會、文化和經濟多維視角,在保護場地原有價值的同時,將其轉化為充滿活力且可持續的當代空間中。然而,本研究的目的并不在于為日常工業遺產地點的再利用提供通用解決方案,而是彰顯其潛在價值并激發更深入的研究。它將基于遺產的方法作為應對類似挑戰的基礎,鼓勵認識到標志性和日常工業遺產能夠作為社會經濟、文化和城市發展的關鍵驅動力。未來的研究可以以此為基礎,推進遺產保護向更可持續的未來演進——一個倡導重復利用、包容性和文化敏感性的未來,從而確保這些日常的工業構筑物和場地,能夠繼續成為城市、鄉村和邊緣地帶富有活力和不可或缺的部分。
參考文獻
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ORIGINAL TEXTS IN ENGLISH
A Heritage-Based Approach toAdaptive Reuse:Reimagining the Old Grain Station inQinghua Town
Jennifer Wei Zhang
0 Introduction
Since the late-modern era, the intersectionof heritage with contemporary life has created anincreasingly distinct experience of being, working,and dwelling amid a mix of old and new. A resultof several factors, such as the shift towards postindustrialismand late-modern capitalism, this oftendeliberateencounter with physical traces of the past inthe present has become integral not only in the designof urban centres but also to the evolving characterof rural and Hinterland landscapes. Alongside theaccelerating pace of technological, socioeconomic,and environmental changes, these developments havefostered a sense of nostalgia and a heightened interestin preserving experiences, memories, and values atrisk of being lost in the current environment[1]. Thus,rather than a passive remnant of things from the past,heritage, both tangible and intangible, is increasinglyseen as an active process of assembling and curatingobjects, places, and practices that reflect presentdayvalues and aspirations. This positions heritageas a creative tool to open conversations, influencedecision-making, and address sociocultural, economic,and environmental concerns[2].
Paradoxically, the same forces that have sparkedgreater interest in heritage have also given rise tonew markets for its exhibition and consumption,effectively turning it into a valuable asset within theexperience economy. Among various fields, tourismwas one of the first industries to embrace heritageas this type of commodity[3]. As an increasinglywidespread instrument to boost local economies,tourism in China has become particularly focused inrural and Hinterland regions over the past decades[4].However, the growing number of cultural experiencesand opportunities for active participation in thesenew tourism destinations – often involving historicbuildings, sites, objects, and practices – has alsoled to issues of over-commercialisation and stagedexperiences, diminishing the historical integrity ofmany traditional villages and towns. To address thesechallenges, numerous scholars have highlightedthe need to emphasise the interest of local residentsand consider local attitudes towards heritage andcommercialisation alongside the cultural and socialcapital of places[5].
This project was completed as part of TsinghuaUniversity’s Rural Revitalisation Workstation, whichhas been conducting on-site investigations in variousnon-urban regions across China, exploring theirindustry, culture, ecology, and management. A centralcomponent of the Workstation is the establishment ofstudent research bases in suitable villages and towns,focusing on repurposing neglected and underutilisedstructures for educational, cultural, and communityuses. This approach highlights the importance ofexisting structures in providing richness and depthwithin the built environment, shifting the focus fromlarge-scale replacements to reimagining spaces torestore and continue their socioeconomic and culturalsignificance. Confronted with a typical Hinterlandsite in Jiangxi Province’s Wuyuan County, QinghuaTown is set between surrounding urban centres andtraditional Hui-style villages. Tucked away fromscenic tourist spots while rooted within the county’srich historical background, the challenge therefore layin finding a suitable approach to turn obsolescenceand constraints into opportunities and assets forsustainable and inclusive development.
1 Conceptual Framework
The concept of “heritage” has evolvedsignificantly over time. As national and globalheritage protection lists continue to grow, manyscholars argue that the predominant focus on the official representation and management of heritagetransfers ownership away from the public to “experts,”thus emphasising heritage as a professional activityand a relic of a past that is detached from everydaylife and localised contexts[5]. In response, there hasbeen a growing recognition of “ordinary” objectsand structures within the broader heritage discourse,challenging the traditional heritage preservationmodel that primarily focuses on monumental andaesthetically significant attributes. The term “ordinary”refers to structures and sites that may not possessoutstanding architectural or historical significance butnonetheless play a crucial role in the social fabric ofcommunities and collective memory at risk of fadingwithout intervention. Free from state-led conservationand protection efforts, these structures and sites arealso able to develop more organically alongside theirsocial, political, and environmental surroundings.
Th i s p r es ence o f h e r i tage wit h i n thecontemporary architectural discourse has been furtheraccentuated by shifts in societal values and urbandevelopment paradigms, emphasising sustainabledevelopment alongside cultural preservation.Industrial heritage, in particular, has become acritical aspect of this evolving narrative, withscholars advocating for a more critical examinationof traditional approaches through the intersection ofheritage conservation, architectural production, andurban development[6]. This is particularly relevantin many rural and Hinterland regions across China,where old industrial structures and sites, such asgrain stations, factories, and warehouses, havebeen abandoned and neglected since their originalfunctions became obsolete. As remnants of China’sindustrial era, these structures and sites offer valuableinsights into a brief but critical period of social andeconomic transitions that have shaped the country’scontemporary landscapes[7]. The protection of suchspaces, whether ordinary or monumental, thus requiresan active and creative process of working with theexisting. One that encompasses both preservationand adaptation to facilitate the continuation ofsocioeconomic, cultural, and urban narratives; thus,linking past and present elements.
Set in the context of Wuyuan County - locatedin the north-eastern part of Jiangxi Province andknown for some of the most well-preserved ancientHui-style buildings and villages in the country -the Old Grain Station in Qinghua Town serves as apoignant example of such an “ordinary” industrialheritage site. Once a central component in thecountry’s development of agriculture, grain storage,and state-managed grain distribution, grain stationsserved as a vital link between the state and thepeople, fostering direct interactions and ensuringfood security. In many regions, they became anintegral part of community life, holding greatsocioeconomic importance for both rural farmers andurban dwellers[8]. As China’s economy opened up andshifted towards market-driven reforms, the relevanceof grain stations gradually diminished, transforminginto faint echoes in the public consciousness againstthe backdrop of rapid modernisation. Nevertheless,the embedded narratives within these structures reflecta collective memory of resilience, adaptability, andformer social ties, while their once-central locationnow represents a paradoxical space, echoing a bygoneera yet remaining conspicuously present.
Amid the accelerating pace of change in thecurrent times, the protection and adaptive reuse of theOld Grain Station in Qinghua Town therefore not onlycontributes to sustainable urban-rural development,but is also crucial to maintaining a tangible connectionto the region’s socioeconomic history, fostering asense of continuity and identity within communities.Rather than serving as a limitation, the site’s lack ofimmediate architectural appeal presents an opportunityto creatively reimagine and revitalise its spaces,reintegrating them into the contemporary urbanfabric to ensure their relevance and functionality forpresent and future generations. However, with therising dominance of culture-led market consumptionand concerning homogenisation of adaptivereuse projects, there is a pressing need for a morenuanced approach; one that effectively balances thepreservation of valuable characteristics with economicand sociocultural development. Drawing insights fromboth theoretical and practical works – not limited toadaptive reuse, but also integrating broader industrialheritage discourses and studies into place attachmentsand memory -, the project therefore adopts a heritagebasedapproach to explore and understand the uniqueregional and social context of the Old Grain Station inQinghua Town to reflect and enrich the communitiesit serves.
2 Methodology
Based on the numerous restoration andadaptive reuse projects concerning heritage sites inrecent decades, it is evident that there are countlesspossibilities for engaging with existing buildingsand sites. The diversity in both theory and practicehighlights that there is no universal solution toheritage-based work. Instead, the challenge liesin finding the most suitable intervention for eachindividual project. This requires a specific frameworkthrough which to analyse heritage values andintrinsic qualities of a structure or site as a base forarchitectural interventions. By engaging with pasthistories, practices, and attachments, heritage acts asa mediator between what is existing and what shouldbe proposed. Thus, heritage-based approaches moveaway from being primarily inspired by predeterminedbuilding functions or the artistic intuition of thedesigner, and instead shift the focus towards exploringthe limitations and possibilities of heritage sites tocreate new functions for the future.
In contrast to the conventional emphasis onaesthetic attributes and historic authenticity intraditional heritage buildings, the essence of ordinaryindustrial heritage is predominantly embeddedin the narratives and histories of past industries,communities, and lifestyles. However, the very reasonscontributing to the abandonment of these structuresand sites also often pose significant challengesto the identification of their values. As former workers and users relocate due to economic shifts,these spaces are often left behind with barely anytangible connections and traceable memories. Thus,considering the prevalence of common architecturaland functional typologies among industrial structuresand sites, the general historical and social significanceof these typologies becomes an essential part of thebackground analysis. Such investigations, whilenecessitating certain generalisations, are crucial for anuanced understanding and assessment of their valueswithin the broader context of industrial heritage.
The absence of monumental values in theseordinary structures and sites also further highlights theimportance to consider the economic feasibility of newinterventions. On one hand, this involves navigatingpotential restrictions posed by financial resourcesand limited skill levels of local construction workers,while on the other hand, it also requires considerationsregarding the long-term economic viability of thesestructures and sites post-intervention. Without nationalor municipal conservation efforts, ordinary industrialheritage structures and sites offer more freedom inthe degree of intervention; thus, underscoring theimportance of a selective value assessment to ensureits continued or regained relevance and integrationinto the contemporary context.
3 Design Strategy and Framework forHeritage-Based Adaptive Reuse
The design strategy of this project is structuredinto three key segments: value assessment, macrointegration, and micro intervention. In the firstsegment, the strategy explores and evaluates presentdayheritage values and intrinsic qualities of the siteto provide a solid foundation for considerate designsolutions that foster social, economic, and culturaldevelopment. The subsequent distinction into macroand micro processes reflects the nature and scale ofindustrial heritage structures and sites. Historically,the strategic positioning of such spaces was designedto serve broader contexts, which often ranged fromvillage, town and city clusters to entire municipalities;thus, necessitating considerations of formerinfrastructural, historical, and social connections toensure their long-lasting reintegration into the widerurban and social fabric.
At the micro level, interventions focus onarchitectural regeneration, adaptation and expansion,emphasising the unique values of existing structureswhile at the same time addressing contemporaryspatial standards and needs. Instead of merelyretrofitting the existing for current uses, microinterventions introduce a contemporary layer thatreinstates the relevance and usability of spaces forthe future, including anticipating and accommodatinglater adaptations.
The design framework builds upon establishedheritage-based approaches and value definitions,synthesising different perspectives into a nuancedstructure for analysing and assessing ordinaryindustrial heritage. Intrinsic qualities of the site andits structures are dissected into seven site layers(Figure 1), adopting Stewart Brand’s[9] terminology in his concept of “Shearing Layers” and expandingupon it. In the context of industrial heritage, whichtypically comprises entire complexes rather thanindividual stand-alone structures, Brand’s definitionof “Site” is broadened to differentiate between the“Surrounding” – encompassing the wider service areaof the industrial site – and the “Site” itself, whichrefers to the legally defined boundaries of the buildingcomplex. On the other hand, the layers of “Services”and “Stuff” are combined into one category asmany industrial elements, such as old machineries,theoretically fit both definitions. This new layer of“Services and Stuff” encompasses both fixed and nonfixedcomponents associated with previous industrialfunctions, including electrical and plumbing systems,as well as moveable machinery and equipment.Alongside Brand’s terminology, the framework alsoincorporates Paul Meurs’ definitions on the materialessence of the object, the spatial essence of thestructure, and the material essence of the narrative.The former two are integrated into the layers of “Site”,“Structure”, “Skin”, and “Space Plan”, highlightingthe necessity to investigate particular buildingcomponents as well as the overarching spatial logicbehind the architectural arrangements. The materialessence of the narrative is embedded within Kuipersand de Jonge’s definition of “Spirit of Place”[10],capturing the intangible socioeconomic, cultural,and historic values inhered or associated with thestructures and site.
The subsequent evaluation of heritage valueswithin this framework involves a multi-valuedecision-making process, integrating value conceptsby Alois Riegl[11] and Paul Meurs . This processidentifies ten types of values, which are assessedon a scale from high to zero, indicating varyingdegrees of significance alongside different levelsof recommended interventions and considerations(Figure 2). Visualised through a radar chart (Figure3), this system facilitates a comparative analysis toinform decisions on preservation, partial or completedemolition of structures, buildings, and buildingelements. By selecting values pertinent to ordinaryindustrial heritage, this framework addresses thespecific nature of industrial structures, includingpragmatic design intentions and the limited resourceswith which they were typically constructed. Whileindustrial structures and sites typically lack artisticvalue due to their utilitarian nature, a relative artisticvalue may be attributed to specific components,reflecting a contemporary appreciation for theirunintended artistic qualities. Moreover, values,such as use value, context value, and communityvalue, often hold greater weight in the decisionmakingprocess to ensure the feasibility, viability andsustainability of intended interventions. Through thiscomparative analysis model, the design frameworkaccommodates both contradictory and complementaryvalues, highlighting the importance of understandingthe multifaceted nature of embedded values, andtheir critical role in fostering and continuing thesocial, cultural, and architectural narrative of ordinaryindustrial structures and sites.
Situated within the broader cultural andeconomic context of Wuyuan county, a comprehensiveregional analysis provides a general overview ofthe surrounding area. This outline includes primarydemographic groups – consisting of mainly elderlyand children – as well as unique architectural andurban features, such as the three carvings and narrowurban layouts, which combined with governmentincentives has boosted the county’s focus on ruraltourism in the past decades. Additionally, localcommunities still carry a strong sense of traditionalfolk culture and an emphasis on intangible culturalheritage with numerous inheritors actively practicingand teaching their craft. Building on this contextualbackground, the analysis of the Old Grain Stationemploys the multi-layered design framework fromabove, including the seven layers of surrounding,site, structure, skin, space plan, services and stuff,and spirit of place; each providing critical insightsinto the current state and historical significance ofthe site:
S u r r o u n d i n g : T h i s l a y e r e x a m i n e s t h etransformation and current dynamics of the OldGrain Station and Qinghua Town, focusing on landuse changes (Figure 4), urban morphology (Figure5), accessibility (Figure 6), landscape (Figure 7), andlifestyle activities (Figure 8). The town’s transitionfrom a commercial hub to a predominantly residentialarea has concentrated social activity primarily alongQinghua Road. This shift reveals significant changesin land use, which were accompanied by modernconstructions that adopt a contemporary interpretationof Hui-style architecture. While residential provisionsincreased, a notable shortage of public amenitieshighlights opportunities for integrating diverse publicprogrammes and linking the Old Grain Station withother industries to foster engagement from locals andvisitors alike; thus, revitalising its sociocultural andeconomic role.
Site: This section delves into the historicbackground of the Old Grain Station, exploring itshistorical context, spatial configurations (Figure9), and current condition (Figure 10). It evaluateshow the station’s historical operations and eventualrepurposing reflect broader shifts in Qinghua Town’seconomic landscape. The site’s limited accessand physical barriers (Figure 11), such as closedboundaries and an unobtrusive entrance, hindervisibility and integration into the contemporary urbancontext. Reopening these boundaries and increasingbuilding volumes could therefore greatly enhance bothvisibility and accessibility, reintegrating the Old GrainStation with its surrounding community. Additionally,it is suggested to foster a more interactive andcommunity-focused environment by enhancing theconnections between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Structure: The analysis of the structure exploresthe structural integrity and composition of the OldGrain Station’s four main buildings (Figure 12 amp;13), focusing on their reflection of local architecturalstyles and utilitarian building traditions. The designof Warehouse 2, and particularly its mezzaninecorridor, stands out through distinctive featuresthat differentiate the Old Grain Station from otherindustrial buildings of the same era. Both a practicaland structural element, the mezzanine corridor notonly showcases the local craftsmanship but alsorepresents a unique aspect of the site’s industrialheritage. Any potential extensions should thereforebe designed to be self-supporting to avoid additionalstress on the existing structures, ensuring the OldGrain Station’s historical integrity is maintained whileaccommodating contemporary uses.
Skin: This layer assesses the fa?ade patternand materiality of the individual structures (Figure14 amp;15), emphasising how specific details andelements meet functional demands and operationalrequirements. Characterised by brick columns anduniform structural grids, the existing design showcasesa pragmatic solution tailored to the original buildingfunctions. These qualities play a crucial role in the overall structure of the buildings and contribute adistinctive aesthetic that could be highlighted in futureinterventions to enhance the site’s architectural appeal.The visible brick patterns, particularly on Warehouse2 and partially on Warehouse 3, present an opportunityto be better emphasised, integrating it as a key visualelement in the site’s redevelopment. Furthermore, anynew additions to the buildings should be designedto complement, rather than overshadow, the existingfacades to maintain the architectural integrity of theOld Grain Station.
Space Plan: This section involves the evaluationof the spatial composition and circulation (Figure 16)through the buildings and overall site, focusing inparticular on how the original structures supported thelogistics of grain storage and processing. Designed tooptimise operational flow and functional separation,the Old Grain Station now faces significant challengesin adapting for contemporary uses. Key modificationsare necessary to improve existing poor daylightconditions within the warehouses, particularly inWarehouse 1, where light entry is severely obstructedby adjacent buildings. Spatial adaptations in theother warehouse may also be required to improve theversatility of internal spaces in order to accommodatefuture functions. Moreover, reinstating the secondfloorcirculation along the mezzanine corridor couldfurther enhance the functionality of the spaces,especially in facilitating access and movementthroughout the buildings.
Services and Stuff: Exploring the utility andservice systems of the site (Figure 17), this layerassesses the current state of these systems andtheir suitability for modern requirements. Theexisting utility services of the Old Grain Stationare rather basic and reflective of the time whenresource and financial constraints dictated simplersolutions. Today, these systems are inadequatefor contemporary needs, necessitating significantmodifications and additions to meet currentstandards. Additionally, the introduction of adedicated public restroom area would significantlyenhance the provision of public facilities withinQinghua Town, increasing the site’s accessibility andusability for the local community.
Spirit of Place: The final layer delves intothe intangible essence of the Old Grain Station,focusing on its historical significance and thespatial characteristics that embody memories andmeanings beyond its physical state (Figure 18).Though no longer central to the daily activities inQinghua Town, the site’s historical and socioculturalvalues offer substantial opportunities to accentuatedistinct attributes. Emphasising elements such as themezzanine corridor, the large open floor plans, andthe notable height of the former storage spaces inthe redevelopment could spark curiosity about pastfunctions and circulations. Moreover, reimaginingand reinstating social activities within the site’s openspaces could reposition these areas as focal pointsfor community interaction and engagement, thusrediscovering the spirit of the Old Grain Station andintegrating it into the contemporary social landscapeof Qinghua Town.
4 Design
4.1 Value Assessment
Based on the above analysis, an assessment(Figure 19 amp; 20) for each main building at the OldGrain Station was conducted to determine strategiesfor their protection, adaptation, and reuse which aretailored to align with Qinghua Town’s evolving urbanlandscape (Figure 21).
The old office building, identified as the mostdeteriorated structure, currently obstructs groundfloor circulation while offering minimal utility tothe site. The demolition of this structure wouldtherefore significantly improve connectivity acrossthe fragmented external spaces, enhancing integrationwith the surrounding urban fabric and opening upvaluable public space. Additionally, Warehouse 1,though mostly structurally sound, is suggested forreplacement due to its proximity to adjacent multistoreybuildings that result in poor daylight access andrestricted redevelopment possibilities.
In contrast, Warehouse 2 retains a high heritagevalue and structural integrity. Careful interventionsare advised to enhance the user experience andinteraction between the ground level and mezzaninecorridor, introducing access solutions that maintainthe building’s historical character while enhancingits functionality. Warehouse 3, with its large buildingfootprint, presents ample opportunities for creativeinterventions, allowing for the accommodation ofprogrammes that are otherwise difficult to implementin smaller spaces. Furthermore, the mezzaninecorridors in Warehouse 2 and 3 pose a unique designchallenge and opportunity regarding their utilisationand protection. Reimagining this feature could fosterdynamic new vertical movements and interactionswithin the buildings that respect both historicalsignificance and contemporary safety standards.
4.2 Macro Integration
Following the value assessment, the macrointegration of the Old Grain Station strategicallyreconnects the site with its broader urban and sociallandscape, redefining its role as a functional andrelevant space for diverse stakeholders. Buildingon the preceding regional analysis, a detailed studyof potential users and their needs identified keygroups including local residents, craftsmen, leisuretourists, and research groups - the latter of whichalso accommodates for the Rural RevitalisationWorkstation student groups. The site programme isstructured around three main components designedto foster social interaction, knowledge exchange,and cultural preservation: a dedicated public space,a research residency, and creative workshops. Theproposed spaces aim to address the lack of communalareas in Qinghua Town, provide educational andsocial interaction platforms for local craftsman andtourists, and offer research facilities that are deeplyintegrated with the local community.
Key interventions for the macro integrationfocus on enhancing the site’s layout and accessibility.Strategic demolitions of Warehouse 1, the old officebuilding, and ancillary structures are proposed toopen up the site to the southwest and northeast,thereby improving access and visual connections tothe surrounding area. Warehouse 2 is repurposed toaccommodate the main public functions, such as acafé, and creative workshop areas, positioning it asthe first point of contact for visitors and a centralhub of activity. Conversely, Warehouse 3 is adaptedinto a research accommodation, located towardsthe back to ensure privacy while maintainingfunctional connectivity with community spacesacross the site.
Equally critical are improvements to thesite’s ease of access (Figure 22 amp; 23), includingthe relocation of the main entrance to the easternalleyway to increase visibility from Qinghua Roadand ensure better emergency access. A dedicatedparking area replaces Warehouse 1, which alongside additional provisions for electric motorbikes addressesthe town’s current lack of parking facilities for bothvisitors and local residents.
The massing strategy (Figure 24) responds toQinghua Town’s evolving urban context, which hasseen an increase in mid-rise buildings since the 1970sand 80s. While mostly maintaining the site’s low-riseprofile to preserve its original character, modest heightincreases are proposed in specific areas to enhancethe site’s urban presence and improve natural daylightconditions. A new canopy structure, intended toreplace Warehouse 1, along with a new constructionto the northwest of Warehouse 2, and a verticalexpansion of Warehouse 3 integrate the site morecohesively into the current urban landscape withoutcompromising its historical essence.
4.3 Micro Interventions
As the final step of the design strategy, themicro interventions focus on the architecturalimplementations within the macro strategies,introducing a contemporary spatial layer that enhancesthe public experience and extends the architectural,social, cultural, and economic narratives of the OldGrain Station.
Reimagined as a Creative Cultural Hub(Figure 25), the design process involves theselective demolition, preservation, and integrationof new programmes through strategic architecturalinterventions (Figure 26). Warehouses 2 and 3 arerepurposed into a Creative Workshop Café anda Research Residency, respectively, while a newCommunal Hall is proposed on the northeast side ofthe site, providing larger multipurpose spaces andpublic amenities to enhance the site’s functionalityand accessibility for both visitors and local residents.
The adaptive reuse of Warehouse 2 focuses onminimal disruptions to the existing structure (Figure27). Adhering to more traditional building layouts,the internal interventions are arranged symmetrically,with two enclosed workshop spaces to the west andan open reception and café bar to the east. The centralspace intentionally avoids any permanent structuresto preserve the existing spatial experience as much aspossible (Figure 28). Instead, an extension at the frontexpands the building to allow more daylight into theinterior space without major alterations to the facades.This extension also creates a new access point to themezzanine level, linking the former warehouse to thenew Communal Hall via an existing door openingon the west side of the building. Conversely, thedilapidated existing access point on the east side istransformed into a visual link looking into the space.
Warehouse 3 undergoes a more extensivetransformation (Figure 29) to accommodate necessaryliving and working facilities for small to mediumresearch groups. Maintaining the masonry walls withas few interventions as possible, the ground floorincorporates loft rooms at the back and common areasto the front and side, which can be used in conjunctionwith the other programmes of the site. The centralbrick columns are removed to maximise the use of thelarge existing space, a rarity in the context of WuyuanCounty. Replacing the original mezzanine corridor, acentral corridor on the upper floor re-establishes thecentral axis, providing additional bedroom facilitiesand multifunctional spaces to its left and right.
The only fully new structure of the site, theCommunal Hall (Figure 30), primarily servesto accommodate wider and taller spaces that areotherwise difficult to accommodate in the existingwarehouses. A main objective of the building is theaddition of a public restroom area, addressing a gapin Qinghua Town’s provision of public amenities. Itsstrategic location along the adjacent alleyway allowsthe restrooms to be accessed both internally andexternally, thus ensuring its functionality independentfrom other areas of the Old Grain Station.
Structurally, the project introduces selfsupportingsteel frame systems across the site (Figure31) to maintain the original industrial character whilesimultaneously maximising structural flexibility forthe future. Particular attention is paid to the adaptationof existing structures, including considerations toretrofit thermal insulations, reinforce structuralelements, such as the original roof truss in Warehouse3, and insert new steel frames without damaging theexisting timber frames and brick walls. The repetitiveand pragmatic pattern of the existing facades iscontinued and complemented through the externalmateriality and composition of the architecturalinterventions. Based on previous studies on theexisting composition, the proposed fa?ade designincorporates materials like galvanised steel andvertical metal blades that echo the simplicity andproportionality of the existing walls, integrating thenew with the old by maintaining the visual rhythmof the structures (Figure 32). However, sandwichedbetween the site and modern Hui-style architectureadjacent to the Old Grain Station, the new CommunalHall slightly deviates from this pattern, featuringa more vertical emphasis in its fa?ade division andadditional details, such as patterned window panelsand the use of recycled traditional door leaves toserve as a transition between the traditional andindustrial architectural language. While maintainingthe general choice of materiality, the Communal Hallis deliberately kept more lightweight to keep the focuson the solid masonry and steel structures.
While interventions on the internal spaces focusmore on the architectural and aesthetic aspects of theOld Grain Station, changes to the site’s open spacesemphasise its social and public role. By openingup the site borders and demolishing the old officebuilding, the external spaces merge into one largepublic area of different thresholds, transitioning froma large open square at the front (Figure 33) to more aprivate courtyard at the rear (Figure 34). In between,a covered passageway (Figure 35) replaces the formerbuilding footprint of the old office building, allowingfor shade and cover during various weather conditions.Connected to the internal spaces through numerousexisting and proposed entrances, these public spacessupport a variety of community activities and largerevents that hope to draw in both locals and tourists.This adaptability is central to the long-term resilience,sustainability, and socioeconomic relevance of the OldGrain Station, fostering a dynamic environment thatcan evolve with the community’s needs.
5 Conclusion
Embracing a heritage-based approach toadaptive reuse highlights the transformative potentialof viewing the existing architectural fabric notas a constraint but as an opportunity for creativereinterpretation. This research into the Old GrainStation in Qinghua Town explores the intersection ofheritage conservation, architectural production, andurban development; exemplifying often-overlooked“ordinary” industrial heritage sites and addressingthe inherent challenges that come with theirredevelopment. Furthermore, it recognises industrialheritage not as mere relics of the past, but rather as anactive contributor to the contemporary social, cultural,and economic vitality of communities.
The approach adopted in this paper capturestheoretical findings and insights into a three-tiereddesign strategy; beginning with an initial value assessment that is built upon existing theoriesand tailored to the context of ordinary industrialheritage sites to inform subsequent macro and microlevelinterventions. At the macro level, the designstrategically reconnects the Old Grain Station to itsbroader urban and social contexts, not only improvingthe site’s physical accessibility but also redefiningits role within the local and regional landscape. Thesite itself is repositioned as a Creative Cultural Hub,accommodating diverse user groups and fosteringa flexible and multifunctional space for communityengagement and economic development. The microinterventions detail architectural solutions necessaryto adapt the existing structures to contemporary needswhile protecting, and in some cases accentuating,the site’s historical essence. In addition to a newlyconstructed Communal Hall, two existing warehousesare transformed into a Creative Workshop Café anda Research Residency, each tailored to enhance thepublic experience and inject new vitality into thesite. Beyond the mere physical transformation, theseinterventions aim to promote sustainable developmentby creating adaptable and versatile spaces to ensurethe long-term adaptability and relevance of the OldGrain Station.
The design framework used in this projecthighlights the importance of a multifaceted heritagebasedapproach to adaptive reuse that incorporatessocial, cultural and economic perspectives toprotect valuable attributes while at the same timeeffectively integrating them into dynamic and viablecontemporary spaces. Nonetheless, the outcomes ofthis research are not intended to provide a universalsolution to the redevelopment of ordinary industrialheritage sites, but rather aim to highlight their valueand inspire further exploration. It presents heritagebasedapproaches as a foundation for addressingsimilar challenges, encouraging the recognition ofboth monumental and ordinary industrial heritage aspivotal drivers for socioeconomic, cultural, and urbandevelopment. Future research is encouraged to buildupon this foundation in order to advance heritageprotection towards a more sustainable future. Onethat favours re-use, and advocates for inclusivity andcultural sensitivity; thus, ensuring that these ordinaryindustrial structures and sites remain a vibrant andintegral part of our urban, rural, and Hinterlandlandscapes.