BANCANG renovation design / Benzhe Design
Text description provided by the architects. BANCANG is located in EKA-Tianwu Park in Jinqiao District, Pudong New District, Shanghai. The site was originally a warehouse for CSSC Marine Instrument Co., Ltd. In Shanghai – Warehouse No. 445 in the 60s. The comprehensive planning and refurbishment design of the area was commissioned by the owner. As a groundbreaking renovation project in the park, it should not only include reception and trade fair functions, but also reflect the park’s future prospects. We respect the historical development and put into it the current concept of sustainable development, integrating the old and new parts to revitalize the old buildings.
BANCANG retains the original shape of the building and simplifies its appearance. The original south-facing wall was removed and replaced with a glass metal grille, allowing the interior space to be free and open. The east facing side is the main facade and faces the open landscaped swimming pool. A dormer, sixteen meters long, jutted and slanted off the left main elevation of the second floor, upsetting the balance of the building. The original windows on the ground floor have been replaced by four-block latticed doors, which can be opened on either side and blur the boundaries between inside and outside. The right side of the main facade is covered with a large piece of charred wood, with hidden doors and windows, showing a variety of shapes and facilitating the functional installation and subsequent use of the owner.
The roof of the center section has been partially opened to naturally present the roof terrace, providing light and scenery to the moving gray space of the interior corridor. We are committed to practicing the relationship between architecture, people and nature, which is also our original goal of renovating the old building.
The washed stones composed of shells, beach stones and charred black wood form the main texture of the exterior, which not only retains the historical features of Shanghai-style cities but also reflects the serenity of Pancang and the essence of simple oriental aesthetics.
The floors of the old building are very close to each other inside, so during the renovation and renovation of Pankang, the original sand and cement wall texture is preserved and we also blend the old with the new. Parts of the floor are removed to connect the space up and down freely. The tiered floor design creates different perspectives and a large-scale space, allowing people to look, read, think, whisper……
The ground floor of the renovated BANCANG is equipped with a coffee shop, VIP reception space and sunken business activities area. The open design is movement-oriented, with an emphasis on communication and dialogue. The second floor is arranged with a small library, sand table display area, and meditation area, with a semi-closed design that emphasizes stillness and emphasizes reading and meditation. The combination of movement and stability on the first and second floors creates diverse experience spaces.
The original gypsum board ceiling on the third floor was demolished, the exposed wood beam structure was retained, and newly made metal components and a black metal-wrapped BOX tea space were placed in the lobby on the third floor, where the industrial-style tea bar and retro open office area are distributed. The new and the old collide and intertwine intensely here, presenting a postmodern deconstructionist style.
A small amount of cultural property is kept in a limited space by rearranging it. without offering much. It is presented as a small art gallery to show respect for the old building. Awakening and use is also a way to rejuvenate design.
(tags for translation)architecture