Renovation of Building No. 5 in Lane 210, Taikang Road

The project is the renovation of an existing building that accommodates artist studios in Tianzifang, a popular art destination in Shanghai. The building was initially the site of Kangfu Knitting Manufactory, which maintains the architectural style of factories built in lanes of Shanghai in the 1980s, preserves unique industrial heritage features, and has significant historical value. The design concept focuses on preserving the heritage of the historic building while revitalizing the surrounding urban environment.

The building is situated in Tianzifang on Taikang Road, which is renowned for being one of the most unique alley neighborhoods in Shanghai’s historic districts. Basically shaped in the 1930s, the block showcases the transition from a Jiangnan countryside into a Chinese-foreign mixed residential and factory community in lanes in modern times, exhibiting distinct regional features.

By repairing the facade and reorganizing the layout, the design intends to preserve the historical traces of the cultural monument and showcase the growth and evolution of Shanghai-style culture to convey the inclusiveness of Haipai culture. Meanwhile, it strives to evoke the inner power of the building to rejuvenate Tianzifang area. The facade is particularly noteworthy, as it is designed to resemble “a painting on cloth, an imagery in painting”. The design uses perforated aluminum plates to create a gauze-like exterior that pays homage to the building’s history as a knitting factory.

This project prioritizes the preservation of cultural heritage, following the principle of “protection first, utilization second”. The building’s existing form and style are retained to avoid major changes. With a distinctive design concept, the old site of Kangfu Knitting Manufactory will be transformed into a cultural tourism venue that serves as a performing arts center featured with vitality and historical heritage. The transformation articulates the design philosophy of “inheritance and revitalization”, to showcase the unique charm of Shanghai’s industrial heritage.