The Luxe Lakes CPI Island Commercial Renewal Project

Luxe Lakes CPI Island: The Average Temperature and Subtle Scenery Between Island

The Luxe Lakes CPI Island Commercial Renewal Project is a collection of villa models located on the east side of Luke Island in the "Luxe Lakes Ecological City" of Chengdu. More than 20 former Luxe Lakes Villa models have been located on the island. CPI Island needs a revitalized urban renewal and commercial iteration to reset the idle old properties on these islands, activate the connection between waterfront, human habitation, and commerce.

Through a series of systematic planning and design, vari architects renovated and expanded ten existing buildings, and designed and built ten new buildings based on the terrain, reconstructing the axis system and spatial relationships of the original site - paying tribute to the past with a new life.

During the design process, two concepts – “Average Temperature” and “Subtle Scenery” defined by Japanese philosopher Washida Kiyokazu, are very inspiring to us. Average Temperature signifies the typical or ordinary state of things in a city, capturing the essence or the norm of the city's atmosphere, culture, or mood.

From this point of view, there is probably no better setting than Chengdu's to shape a space imbued with a sense of relaxation. So naturally, the design of CPI project lays its emphasis on how to create a space of average temperature specific to Chengdu through a series of spatial strategies, highlighting its urbanistic character and norm of coziness and comfortableness, which Chengdu locals often refer to as “Chill”.

vari architects reconstructs CPI Island through three key "update" actions:

1)Updating the existing axis system and spatial framework;

2)The placement of spatial nodes;

3)Renovation and construction of individual buildings.

This project adopts a humble and restrained approach, focusing on highlighting the spirit of place characterized by a sense of calmness and relaxation. By integrating the existing architectural structures and topographical features, it aims to achieve a design pursuit of average temperatured subtle sceneries. Through this approach, the project explores and showcases the evolving yet enduring essence of Chengdu's urbanistic character.