Changchun Hotel Renovation Design

The Changchun Hotel complex revitalizes historical architecture through a harmonious blend of heritage preservation and modern innovation, centering on the iconic former Central Bank Club of Manchukuo—a cultural treasure deeply influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s "Prairie Style." Designed by Japanese architect Endo Shin, a disciple of Wright, the Central Bank Club (1934) features organic architectural principles, including a 70-meter plant-covered corridor and a seamless integration with natural terrain, distinguishing it from other Manchukuo-era buildings characterized by Xingya aesthetics. The design team, comprising faculty and students from Harbin Institute of Technology and Northeast Agricultural University, embarked on a mission to reinterpret historical structures while respecting their original integrity. By merging memory nodes of traditional and reshaped architectural culture, modern techniques were employed to breathe new life into heritage buildings, juxtaposing craft textures with minimalist contemporary forms to emphasize natural coexistence and spatial storytelling. The design ethos revolves around three interconnected pillars: building, imprinting, and creating. Imperial-inspired hues and dynamic light-shadow interplay establish a solemn yet elegant atmosphere, enriched by sensory elements like classical music and tea aromas, while lush gardens and green landscapes enhance tranquility, bridging cultural heritage with immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Spatial compositions are layered through geometric blocks, rhythmic lines, and transparent layouts, engaging all five senses to foster relaxation and connection. The result is a dialogue between users, nature, and history, where balance and coexistence define every detail. Extensive research into local landmarks, such as the Dahe Hotel and Manzhouwu Hotel, informed strategies to adapt historical structures for modern use without compromising their essence. The final design transforms the complex into a dynamic urban landmark that honors its role as a cultural repository—hosting pivotal events since 1958—while evolving into a vibrant symbol of Changchun’s identity. By reconciling Wright-inspired organic forms with contemporary aesthetics, the project ensures the site remains both a witness to history and a beacon of modernity, where the past and present coexist in silent harmony.