Luminosity

The project is located in the old town area of Nanjing, China.Targeting the four core deficiencies of public domain, micro-space,sustainability and cultural identity in high-density old urban communities, the project takes the oriental cultural connotations of “Buddha observing stars to perceive universal equality” and “moon reflected in water and flowers in mirror” as its cultural core, establishing dual design values of publicity and ecology.

Based on Kenneth Frampton’s Critical Regionalism, this design resists the commercialization of urban renewal and reconstructs the public value of community regeneration. By allocating 60% of its floor area allocated to community public spaces and adopting flexible and adaptable spatial layouts, the scheme relieves spatial scarcity and accommodates diverse community demands in high-density contexts.

The project retains 70% of the original roof and four-sided load-bearing walls. Partial street-facing load-bearing walls are replaced with full-height panoramic glass facades. Selective demolition of partial brick walls and roof tiles introduces natural daylight to form dotted star-like light and shadow effects. Recycled bricks and tiles from demolition are reused, while transparent and reflective materials are adopted to interpret the artistic conception of mirror flowers and water moon, achieving visual spatial expansion and atmospheric sublimation within the constrained high-density site.

Aiming for LEED and WELL Gold certification, the design optimizes natural ventilation and daylighting through porous architectural structures. Buffer green belts are arranged at the interface between public and private zones to balance communal vitality and residential tranquility.

Rooted in oriental traditional culture, this sustainable, interesting and context-based renewal strategy responds to the deficiencies of public space, micro-space, ecology and culture in high-density communities. It reshapes an equal, diverse and open public social carrier for contemporary urban communities.