Revitalizing History: The Yongqing Fang Grand Theater Renovation

MAG Studio's Innovative Approach to Preserving Cultural Heritage

Located in Enning Road, the core area of old Guangzhou, Yongqing Fang has recently undergone a transformation. This once-neglected area has been revitalized and is now a bustling street renowned for its time-honored brands and focus on the tourism industry. The Grand Theater, one of Yongqing Fang's landmarks, has been reborn as the investment promotion center for the entire renovation project, thanks to the innovative design approach of MAG Studio.

The design inspiration for the renovation came from the contrast between the old and the new, the past and the present. MAG Studio used elements such as light and shadow, reality and fantasy to breathe new life into the interior space. Boxes were used to form different functional divisions, presenting changeable space structures while unifying the irregular spaces. The first floor is primarily used for project exhibitions, while the second floor is designed for negotiations.

The renovation of the Grand Theater was not without its challenges. The original building had several door openings at the entrance, decorated with traditional wooden screen doors with Chinese characteristics. To create a greater visual impact, the designers used frosted steel as the door frame combined with transparent glass, seamlessly integrating the indoor and outdoor landscapes. This design choice not only preserved the building's historical charm but also added a modern touch that attracts pedestrians, especially when the indoor lights are on at night.

Materials used in the renovation include wood veneer, white paint, rust-like paint spray, black aluminium panel, grey tile, and stretch ceiling. The result is a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a space that pays homage to the past while looking forward to the future. The project, which started in September 2019 and was completed in November 2019, has been recognized for its innovative design approach and its contribution to preserving cultural heritage.

The Yongqing Fang Grand Theater Renovation was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. It recognizes products and ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.