Remaking Urban Artifacts

Pocket Spaces for Public Activities

Remaking Urban Artifacts, designed by Min Zhuo, is a project that aims to revitalize urban spaces by transforming pocket spaces into small open-air art galleries. Inspired by the traditional rural pavilion known as the "pavilion of wind and rain," these pocket spaces serve as gathering spots for the community, fostering social interaction and preserving the historic urban fabric.

With limited budget, the project reintroduces the concept of the pavilion of wind and rain into pocket spaces through the marriage of public art. By reinterpreting and transforming vernacular cultural symbols using an abstract language, these spaces become contemporary urban pavilions that inspire nostalgia and engage the community.

Each pocket space is approximately 10-20 square meters in size and is constructed using materials such as concrete, corten steel, stainless steel, custom-made ceramic plates, custom-made glass bricks, and fiber-reinforced plastic. The design team, which includes Sangshuang Liu, Xin Chen, and Yanfeng Chen, played a role that combined the disciplines of planning and artistry.

The project, located in Lishui, China, began in March 2019 and was completed in January 2020. It utilizes a typological study approach, introducing the typology of the traditional rural pavilion into the urban fabric to accommodate social activities and revitalize the streetscape.

Designing Remaking Urban Artifacts posed several challenges, including the reinterpretation of traditional symbols into a contemporary language. However, these challenges were overcome, resulting in a design that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and urban planning.

This project has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the City Planning and Urban Design category in 2021. This award honors designs that demonstrate technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and make a positive impact on the world.

Image Credits: Bau Studio