Revitalizing Tradition: The Jiangshan Fishing Village Renovation

Mix Architecture's Innovative Approach to Rural Renewal

The Jiangshan Fishing Village Renovation is a human-oriented preservation and renovation practice of a small village. The project aims to meet the basic needs of modern cultural life for the residents. The first phase of the renewal plan consists of two parts: the renovation of the vacant old homes and the construction of rural public facilities.

The design retains the external appearance of the rare old houses in the village to the maximum degree, emphasizing the importance of regional characteristics and cultural heritage. At the same time, disruptive functional replacement and spatial reconstruction of the interior of the building were implemented. A bookcase wrapped in a patio and a glass tea pavilion facing the courtyard were implanted. These not only became the center of space activities but also broke the boundaries between the interior and exterior, introducing sunlight and nature into the dimly old houses, making them become village neighborhoods as a new place for communication and cultural blending.

The construction of rural public health facilities is to meet villagers' needs for nearby toilets in their daily life and working. The two public toilets are located at the entrance of the village and the groves in the village. The most basic forms and architectural methods of construction ensure that a simple modern aesthetic can still be presented in less capital and regional construction conditions. And through the dislocation of buildings, a "gap" is formed, allowing the building to enjoy good ventilation and lighting effects with only a small amount of equipment.

The project started in 2017 in Nanjing, China, and finished in January 2018. The gross built area is 385 square meters. The design team included architects Wu Ziye, Zhou Suning, Tang Tao, Liu Man, and Mao Junpeng. This Design was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019. Platinum A' Design Award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. Awarded to the defining aesthetics of an era, they advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology, exhibiting transcendent excellence and making the world a better place.

The Jiangshan Fishing Village Renovation by Mix Architecture is a testament to the power of innovative design in preserving cultural heritage while meeting the demands of modern life. It serves as an inspiring example for future rural renewal projects, demonstrating how thoughtful design can breathe new life into declining rural areas while preserving their unique cultural identities.