Dutch architecture and planning firm MVRDV has completed a work of true transformation in the Chinese city of Shenzen by taking a raggedy old Chinese factory building and converting it into a modern office building complete with ample public spaces to engage with the surrounding community.
Created as part of a collaboration between MVRDV, vaLUE Design, the Shenzhen Bowan Architecture Design Institute and the Urban Research Institute of Vanke, the 'Idea Factory' building comprises 11,000 square meters of interior space across six floors and houses the Urban Research Institute's office in addition to offering additional office space for rent.
What's great about this project is that it uses the original Chinese factory building's concrete frame and structure, but imposes an additional facade and upper floor, making it a fine example of how existing architectural projects can be transformed through innovative design and engineering, reducing the need for constant demolition and rebuilding work.
Reimagined Chinese Factory Buildings
This Modern Office Building Was Crafted Out Of An Old Factory
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Reuse - The trend of repurposing old buildings into modern offices is growing, providing opportunities for architects and planners to demonstrate their creativity by preserving the original structures and adding new ones.
2. Sustainable Architecture - Repurposing old buildings can be an environmentally-friendly solution, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects and decreasing the amount of waste generated.
3. Community Engagement - Designing public spaces that foster community engagement is a growing trend in architecture, and repurposed factories offer unique opportunities to incorporate existing industrial structures into new designs.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects and planners can take advantage of the trend of repurposing old buildings by developing new designs that integrate existing structures in innovative ways.
2. Real Estate - Repurposing old buildings for modern offices can be an attractive option for real estate developers looking for unique properties to renovate and rent out.
3. Construction - Sustainable and environmentally-friendly building practices are becoming increasingly important in the construction industry, and repurposing old buildings is a promising solution for reducing waste and carbon emissions.