Poetry Anthology Of Light
POETRY ANTHOLOGY OF LIGHT
P.m.a.studio
ARCHITECTS
P.m.a.studio
LEAD ARCHITECTS
Holmes Chan (Chen Hao)
DESIGN TEAM
Wang Meng
TECHNICAL TEAM
Xie Yixun
PHOTOGRAPHS
Jason Xie
AREA
200 m²
YEAR
2023
LOCATION
Guang Zhou, China
CATEGORY
Refurbishment, Retail
English description provided by the architects.
This project involved the reconstruction of a dilapidated building located in Guangzhou's old town along Tongfu Xi Road, a historic street established in 1926.
Once vibrant, this area has suffered from significant neglect over the years, with many buildings falling into disrepair, creating safety hazards that forced both residents and businesses to leave. As the street's vitality faded, so did its cultural and commercial appeal.
The project seeks to revitalize this aging urban space through a modern architectural intervention, one that respects its historical context while introducing a contemporary purpose.
By transforming the decaying structure into a mixed-use space—a small-scale gallery and a co-working café—the design creates a "third space" for the community, offering a new hub where people can gather, collaborate, and connect outside of their home or workplace.
Architecturally, the project serves as a symbol of renewal. The challenge lay in balancing preservation with innovation—while the building's volume and height had to remain unchanged, adhering to strict urban planning regulations, the architects reimagine the space with modern design elements that reintroduce vibrancy and interaction to the area.
This transformation also aims to attract a younger demographic, bringing back the energy that once characterised the area. The combination of cultural programming (via the gallery) and flexible workspaces (through the café) fosters a creative and professional environment.
This new architectural language, blending art and commerce, revitalises not only the structure but also the social fabric of the neighbourhood, restoring a sense of community and economic potential.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding bamboo groves, the architects chose raw concrete as the primary material. This decision was made to evoke a sense of serenity and Zen, complementing the tranquil atmosphere of the old town.
The use of raw materials underscores the contrast between the past and present, grounding the modern design in its natural surroundings.
The entrance is defined by a light brown wooden door, serving as a warm transition between the bamboo and the glass façade. This subtle design choice creates a welcoming, earthy feel that softens the modern lines of the building.
As the building is tightly nestled between neighbouring structures and surrounded by bamboo, natural light was limited. To address this challenge, skylights were thoughtfully incorporated, allowing light to flood the interior while casting elegant shadows on the walls.
These skylights not only brighten the space but also create dynamic patterns of light that shift throughout the day, adding a poetic rhythm to the architectural experience. The interplay of light and shadow transforms the walls into living canvases, enhancing the atmosphere and making the space feel both serene and vibrant.
Inside, a floating platform above the stairs creates a unique spatial experience, giving visitors the sensation of ascending toward the sky. This architectural feature adds to the openness of the space, promoting a feeling of tranquillity and elevation.
The building's interior is designed to house a small gallery and co-working café, combining cultural engagement with a flexible working environment that appeals to the area's younger population.
The design preserves the building's original patio, but with a twist. A slanted white wall was introduced, turning the patio into a canvas for sunlight. As the sun's angle shifts throughout the day and across seasons, the wall transforms into a dynamic piece of art, a modern installation created by sunlight and nature itself.
The design preserves the building's original patio, but with a twist. A slanted white wall was introduced, turning the patio into a canvas for sunlight.
As the sun's angle shifts throughout the day and across seasons, the wall transforms into a dynamic piece of art, a modern installation created by sunlight and nature itself.
