Location: Wuhan, China.

Architect: Waterfrom Design co. Ltd.

Waterfrom Design has reconstructed the traditional Chinese alleyway, or Lifen, in Wuhan, China, using a combination of modern and traditional design elements. The design firm used a mix of western and eastern culture to create a modern space that still pays homage to the city’s cultural heritage. The design features a loft corridor, vertical two and three-story buildings, and a semi-independent design that connects the residents of Lifen. The design also includes a wharf of traditional opera, which is a cultural asset in the memory of Wuhan. The street of the ground floor serves as an open stage for performing arts, and the spacious platform on the second floor serves as a projection area or performance space. The design also incorporates the use of thick Travertine and small openings and cutting lines to resemble the effect and accumulation of time on buildings. The children’s playground on the second floor uses simple layouts and accessible materials to remind visitors of their childhood in the lanes. The design is intended to reinforce the connection of the volumes and challenge the visual stability of the space. The project was completed in 2021 and covers an area of 1,340 square meters.

Photo credit: One Thousand Degrees Image, Vincent Wu.