Community

Site and strategy
The site is located at the Huaxing Building, Guangyi Street, Xicheng district of Beijing. Formerly, the ground floor was rented as ballrooms, what bellow it is a small hotel. During the new round of regeneration of backstreets and vacating to the urban space, the government took over space on a lease and invested in upgrading the function. The “last ballroom” was reinvigorated as a cultural activity centre that serves the local community.

The completion of Westbeat adds a dynamic new link in the public space network of Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Designed by Studioninedots the new housing complex features a public base composed of 86 arches that shape a network of inviting, shared open spaces. Measuring 65 x 50 metres and 8.5 metres high, this superspace literally and metaphorically elevates Westbeat to become a distinguished destination in the city’s densifying urban periphery.

Wantouqiao, a town under the jurisdiction of Wugang City, used to be an ancient city in the centre of southwestern Hunan. The market centre provides a more inclusive solution for rural revitalization. As a new type of building, it integrates the market, logistics, commerce, e-commerce, transportation and poverty alleviation housing all under the same roof, making it as an one-stop service platform.

La Frater is the reinterpretation and adaptation to a cultural and social aspect within the Santa Cruz society, that is, typical of Santa Cruz de la Sierra; For this, it is necessary to mention that this type of establishment is common within a society whose members need a place to share among their closest friends.

Initiated by the villagers, Puuhi is a space for a shared activity for the people of Soini. The goal was to create a socially and ecologically sustainable wooden building of high architectural quality using local materials and drawing from local skills and resources. Anssi Lassila of OOPEAA, a native of Soini himself, was asked to design it, and the final building is a result of a seamless collaboration between him and a skilled local builder, Aki Alatalo. Adjusting to the rhythm of the seasons, the design and building proceeded in stages over a two-year span. Apart from the drawings for the building permit, only hand-drawn sketches were made. The plans were flexibly modified in response to the arising needs and to the availability of materials.

The project originates from a partnership between Made in Earth and Terre des Hommes Core Trust, an ONG which takes care of children in troubles (abandoned or orphans, disabled or abused), giving them a home, an education and possibly following till and through the employment age.

The new Community Centre adds both modern and classical design elements to the historic surroundings of Vonsild Church. The awarded project demonstrates, how tailored and simple architecture contributes to the unique atmosphere of the place.