by Sarah Mineko Ichioka

2019 On Site Review Report

Courtyard House Plugin

Architect People’s Architecture Office

ClientBeijing Dashilar, Local Residents

Design2013-2014

Completed2016

Beijing, China

5258.CHI

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Courtyard House PluginBeijing, China

I. Introduction

The Courtyard House Plugin by People’s Architecture Office is a construction system comprised ofprefabricated, interlockingpanels thatallowsfor theswift,affordableanddurable retrofitofsmall-scaleresidential units within dense urban environments such as Beijing’s traditional hutong (courtyard andalleyway) neighbourhoods. Adapting technology from the refrigeration industry The Plugin was firstcommissionedin2013bygovernment-backeddevelopmentinitiativeDashilarPlatformasademonstrationprojectforupgradingdilapidatedunitswithinoneofthemostcentrallylocatedofBeijing’straditionalhutongneighbourhoods.Followingthesuccessofthisoriginaldemonstration,thesystemhasbeenimplementedinotherlocationsacrossDashilarandfurtherafield,includingShenzhen,enablinglong-standingresidentstoavoiddisplacementfromtheircommunitiesandatthesametimereactivatingabandonedsitesasaffordablelivingandworkingspacesforyoungnewcomersseekingsociablecity-centrehabitats.

II. Contextual information

A. Brief historical background

PleasenotethattheCourtyardHousePluginsystemhasbeenimplementedattwositesinShangweiVillage,Shenzhen(thepermanentrehabilitationoftworesidentialunitsaspartofthe2017Shenzhen+HongKongBi-CityBiennaleofUrbanism\Architecture), in addition toBeijing,but in the interest of concision, theinformationprovidedinthissectionrelatestotheneighbourhoodofDashilarwhereitwasfirstimplementedasapilotproject.

Beijing’sover-600-year-oldDashilarneighbourhoodisthemostcentralofitsdesignated“historicalculturalneighbourhoods”,locatedimmediatelysouth-eastofTiananmenSquare.Dashilarhasarichhistoryoftrade,craft and culture, and is identified as the origin point of both the PekingOpera andBeijing’s financialindustry. It has historically been an area of mixed incomes and ethnicities, including a long-standingcommunityofHuiChinese,oneofthecountry’sMuslimminoritygroups(reflectedinthepresenceofamosqueandMuslimrestaurantsinthedistrict),andremainshometomanysmallfamily-runbusinesses.

DashilarisoneofthemostvisibleofBeijing’sremainingcourtyard-and-alleywayhutongneighbourhoods,once aprevalenturban typologyacross the city. In thepast twodecades, andespecially in theburst ofredevelopmentleadinguptothe2008BeijingOlympics,over70%ofthecity’shutongshavebeendemolished.Inmanycases,thehutongshavebeenclearedtoaccommodatemoderncommercialandresidentialtowersandblocks.InthecaseoftheQianmenneighbourhoodlocateddirectlyacrossthecentralnorth–southaxisroadfromDashilar,governmentrenewalhasinsteadtakentheformoffaux-historicreconstruction,whichwhileitmayattracttourists,hasstruggledtomatchthediversityandvibrancyofthehutongsthatitreplaced.Both“tabularasa”and“re-creation”approacheshaveattractedpubliccriticism.

Atthesametime,remaininghutongslikeDashilarcontendwithproblemsoftheirown:complicatedpropertyownershipandshiftinggovernmentpolicies;dilapidatedandoftenunsafestructures;scarceprovisionofmoderninfrastructuresuchasprivate toiletsandshowers;andamarginalisedresidentialpopulationthatincludesbothlong-termelderlyresidentswhomayberichinlocalsocialconnectionsbutpoorintermsof

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capitaltomobilise,andruralin-migrantswhoselegalstatusbarsthemfromaccesstourbanservices.Someresidentswhoheldprivatetitletotheirhomeshavechosentotakeupgovernmentrelocationprogrammes,providingfunds(basedonunitsize)tomovetomoderndwellingsfurtheroutinthecity.Thoselivinginsmaller,state-owned,orinformallyoccupiedunitshaveaharder(orimpossible)timetakingpartintheseprogrammes.

In 2011 Beijing Dashilar Investment Ltd (a government-backed development company) launchedtheDashilar Project as an alternative development strategy for the district. Pursuing a “soft”, “nodal”,“curatorial” approach to regeneration,DashilarProject’s stated aim is to “re-envision the area’s past topromote a heterogeneous yet interdependent mix of business and people both old and new, restoringDashilar’sdeservedprosperity,traditionalvibrancy,andplacewithinthecity”.Inpractice,thishasentailedanalmostoverwhelmingarrayofdifferentprojectsbydesigners,architectsandcuratorsinsertedwithinthedistrict’sbuildingsandpublicspaces,andaninfluxofyounger,creativeentrepreneursandvisitors,mostnotablyduringBeijingDesignWeek,which receives intensive localand international industryattentioneveryautumn.

B. Local architectural character, including prevalent forms and materials

Thearea isdenselypopulated low-rise.A surveyby the redevelopmentclient revealed that theaverageresidence’s gross floor area is 22 squaremetres and thatmany nuclear families inhabit spaces of only10 to 15 squaremetres.Themajority of buildings are single-storey courtyards or bungalows.Many ofthe courtyards date from theMing andQing dynasties.These are interspersedwith buildings from theearlyRepublicofChinaperiodaswellasthoseextendinguptothepresentday.Courtyardswhichweretraditionallyinhabitedbyasingle,extendedfamily,havebeencumulativelyinfilledbynewerarrivals.Aneighbourhoodbuildingsurveyclassifiedthequalityofthemajorityofthebuildingsinthedistrictas“PoorStructure/No Facilities/NoMaintenance”.The same survey identified at least 200 vacant spaceswithincourtyards.Prevalentmaterialsincludetimber,brick(includingtraditionalgrey“Beijingbrick”),andtiledroofs.Mostoftheolderbuildingshavepitchedroofs.Morerecentinformalextensionshavebeenbuiltwithflat roofs andusinganadhoccollectionofmaterials, including render anddouble-glazedvinyl-framedwindowsanddoors.

C. Climatic conditions

Beijing has a continental climate,with hot, humid, rainy summers and cold, drywinters. June–Augustaveragehightemperaturesare30/31°C,withperceivedtemperaturessignificantlyhigherthanthisduetohighhumidity.Duringthewintermonths,averagetemperatureshoverbelowfreezing.Airqualityisoftenanissue,duebothtodustfromthedesertareasofMongoliaandCentralAsia,andsmogfromregionalindustry.

The humid summers and freezing winters both have significant impacts on residents living in poorlyinsulatedandunder-servicedoldbuildings.Hutongresidentsmustairtheirbeddingdailytopreventmould,and stories circulate of elderly residents freezing to deathwhilst using the public toilet facilities in thedepthsofwinter.

D. Immediate surroundings of the site, including architectural character, access, landscaping, etc.

ThepilotPluginswereimplementedincourtyardstypicalofoverallDashilarcharacter:dense,low-rise,andmixed;asdescribedintheprevioussection.

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Immediatecirculationroutesarebynarrow,pavedalleyways,whichareheavilyusedaspublicspaces,withresidentssittingoutandsocialising,walkingtheirdogs,conductingbusiness,andparkingandchargingtheirubiquitouselectricscooters.

Please consult “Map of Dashilar Plugins” to show relation of completed sites to the broader historic area and sites identified for potential future restoration.

E Topography of the project site

TheDashilar area is generallyflat, although the courtyards’ internal levels are of varied depths, due tohistoricbuildingupofthegroundplaneovertime.

III. Programme

A. History of the inception of the project; how the project was initiated

In2013,theDashilarProjectbeganits“DashilarPilotProject”,invitingarchitectsandplannerstosubmitproposals forbuildingrestoration. In thePilotProject’sfirst threeyears itassembledadatabaseofover100proposals,ofwhichonlyafewwereable topass thehurdlesofa longapprovalsprocess involvinggovernmentagenciesaswellaslocalcommunityendorsement.SomeofthefewsuccessfullyimplementedduringthisperiodincludetheMicroYuan’erprojectbyZhangKe(AKAAwinnerinthelastcycle),andthefirstCourtyardHousePluginpilots,introducedtothepublicduringBeijingDesignWeek2014.

B. How were the architects and specialists chosen?

Onthebasisofthequalityoftheirpastwork,People’sArchitectureOfficewererecommendedtoJiaRong,Curator ofDashilar Platform byYijingXu andNeillMcleanGaddes of the SANS practice,whowerecloselyinvolvedinBeijingDesignWeekprogramminginDashilar.

C. General programme objectives

TheDashilarPilotProjecttaskeditsarchitectstoaddressthefollowingsiteconditionsandconstraints:

- Cumulativeinfilltotraditionalcourtyards- Dilapidatedconditionofstructures- Smallunitsizes- High-densityoccupation- Minimalinfrastructure(toilets,showers,heatingsystems)- Complicatedownershipstructures- Complicatedpolicylandscape- Residents’statedprioritisationoflivingconditionsoverhistoricpreservation:“improveinfrastructure,

buildingqualityandinteriorspaceusageefficiency”.

Anychanges to theoriginal structureofabuilding inDashilar requiresanextensiveapprovalsprocess:restorationplansareprohibitedfromexceedingoriginalbuildingheightandfromchangingitsstyle,sizeorlocation.

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Inthecaseofrenovatedvacantproperties,onlyalimitednumberofuseswerepermittedtoavoidcompetitionwithexistinglocalbusinesses,includingofficespace,residentialspaceandtemporaryaccommodations(forexamplehostels).

D. Functional requirements (i.e. architect’s brief)

ThefirstPluginsfolloweddifferentbriefs:

For the Courtyard House 72 North Plugin House location, Dashilar Platformwanted a space for theircuratorial team to work, and in which they could host informal events such as community gardeningworkshops;inthefacing(South)unit,theywantedatemporaryaccommodationspacethatcouldhostonetotwoshort-stayguests.

FortheCourtyardHouse37location,comprisingfourdifferentinterventionswithintheexistingcourtyardstructure,People’sArchitectureOfficedesignedtheschemetoaccommodatetheirownworkingspace,forateamof20staff,includingaformalmeetingroom,informalflexiblemeetinganddiningarea,model-makingworkshop,kitchen,toiletandstorageareas.Intheremainingresidentialunitwithintheircourtyard,theyredesignedtheexistingdwellingofMrSunandhisadultdaughter.

AsubsequentPlugin,thefirstprivatecommission,camefromMrsDong,forherhomeinthesameCourtyardHouse72asthepreviousinterventions.MrsDongsoughttorenovateherexistingdwelling,sharedwithheradult son.

IV. Description

A. Building data: volumetry, massing, number of units, surface in square metres, etc.

DifferentiterationsofthePluginsystemhavetakendifferentshapesandsizes,althoughallhaveworkedwithintheexistingframeworksofthehutongstructures.Projectshaverangedinsizefrom5.6squaremetres(ahouseforprivateclientMrZhao)to117squaremetres(thetotalareaofPeople’sArchitectureOffice,comprisingfourdifferentinterventions).Allofthehutonginsertsaresingle-storey,althoughsomeincludemezzaninelevelsorroofterraces.

For easy comparison, including client names, locations, floor area, date of completion, plans and sections please consult “Catalog of Built Plugin Houses”.

B. Evolution of design concepts, including

1. Response to physical constraints – siting, climate, plot ratios, etc.

In the case of buildings deemed historically important by the authorities, the Plugin system is insertedwithintheexistingstructures:itnevertouchesorisfixedtothem,andoftenseekstodrawattentiontothehistoric fabricbyexposing it (forexamplevia skylights that allowaview to theoriginal roof structureabove)orbringingitintorelief(forexamplebythejuxtapositionoftheoldpaintedtimberwindowframeinfrontofthenewmetal-finishedpanel.Inthecaseofbuildingsdeemedreplaceable,thePluginstructurereplacesthedemolishedbuildingonitsexistingfootprint.

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ThePluginpanel’shighinsulationvalueisspecifiedtocreatemorecomfortablelivingenvironmentsduringBeiing’shumidsummersandcoldwinters.Atclientrequests,thearchitectshavealsosoughttomaximisedaylightingtothebuildings,combattingthedarknessoftheirbuilt-upcontexts.

The architects have conductive extensive urban-scale analysis of themany different types and sizes ofDashilar’scourtyardhouses,optimisingpanelsizeparametersforbestfit,establishingsuggestedguidelinesto govern the permitted rebuilding of informal additions within the courtyards to help to rationalisecirculationinpublicareas,andevencreatedamatrixofsuggestedoptimalprogrammaticconfigurationsdependingonbuildingtype.(Pleasesee“PluginHouseManual”forillustrations.)

2. Response to user requirements; spatial organisation

Whenpossible, the architectshave tried to create connections to thepublic areasof the courtyards, forexample through the creation of fully opening façades, rooftop terraces, or expandable outdoor showerareas.Lateriterationsofthesystemhavecreatedthinnerwallsandpitchedroofs(housingmezzaninesforsleepingareasforexample)tomaximiseinternalusableareasfortheiroccupants.

3. Purely formal aspects – massing, articulation of façades, decorative features, use of traditional motifs, etc.

Inkeepingwiththeirindustrialorigins,andinordertobringthehistoricfabrictheyareadjacenttointorelief,Pluginsdeployaverysimple,functionalaesthetic.Surfacestendtobewhite,ormetallic(steel,orgold-tone).

4. Landscaping

After new septic tank systems are installed, the courtyards’ ground surfaces have been rebuilt in eithertimber(CourtyardHouse72)orbrick(CourtyardHouse37).

Thecourtyardscontainvariouspottedplants,mostdecorative,someedible, inkeepingwith thegeneralambiance of the area, which has a growing community gardening movement, actively encouraged byDashilarProject.OneofthePluginshasasmallbambooplantgrowingdirectlyinthegroundbesideitsoperablefaçade.

C. Structure, materials, technology

1. Structural systems; in restoration projects, structural interventions

ThePluginmodulesincorporatestructure,insulation,wiring,andinteriorandexteriorfinishesinprefabricatedpanels;installationandassemblywithahex-wrenchrequiresnomorethanoneday,andcanbedonewithoutspecialised labour.

Developed in partnership with a refrigerator manufacturer, the Plugins’ adjustable moulds allow theprefabricationofcustomshapesandsizeswithoutsignificantlyincreasingcost;mezzaninelevels(supportedbyadditionalcolumns,whichthepanelscanbecuttoaccommodate)canbespecifiedtoincreaseusablespace.

Panelscanbemouldedasflat,90degreeor120degreevariations.

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2. Materials The sandwichpanels comprise a layerofhigh-density, closed-cell polyurethane insulationbetween two

sheets:sheetmetalontheexterior,andtheinteriorismagnesiumoxidedrywall,whichisfibrereinforced,waterresistantandfireresistant.

Thepanelslocktogetherwithintegratedmetalcam-locks,insertedduringthemouldingprocessandoperablewithonlyahexwrench.Theclosed-cellpolyurethanefoamexcludeswaterpenetration.Thecontinuoususeofthepanelsforceiling,wallsandroofpreventsthermalbridging.

Becausethepanelmouldingprocessdoesnotgenerateanysurfaceheat,nearlyanyfinishmaterialcanbebondedtoit.Bothexternalandinternalfinishesareintegratedintothepanels,andcanbespecifiedbytheclients.Externalfinishoptionsinclude304stainlesssteelandALUCOBOND.

Differentdoorsandwindows,forexamplealuminiumbrokenbridgeframesordouble-glazedwindows,canbespecifiedaccordingtoclientbudgetsandtastes.

3. Construction technology

Thesystemisexplicitlydesignedtobeinstalledbysmallteamsofunskilledworkers,requiringnospecialmachineryorequipment.Thelightweightprefabricatedpanelsarecheaptotransportfromthefactory,andcanbeeasilycarriedinanderectedbyhand,andinstalledusingonlyahexwrench,whichactivatestheintegratedpanellocks.

4. Building services, site utilities

Thepanelsintegrateelectricwiringandlights.Intheresidentialunits,smallkitchenunitscontainbuilt-inovens,ventilationhoodsandsinks.Sanitarysystemscomprisestandalonecompostingtoilets,forindividualunits,orsharedseptictanksystems,forlargercourtyardrefurbishments.

D. Origin of

1. Technology

China.

2. Materials

China.

3. Labour force

China.

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4. Professionals

Architects: China (one of the architectural principals is ChineseAmerican, the other two are Chinesenationals).

Contractors:China. Consultants:China.

V. Construction schedule and costs

A. History of project design and implementation, with dates

Beijing

OriginalprojectforDashilarProject(CourtyardHouse72): commissioned2013 Originalprojectdesign: 2013–2014 Originalprojectconstruction: 2014 Originalprojectcompleted: 2014 Subsequentprojects(rollingcommission,design,construction,completionphases): 2014–2016

Shenzhen ProjectsforShenzhen+HongKongBi-CityBiennale(rollingcommission,design,

construction,completionphases): 2016–2017

B. Totalcostsandmainsourcesoffinancing

Year City Property Aream2

Construction cost USD

Client DesignfreeUSD

2013 Beijing Initial Plugin design concept

– – Dashilar 1,500

2014 Beijing CourtyardHouse72NorthPluginHouse

43.7 26,900 Dashilar 7,000

CourtyardHouse72SouthPluginHouse

20.3 14,200 7,000

2015 Beijing CourtyardHouse37NorthPluginHouseA

48.7 23,000 People’s ArchitectureOffice

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CourtyardHouse37NorthPluginHouseB

46 21,700

CourtyardHouse37East Plugin House

11.9 5,600

CourtyardHouse37WestPluginHouse

10.4 4,900

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Year City Property Aream2

Construction cost USD

Client DesignfreeUSD

2015 Beijing Plugin House – – – 0

MrsDongPluginHouse 14.1 6,700 MrsDongputin1,500USD,therestwassubsidised by Dashilar

949

CourtyardHouse37SouthPluginHouse

28.7 9.500 Dashilar 4,550

Mr.Sun’sPluginHouse 17.1 4,200

CourtyardHouse30NorthPluginHouse

8.4 5,631

CourtyardHouse30East Plugin House

14.6 10,400

CourtyardHouse32North

24.5 13,675

CourtyardHouse32South

22.8 9,000

2016 Beijing MrsFan’sPluginHouse 13.6 14,100 MrsFan 2,695

MrZhao’sPluginHouse

5.6 4,900 MrZhao 2,594

2017 Shenzhen MrHuang’sPluginHouse

11 8,900 MrHuang 4,448

Shenzhen MrFang’sPluginHouse

15 13,400 MrFang 4,448

Rural site MrZhe’sPluginHouse 35 31,300 MrZhe 7,414

C. Comparative costs (if relevant)

Typicalcostofgovernment-renovatedprojects: 5,000–6,000RMB/m2

PluginHouserenovationcost: 2,500–3,500RMB/m2

D. Qualitative analysis of costs (per square metre, per unit, etc.)

Foranextensiveandinformativecomparisonofthecostsvsconventionalrenovation,pleaseconsult“PluginHouseManual”.

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E. Maintenance costs (heating, cooling, etc.)

• Energyusecomparison: Typicalcourtyardhouse: 2,780kw/heachyear PluginHouse: 916kw/heachyear

• Septicsystemmaintenancecost: Courtyard72septictank: 1,000RMBevery5years Courtyard37septictank: 800RMBevery3years MrsFanPluginHousecompostingtoilet: 400RMBperyear

F. Ongoing costs and “life performance” of building, in terms of materials, maintenance, etc.

Notapplicable.

VI. Technical assessment

A. Functional assessment (use)

ThePluginsarewelldesignedfortheirdesignatedfunctions,effectivelymaximisingtheusabilityoflimitedavailablespace.

B. Climatic performance, lighting, natural and/or mechanical ventilation, sun control, insect control, acoustics, orientation, etc.; description of systems developed and utilised

Thepanelsareinsulated,aidingthermalregulationandlimitingnoisetransfer,andintegrateelectricalwiringandlow-energylighting.Allofthewindows,skylightsanddoorsaremanuallyoperabletoallowfornaturalventilationandflexibleinteractionsbetweentheprivateindoorspacesandsemi-publicsharedcourtyards.

C. Response to treatment of water and rainfall; discharge of water, and retention and release system(s), if any

Notapplicable.

D. Environmentalresponse;adaptationtothenaturalenvironment;adaptationtonativefloraandfauna

Notapplicable.

E. Choice of materials, level of technology

Thechoicematerialsandlevelsoftechnologyarewellconsideredandappropriatetotheprojectcontextandclient needs.

F. Response to, and planning for, emergency situations, i.e. natural disasters, floods, winds, fires,earthquakes, etc.

Notapplicable.

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G. Ageing and maintenance problems

ThePluginsinDashilararerobustlybuiltandaregenerallyholdingupwellafterfourtofiveyearsofactiveuse.A fewminormaintenanceproblemswere reportedby residents.Theprimary reportedmaintenancechallenge relates to the sanitary systems: composting toilets (standalone Plugins) and septic systems(multiplePluginsaroundasharedcourtyard).Usersoftheformerreporteddifficultiesgettingusedtotheupkeepof thedifferentsystem(whichrequiresregularadditionofspecialbacteria toaid thebreakdownof solidwaste), and the latter said that smells could sometimes be a problem in common areas duringwarmweather.Oneresidentmentionedthatbecausetheshowerroomfloorisflushwiththeexternalfloor,overspillcanbeaproblem,butnowaterdamagewasevidentat the threshold.TheexpandableoutdoorshowercustomdesignedforMrsDongfreezesduringwintermonths.

H. Design features: massing and volume, articulation of spaces, integration into the site (topography and neighbouring buildings)

Themassingandvolumeof thePluginsarealwaysdictatedbytheirexistingstructuresandplots,eitherasinfillwithinexistingwallsandroofstructures,orreplacingademolished(non-historic)structureonitsoriginalbuiltfootprint.

I. Impact of the project on the site, in terms of increased circulation or vehicular movement, changes required for infrastructure (particularly for projects in high-density areas), etc.

Oneofthemajoradvantagesofthistechnologyisitsabilitytobeinstalledwithminimalsiteimpact.Asnomachineryisinvolvedintheirassembly,theprefabricatedpanelscanbecarriedinbyhandifnecessary–particularlyusefulinnarrowalleywaysthatonlypermitpedestriansandtwo-wheeledvehicles.Thesanitarysystems– composting toilets and septic tanks– are also specified tooperate independentlyof commonsewagelines,whichaspreviouslymentionedarelargelyabsentinDashilar.

J. Durability and long-term viability of the project

The individual units are robustly built and their owners/users are keen to continue using them and torecommendthesystemtootherpotentialclients.

K. Ease and appropriateness of furnishings; interior design and furnishing

Intheprivateunits,furnishingsareprovidedbytherespectiveowner,sovaryconsiderably;theresidentstakepride incustomising their spaces. In thecommercialunits (e.g.People’sArchitectureOffice’sownstudio,andtheco-workingspaceandshorttermrentalunitsoriginallycommissionedbyDashilarPlatform,someofthefurnitureiscustomdesignedbyPAO(whichalsohasaproductdesigndivision),forexampletriangulartablestofitintotightcorners.

VII. Users

A. Descriptionofthosewhouseorbenefitfromtheproject(e.g.,incomelevel,socio-culturalprofile,etc.)

Thelong-termresidentsofDashilar’shutongs,someofwhomhavebecomeclientsforPluginhouses,areworking-classChineseofdiverseethnicbackgrounds,manyofwhomhavelivedintheareaforgenerations.

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Intergenerationallivingiscommon,forexamplemultipleclientsareelderlyresidentssharingspacewiththeiradultchildren.NewcomersusingthePluginstendtobemiddle-incomeyoungChineseprofessionals,whohavemovedtoBeijingfromelsewhere,workinginthecreativeandserviceindustries.

B. Response to the project by clients, users, community, etc.

1. What do architectural professionals and the cultural “intelligentsia” think about the project?

The project has been widely exhibited, awarded and written about within elite international circlesof architecture and design (VeniceArchitectureBiennale, Shenzhen +HongKongBi-CityBiennale ofUrbanism\Architecture,InternationalArchitectureBiennaleRotterdam,LondonDesignMuseum,HarvardGraduateSchoolofDesign,WorldArchitectureFestival,ArchitecturalReview,Abitareandsoon–pleaseseeSectionIX:Bibliographybelowforfurtherdetails).WhilsttheDashilarPlatform’s“nodalapproach”toregenerationandBeijingDesignWeek’stemporaryactivationswithwhichtheprojectisaffiliatedhavebeenmetwithmixedcriticalreviews,thePluginprojectitselfhasgenerallybeenpraisedasoneofthemoreconvincingandlong-lastingoftheapproachesgeneratedbytheseculturalactivities.

2. What is the popular reaction to the project?

Neighbours of the residentialPluginprojects seamlessly interactwith themas an integratedpart of thehutong.Themorepublic-facingofficePlugins (the formerDashilarPlatformoffices,nowa co-workingspace, and People’sArchitecture Office) are regularly visited by tourist/study groups, increasing theirvisibility.

ThepopularpressinbothChinaandabroadhaveexpressedkeeninterestintheprojectasaninnovativeandaffordableapproachtothevexedproblemofrefurbishingBeijing’shutongsinawaythatpreservesandstrengthenstheircommunitiesaswellasitsapplicationtootherresidentialinfillsitesfurtherafield.

3. What do neighbours and those in the immediate vicinity think about the project?

According to theclientandarchitects, someneighbourswere initially sceptical about thepilotversionsinitiatedduringBeijingDesignWeek,buttheireventualembraceoftheprojectisevidencedbythedecisionofmultiplelocalresidentstocommissionPluginsfortheirownhousingrenovationsusingtheirownfunds.ObservedinteractionsbetweenPluginresidents,includingnewcomers,andtheirneighboursareamicable.

Videointerviewswithvariousresidents/clientscanbeviewedhere:

• GeneraloverviewwithWangfamily: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nrn0k1t49xez6vj/courtyardhouseplugin_CNN.mp4?dl=0 • MrsDong’sPluginHouseinterview: https://vimeo.com/153077848 • MrsFan’sPluginHouseinterview: https://vimeo.com/194316406 • MrZhaoPluginHouseinterview: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6fkxiq4p08x83yx/Zhao%27s%20Plugin%20House.mp4?dl=0 • PluginHouseopenings: https://vimeo.com/153080055w

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VIII. Persons involved

A. Identificationofprojectpersonnelandtheirrolesintheproject(e.g.,client,architect,planner,consultant,craftsmen, etc.)

Client: DashilarPlatform,Beijing,China JiaRong,founder

BeijingDashilarInvestmentLimited,Beijing,China ShaoWei,manager

Mrs.Dong,Mr.Sun,Mrs.Fanandotherpluginownerswho wishtoremainanonymous

Architect: People’sArchitectureOffice,Beijing,China JamesShen,FengZangandZheHe,foundingpartners

Strategicplanningandplacemaking: SANSPractice,Shenzhen,China XuYijing,foundingpartner NeilGaddes,foundingpartner

Curator: FuturePlus,Shenzhen,China HuangWeiwen,founderanddirector ChenXue,manager

IX. Bibliography

A. List of publications

ExhibitionsandInstallations

• 2018 AcrossChineseCities–TheCommunity,VeniceArchitectureBiennale,Venice,Italy Exhibition:People’sStation,UrbanVillagePluginHouse• 2018 BostonCityHall,Boston,US Installation:PluginHousehttps://www.boston.gov/housing/plugin-house-initiative• 2018 HarvardUniversityFestivaloftheArts,Cambridge,US Installation:PluginHouse• 2017 DesignMuseum,BeazleyDesignsoftheYear,UK Exhibition:PluginHouse• 2017 MassInterventions,People’sStation,Yantai,China RetrospectiveExhibition:SevenYearsofPeople’sArchitectureOfficeandPeople’sIndustrialDesign

Office• 2017 Bi-CityBiennaleofUrbanism\Architecture,ShenzhenandHongKong,China Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin

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• 2016 TowardsaCriticalPragmatism:ContemporaryArchitectureinChina,HarvardUniversityGSD,Cambridge,MA

Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/exhibition/towards-a-critical-pragmatism-contemporary-architecture-in-

china/• 2016Sharing&Regeneration,FondazioneEMGdotART,VeniceArchitectureBiennale,Venice,Italy Installation:CourtyardHousePlugin• 2016ChinaPavilion,VeniceArchitectureBiennale,Venice,Italy Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin• 2016 TheNextEconomy,InternationalArchitectureBiennaleRotterdam,Netherlands Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin• 2015TriennialChinaDesignExhibition,GuanshanyueArtMuseum,Shenzhen,China Installation:Full-scalePlugin• 2015Bi-CityBiennaleofUrbanism\Architecture,Shenzhen,China Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin• 2014BeijingDesignWeek,Beijing,China Installation:CourtyardHousePluginas“DashilarPilot”• 2014 AcrossChineseCities,VeniceArchitectureBiennale,Venice,Italy Exhibition:People’sArchitectureOfficeas“DashilarPilot”• 2014MakingCommunity,CFCCAGallery,Manchester,UK Exhibition:CourtyardHousePlugin• 2014 CREATIVE©ITIES,Kaohsiung,Taiwan Installation:CourtyardHousePlugin

SelectedPress

• Gallanti,Fabrizio.“Habitableurbanfragments”,Abitare,28October2018,http://www.abitare.it/en/architecture/projects/2018/10/28/peoples-architecture-office-prefabbricato-shenzhen/

• Flint,Anthony,“BostonWantsPeopleToBuildTinyHousesInTheirYards”,Citylab,11May2018,https://www.citylab.com/design/2018/05/boston-wants-residents-to-build-tiny-houses-in-their-backyards/560267/

• Biles,Madeline,“TheCityofBostonWantsYoutoPutaTinyHomeinYourBackyard”,BostonMagazine,4May2018,https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2018/05/04/plugin-house-boston/

• Wong,Kristine,“PluggingIntothePast”,StanfordSocialInnovationReview,Volume15:1,Winter2017:8–9,https://www.dropbox.com/s/ty0rtpo8jl789lj/PAOSVPinSSIDWinter2017.pdf?dl=0

• Leanza,Beatrice,“Hutong,aTestingGroundforModernization”,Abitare,31December2017,http://www.abitare.it/en/habitat-en/urban-design-en/2017/12/31/pechino-hutong-modernizzazione/

• Mollard,Manon,“EconomyClass:MrsFan’sPluginHouseinBeijing,ChinabyPeople’sArchitectureOffice”,ArchitecturalReview,9November2017,https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/economy-class-mrs-fans-plugin-house-in-beijing-china-by-peoples-architecture-office/10024969.article

• Garfield,Leanna,“This$10,000TinyHomeCanBeBuiltwithaSingleToolinLessThanaDay”,BusinessInsider,1May2017,http://www.businessinsider.com/tiny-plug-in-house-hex-key-peoples-architecture-office-2/#the-home-is-located-in-changchun-jie-a-small-town-outside-beijing-china-1

• Rabideau,Camryn,“ThisTinyHouseCostsJust$10,000andCanBeBuiltinLessThanaDay”,MarthaStewart,13December2016,http://www.marthastewart.com/1509691/tiny-house-costs-just-10000-and-can-be-built-less-day

• Bragg,Jennifer,“CanPeople-PoweredArchitectureSolveBeijing’sProblems?”,OZY,28September2016,http://www.ozy.com/rising-stars/can-people-powered-architecture-solve-beijings-

14

problems/71591• Garfield,Leanna,“ThisReady-MadeRetrofitSystemCanRenovateOldHomesinJustaFewHours

WithaWrench”,BusinessInsider,2May2016,http://www.businessinsider.com/courtyard-plug-in-renovates-old-homes-2016-4

• Pop-UpCity,“Modular,Light,Social”,SmartMagazine,27May2016,http://www.smart-magazine.com/de/peoples-architecture-office-peking/

• Leanza,Beatrice,“GreenShoots”,Frieze,18Feb2015,https://frieze.com/article/green-shoots• Crane.tv,“TheDashilarPilot”,TheNewYorkTimes,7October2013,http://www.nytimes.com/video/

garden/100000002481294/the-dashilar-pilot.html• Bertoli,Rosa,“IntegratedDesign:BeijingDesignWeekCelebratesHutongLife”,Wallpaper,6

October2015,http://www.wallpaper.com/design/integrated-design-beijing-design-week-celebrates-hutong-life?iid=sr-link1

• Wainwright,Oliver,“DesignersUse‘UrbanAcupuncture’toReviveBeijing’sHistoricHutongs”,TheGuardian,2October2013,https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/architecture-design-blog/2013/oct/02/beijing-design-week-china-hutongs-preservation

TVandNews

• 2018 NBCNews,https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/Tiny-House-on-Display-in-Boston-482120921.html

• 2018 CBSNews,http://boston.cbslocal.com/video/category/news/3860571-web-extra-innovative-housing-units-can-be-built-in-hours-by-hand/

• 2018 ABCNews,http://www.wcvb.com/article/could-this-tiny-house-make-a-big-impact-on-boston-s-housing-crisis/20269438

• 2017 PhoenixTV,http://v.ifeng.com/video_5480914.shtml• 2016 CCTVNews,http://english.cctv.com/2016/06/13/VIDEKEHklWDBKRPAGKY3RTVa160613.

shtml• 2016 CNNOneSquareMeter,http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/architecture/beijing-hutongs/index.

html.• 2015 CCTVCrossover,http://english.cntv.cn/2015/06/20/VIDE1434814079985676.shtml• 2015 “HowChinaWorks”,TheDiscoveryChannel,https://www.dropbox.com/s/rjamxc279henvm3/

CourtyardHousePluginonDiscovery.avi?dl=0

Sarah Mineko IchiokaMay 2019

MatrixofBuiltPluginHouses

Spatialconfigurationsoptions

FirstimplementedinthehistoricMuslimdistrictofDashilarandnowonmultipleurbansitesincludingShenzen,thesystemofpre-fabricatedmodularstructureintegratedwithinexistingbuildingsprovidenewquartersinoldsettings.

Courtyard House Plugin Parts

TheCourtyardHousePluginisthefirstprototypeofamodernhousedesignedtobeinsertedintoanoldhousethathasfallenintodisrepair.Itisahousewithinahouse.

Whenclosed,thetriangularspaceaddsextraspacetotheinterior.Toextendtheinteriorspacetotheexterior,itopensverticallytoprovideanintimateconnectionbetweentheinteriorandtheyard.

PlugininShenzhen.ThePluginsystemallowstoupgrade,renovateandreplacedamagedoldstructureswithoutdemolishinghistoricbuildingsandrelocatingfamilies.Itisawayofpreservinghistorictracesin old structures.

PlugininShenzhen.Themodularsystemcanbecustomizedforeachspecificbuilding,eachspecificspace,sizeandlocation.

Thearchitectshavetried,whenpossible,tocreateconnectionstothepublicareasofthecourtyardsthroughthecreationofopeningfaçades.

ThePluginusesprefabricatedpanelsmadeofacompositethatincorporatesstructure,insulation,wiring,plumbing,interiorandexteriorfinishesintoonemoldedpart.

TheexperimentalCourtyardHousePlugin,firstintroducedin2014inDashilarduringBeijingDesignWeek,hasnowexpandedintoasystematicsolutionforthehistoricneighborhood.TheprojecthasbeenimplementedinBeijingaswellasShenzhen.

Creationofmezzaninesallowresidentstoalmostdoubletheirspacebymakinguseoftheareaunderthepitchedroof.

Theimplementedprojectshaveconvincinglydisplayedthesystem’spotentialtoallowexisting,usuallyolderresidentstoupgradetheirexistingpropertiesandremainwithintheircommunities(preventingdisplacement),whilstalsorehabilitatingabandonedpropertiestowelcomenew,usuallyyoungerusersto the neighbourhood.