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
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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.