Architectural Cases

Jinyi Landmark: Revitalizing Industrial Heritage in Tianjin

Jinyi Landmark, designed by CM Design, stands as a testament to transformative urban renewal in Tianjin, China. This project breathes new life into the historic site of the First Machine Tool Factory, seamlessly blending industrial heritage with contemporary commercial and cultural functions. Through innovative design and thoughtful preservation, Jinyi Landmark has emerged as a dynamic center for emerging industries and a prominent cultural tourism destination, embodying Tianjin's commitment to revitalizing its older urban districts.

Revitalizing History: A New Chapter for Tianjin's Industrial Past

From Industrial Hub to Modern Marvel: The Vision Behind Jinyi Landmark

The Jinyi Landmark project, spearheaded by CM Design, reimagines the former Tianjin First Machine Tool Factory, a site steeped in industrial history. The vision was to create a vibrant mixed-use development that not only respects the past but also caters to the demands of contemporary urban life. This ambitious undertaking aimed to transform a disused industrial complex into a bustling commercial and cultural center, attracting new businesses and visitors alike.

Preserving Legacy While Embracing Innovation: Architectural Approach

CM Design’s approach to Jinyi Landmark meticulously balances the preservation of the site's rich industrial heritage with the integration of modern architectural elements. The design team carefully retained key historical structures and features, incorporating them into a cohesive new scheme. This integration ensures that the project serves as a living museum of Tianjin's industrial past while providing cutting-edge facilities for retail, leisure, and cultural activities.

A Catalyst for Urban Regeneration: Impact on Tianjin's Old Districts

Jinyi Landmark represents a significant step in Tianjin's urban renewal efforts, particularly in its older city areas. By converting an industrial relic into a dynamic commercial and cultural hub, the project has stimulated economic growth and social engagement. It acts as a magnet for new enterprises and creative industries, fostering a vibrant community spirit and demonstrating how historical sites can be repurposed to contribute to a city's future development.

Diverse Offerings for a Dynamic Community: Functionality and Design

The development offers a diverse array of functions, including retail spaces, cultural venues, and recreational areas. These elements are thoughtfully designed to create an engaging and interactive environment for visitors. The architectural layout promotes pedestrian flow and encourages exploration, making Jinyi Landmark a lively destination for both residents and tourists seeking unique experiences and a blend of historical charm with modern amenities.

A Beacon of Sustainable Development: Tianjin's Renewal Model

Jinyi Landmark exemplifies sustainable urban development by breathing new life into existing infrastructure rather than developing on new land. This project showcases a model where cultural preservation and economic revitalization go hand-in-hand, contributing to a more sustainable and vibrant urban fabric. It stands as a prime example of how cities can honor their past while confidently building towards a dynamic future.

Revitalizing a Traditional Japanese Folk House in Iwakura

The project centers on revitalizing a traditional dwelling in Iwakura, a northern district of Kyoto. The objective is to transform a historic folk house, presumed to be a farmhouse from the Meiji era, into a modern residence. The renovation process meticulously maintains the distinctive "Iwakura-type minka" architectural style, celebrated for its linear earthen floor passage and sturdy timber framework. The outcome is a space that seamlessly merges the historical character of the structure with contemporary living requirements, highlighting the building's deep connection to its past while adapting it for future use.

Blending Eras: A Vision for Sustainable Heritage

Architectural Heritage: Unveiling the Iwakura-Type Minka's Enduring Legacy

This initiative focuses on the refurbishment of a historic residence nestled in Kyoto's northern Iwakura region. Although its precise origins are somewhat obscure, architectural research points to its classification as an "Iwakura-type minka," likely constructed during the Meiji period. This vernacular style is distinguished by its direct "doma" or earthen-floored passageway, which extends in a north-south direction, flanked by a series of rooms. A hallmark of this design is its robust timber beam framework, indicating a construction period spanning from the late Edo to the Meiji era. Further investigations, including property records and architectural assessments, also reveal that significant structural additions and modifications were undertaken in the 1970s, integrating new layers into its historical fabric.

Revitalizing the Past: Strategic Interventions and Material Choices

The renovation strategy was carefully planned to address issues such as a dark, uninviting living area and a limited connection to the adjacent garden. Initially, a design proposal to relocate the "doma" was considered. However, the decision was made to preserve the existing "doma" configuration, opting instead to remove a portion of the ceiling above it. This intervention allowed for the integration of modern kitchen and bathroom facilities while retaining the traditional spatial flow. The introduction of new glass openings and strategic lighting enhanced the ambient brightness. Furthermore, the selection of materials like plaster for the walls and cedar for the flooring contributed to a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and durable interior, designed to complement the existing wooden elements.

Structural Harmony: Celebrating Timber and Light

A central feature of the renovation was the careful exposure of the underlying timber structure, particularly the original sturdy beams. This approach was aimed at creating a more expansive and luminous environment within the home. The integration of a new framework with the old facilitated the incorporation of contemporary amenities, such as a fireplace and additional windows, without compromising the structural integrity or historical essence. The thoughtful combination of traditional joinery techniques with modern construction methods highlights the interplay between historical reverence and contemporary functionality, ensuring the structure's longevity and adaptability.

Spatial Transformation: Bridging Indoor and Outdoor Realms

The redesign extended to the outdoor areas, specifically the private garden, transforming it into an integral part of the living experience. A newly established "engawa" (veranda) acts as a transitional zone, enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior spaces. This thoughtful landscaping, coupled with the introduction of new pathways and seating areas, encourages outdoor engagement. The renovation also included improvements to the home's insulation and a careful selection of exterior finishes that harmonize with the natural surroundings. This holistic approach ensures that the renovated folk house is not only a comfortable and functional living space but also a respectful continuation of its architectural and cultural narrative.

See More

Serindang House 2: Blending Eras in Indonesian Hospitality Architecture

This article explores Serindang House 2, a significant architectural project by PSA Studio. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of creating an extension for a nearly two-decade-old building, highlighting the thoughtful integration of past and present design philosophies to meet evolving spatial needs. The narrative showcases a successful blend of traditional context with modern architectural demands in the hospitality sector.

Harmonizing Heritage and Modernity: The Evolution of Serindang House

The Architectural Challenge of Extending a Legacy Building

The journey to realize Serindang House 2 commenced with a unique architectural puzzle: designing an expansion for a property that had already stood for close to twenty years. The initial structure was finalized in 2008, while the latest addition came to fruition in 2025. This significant time gap presented more than just a need for increased space; it demanded a delicate negotiation between two different design eras, ensuring a cohesive dialogue between the original building's character and the new extension's contemporary requirements.

See More