To transform an old granary in Nanyang, China, into a multi-purpose public space, Beijing firm YFS took the most resourceful approach possible: It selectively demolished exterior walls of the eight pre-existing buildings, thereby opening the structures up and linking them together. Then, the firm recycled the resulting materials. Weathered bricks became paving stones. Old bits of wood became beams or soffits. All of the additional elements, from the trusswork to the woven-bamboo rail system, were crafter by local artisans, making the project a genuine community endeavour.
Team: Zhang Yifan with Yan Juan, Peng Wei, Sun Qingfeng, Hua Xinning and Hu Diya
Beijing firm YFS selectively demolished exterior walls of pre-existing buildings to open up structures and link them together.