This project is located in Houjie Town, Dongguan City, which used to be the building complex of the First Industrial Zone in the Liaoxia district. With due consideration for the comprehensive protection and utilization of the existing old industrial buildings, we aim to transform them into a cultural and creative complex neighborhood——“Houjie Times”, themed around industrial culture and urban striving spirit.
The architectural complex itself embodies a microcosm of the contemporary history of economic development in the Pearl River Delta. Riding the spring wind of reform and opening up, Houjie town gradually completed a transition from agriculture to industry and commerce. The First Industrial Zone is representative of the most iconic industrial park in the Houjie Liaoxia district. Through the "Three-plus-one" trading-mix policy (Custom manufacturing with materials, design or samples supplied and compensation trade), Houjie Liaoxia district has introduced nearly 16 Taiwan-funded, Hong Kong-funded and local companies featuring handbags, toys, shoes, machinery, etc. since the 1980s. As the economic development phase shifted, specialized production continually upgraded towards technological industrialization. The original factory site, located in the town center, faced growing consumer demands of the surrounding population and synchronous trends in consumption upgrading. This presented a need for current diverse consumption scenes, making it an optimal site for the new spirit of Houjie, leading to the inception of the “Houjie Times” project.
In consideration of this context, we approach the project with respect to the original building’s construction logic. We adopt a restrained and precise approach of addition and subtraction on the original building’s skeletal framework. The design strategy primarily involves the removal of the aging outer decorative layers, exposing the structural framework to highlight the distinctive construction features of the industrial factory buildings from that era. This approach is not only rooted in the protection and utilization of industrial architecture but also in the inheritance and continuation of its era-specific memories and characteristics.
Building upon this spatial foundation, we then employ an “addition” strategy by incorporating scaffolding as a featuring element of facade installation which is commonly seen in construction site. This not only introduces a sense of high innovation to the space but also shapes the project’s unique overall image, creating memorable points and enhancing recognition. More importantly, the lightweight nature of these materials and the flexible construction method align perfectly with Houjie’s continuous development process of adapting to changing times. Even in the face of the rapid iteration of the current commercial market, this adaptable and changeable design can respond to subsequent project operational changes swiftly and efficiently.
Aligned with the envisioned creation of a vibrant humanistic neighborhood for the project, apart from the architectural transformations, the planning of site roads is equally crucial. On the one hand, drawing inspiration from the distinctive arcade spaces with Lingnan architectural features, we implement an “inward retreat” strategy on the ground floor, creating a pedestrian walkway under the arcade.
Adjacent new buildings can seamlessly connect to this, ensuring a seamless walking experience within the block. On the other hand, recognizing Dongguan’s high dependence on private car travel, we have purposely incorporated numerous evenly distributed semi-underground parking lots. Coupled with considerations for site conditions, road planning, and connectivity factors, the design layout is based on a judicious use of the terrain, striking a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.
The first phase of the “Houjie Times” project officially opened in October 2023, with additional venues set to gradually debut next year, accommodating more diverse business formats and consumer scenes. Together, they aim to create a comprehensive neighborhood that is free, lively, organic, and sustainable.
