Pixelating Hutong

In response to the main theme “Neighbourhood Warming Initiatives”, AaaM Architects focuses about “life” issue of Hutong and conceives an installation that possibly connects the past and future.

Architecture is no difference like human body, it metabolises over time. Baitasi Hutong is an ageing space. Its golden days had gone. AaaM Architects try to investigate the “life” of one’s space with an installation, with mirror as the main material, constructed by reflecting contextual “colour” and “texture”. With such atmosphere constructed in an abandoned Hutong space, the real and surreal spatial experiences provoke visitors to rethink about the ageing area of Baitasi and its unpredictable future.

One of the biggest challenges was on site fabrication as the site conditions deviated a lot. AaaM Architects worked out with contractor for onsite fixing, hanging method and installation horizontal alignment.

But after all, the end result is far better than what they envisioned in 3D program. The installation reacts a lot with the climate and sunlight. It also gives everyone a surprise about how the mirrors react with the century-year-out tree and the sky that Hutong encapsulated.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Pixelating Hutong
Location: Beigou Village, Huairou, Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China
Site Area: 65 square metres
Building Height: 2.3 metres
Client/Owner/Developer: World Architecture Magazine (China)
Design Architects: Shuyan Chan; Bob Pang; Kevin Siu; Tang JiaJian
Interior Design Firm: AaaM Architects
Main Contractor: Beijing Senwei Exhibition Co. Ltd.
Images: AaaM Architects