WHU1893

This is an adaptive reuse project that sought to transform the interiors of a disused academic building into a multifunctional visitor centre. Designated a Grade 1 national heritage site, efforts to retain the integrity of the structure, which dates back to 1893, were undertaken. As such, no structural alterations were made throughout the rejuvenation.

Opting for curved forms and floral motifs, design inspirations were drawn from the aerial view of the campus—a composition of sweeping roofs, trees and greenery—in an attempt to visually harmonise the additional elements with the historical setting.

Repurposed materials such as old bricks, dark-hued woods and bamboo strips were incorporated. The design also factored in the natural imprecisions of construction and the inevitable wear that occurs over time.

The project comprises three programmes:

• A main hall that houses study areas, a shop and a café/bar;
• An alumni centre for gatherings; and
• A hallway linking the main hall to the alumni centre.

MAIN HALL

Strips of fabric in the school’s key colour were suspended between fixings housing the ceiling needs. Forming a series of ‘catenary arches’ overhead, the lightweight drape adorns the expansive space with a cloud-like pattern.

Mosaics and vintage Portuguese tiles were applied to the flooring, completed with decorative floor-to-wall coves. Flanking the existing columns, the coves enhance the presence of these pillars while concealing mechanical utilities within. The tiling itself adopted a structured design logic, which did not rely on labour-intensive, on-site design thinking. Such an approach facilitated construction, despite the high volume of tiles involved.

Patinated metal extrusions accented by dark-hued wood holders and curved details formed the shelving and display areas at the heart of the hall. Having finishes that recall tree trunks of surrounding forest, the solid pieces of furniture stand on a carpet of vintage Portuguese tiles with a floral motif, anchoring the nature-inspired narrative.

Reading areas were located at the outermost ring of the layout to offer respite. The brickwork dividing the reading corners entailed a meticulous procurement of reclaimed materials as age-matched bricks were not commercially available. Oblong openings were carved out of the series of partitions, with the bricks along the edges of the openings orientated to mimic the outline of sunflowers in bloom. The resulting semi-partitioned spaces were furnished with shelving, enhancing the reading experience, besides framing the ornamental beams and columns to contribute to the overall appeal.

HALLWAY
The hallway connecting the main hall and the alumni centre is characterised by a sequence of lowered arches. This design helps create a sense of transition from the public areas to the semi-private zones.

ALUMNI CENTRE

Bamboo strip walls, with curvature that resembles the organic outline of a bellflower, enable natural light from the existing louvred clerestory skylight to filter into the corridor. The project team collaborated closely with the related manufacturer to source for bamboos that fit the required dimensions and curvatures. Additionally, the installation was engineered to stand independently, without impacting the original architecture. —Construction+ Online

PROJECT DATA
Project Name
WHU1893
Location
Wuhan University, Hubei Province, China
Completion Date
December 2023
Site Area
2,800 square metres
Gross Floor Area
2,800 square metres
Client
UNILAB
Architecture Firm; Interior Design Firm
So Song Studio
Principal Designer
Osbert So
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers
Yao Jiajia; Cheng Yuexiang; Kang Hongyang
Interior Fit-Out Contractor
Anhui Yuyi Construction Engineering Co Ltd
Images
Zhao Yi Long