ARCity win RIBA International Emerging Architect Award, China house design images, Chinese architecture prize winner
ARCity win RIBA Emerging Architect Award
29 November 2024
Architects: ARCity
Location: Shenzhen, China
Photos: Bai Yu
Tencent P5 Housing, China
Alongside the International Prize, RIBA has also announced the recipient of the International Emerging Architect Award 2024, recognizing promising architects practicing for 10 years or less who are making significant contributions to the field. The prestigious award was won by ARCity for their groundbreaking project, Six Bricolage Houses, located in Nantou Ancient City, Shenzhen, China.
This innovative project consists of six self-built homes, thoughtfully designed as a model for urban renewal. The houses seamlessly blend modern architectural practices with the cultural and historical fabric of the ancient streets in the heart of the city. Nantou, known for its centuries-old character, presents unique challenges for urban development, and ARCity has successfully addressed these by integrating new housing solutions while preserving the area’s heritage and identity.
The project responds directly to the pressing need for affordable and functional housing in rapidly urbanizing areas. It showcases a creative and collaborative approach to architecture, involving local communities in the design and construction process. The resulting homes not only provide much-needed residential spaces but also foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Six Bricolage Houses exemplifies how architecture can revitalize urban spaces while honoring historical contexts and addressing contemporary societal needs.
Zhang Yuxing and Han Jing, co-founders of ARCity Office, said:
“Winning the RIBA International Emerging Architect 2024 is not only an honor but also a significant affirmation of our innovative experiments. These experiments actually originate from the urban village where the project is located. It serves as an excellent sample, cleverly integrating formal spaces corresponding to the modernist city model with informal spaces corresponding to a wild, spontaneously growing state. This fusion gives rise to a ‘contradictory unity’ composed of various elements such as old and new, heritage and life, poverty and prosperity, ruins and construction, wilderness and artificiality, everyday life and monumentality.
“In this project, we strive to demonstrate that this ‘contradictory unity,’ actively designed by architects, not only creates delightful mixed-use spaces and civic public realms but also possesses the greatest potential for sustainable growth from the very beginning. Perhaps this represents a new paradigm for future cities and architecture—what we call ‘Bricolage Architecture.’”
Tencent P5 Housing in Shenzhen, China – Building Information
Architecture: ARCity
Homes: 6
Location: Shenzhen, China
Completion: 2022
Gross internal area: 2400 sq. m.
Photography: Bai Yu
ARCity win RIBA International Emerging Architect Award images / information received 291124
Location: Shenzhen, southern China
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