Nestled within Wuyang, a historic coastal town in China’s Guangdong province, the Wuyang Cultural Station emerges as a beacon of cultural revival. This architectural gem, orchestrated by WAU Design, champions the melding of history and contemporary identity in rural revitalisation. The government designated land for this cultural centre, which will house an exhibition hall, temporary display spaces, conference facilities, and a library—all designed to honour Wuyang’s rich heritage.
Envisioned with a dual-direction single-slope roof forming a 16-degree angle, the structure aligns elegantly with its surroundings. Its compact L-shaped layout interacts harmoniously with the village boundaries, creating a natural ventilation corridor akin to a gentle sea breeze. This design invites a refreshing interplay between indoor spaces and the lush coastal environment, embodying the feeling of “opening windows to welcome a gentle breeze.”
The architects employed a strategy of holistic part division, crafting a dialogue between the cultural station and nearby homes. The semi-outdoor areas beneath the soaring roof facilitate a seamless flow between the interior and the outdoor realms, blurring the lines between daily life and historical resonance. This dynamic invites exploration—”ascending a platform to view the sea”—with breath-taking pathways linking the cultural site to significant historical remnants.
Spatial prototypes resonate with cultural memory, as lowered eaves facing the main street evoke a temple porch, while ascending features channel emotive traditional design. A steel roof structure is cleverly separated from its concrete base, hinting at ancestral halls’ timber craftsmanship. An entrance screen adorned with 836 ancient Ming Dynasty bricks tells stories of a bygone era, revealing layers of the site’s history.
Adopting locally resonant materials such as red brick, washed terrazzo, tiles, and galvanized steel plates ensures the structure harmonises with its surroundings. Smart economic choices informed the methodology: the dual-purpose use of roofing materials cuts costs, while bluestone slate tiles incorporate remainders from local landscaping. Through these simple yet effective techniques, the construction embraces an aesthetic that harkens back to traditional dwellings while fostering contemporary rural community spirit.
The Wuyang Cultural Station in Guangdong, designed by WAU Design, aims to celebrate and revitalise local cultural identity. Featuring diverse facilities within a uniquely designed structure, the station fosters community interactions while honouring the town’s historical significance. Sustainable materials and innovative design principles enhance the centre’s connection to its environment.
The Wuyang Cultural Station, designed by WAU Design, stands as a testament to Wuyang’s historical richness and aspirations for a vibrant future. Its innovative architectural solutions elegantly intertwine cultural memory with modern needs, offering spaces that foster community engagement and cultural reflection. By utilizing local materials and energy-efficient designs, the project not only respects its heritage but also enhances the everyday lives of its inhabitants.
Original Source: www.archdaily.com
