In a sea of modernity, a 130-year-old treasure in China is beating the odds.
In our ever-evolving world, the connection between history and contemporary society is often reflected in art and architecture. This relationship can manifest in complex ways, ranging from the demolition of cherished buildings to the preservation of historical sites. In China, rapid development has often favoured modern designs, leading to the sidelining of beloved landmarks. However, the adaptive reuse of a 130-year-old building at Wuhan University, designed by So Song Studio, offers an inspiring approach to preservation and modernisation.
Located next to the university library, this historic building was once a thriving hub of intellectual activity, but had fallen into disrepair. A revitalisation plan has since transformed it into a multifunctional visitor centre. The centre now hosts alumni reunions, houses a café and quiet spaces for study and reflection, once again making it a hub of activity and connection.
Inspired by the campus's distinctive aerial view, characterized by sweeping blue roofs, lush greenery, and vibrant blooming trees, the So Song Studio design embodies the concept of "Blossoms". This vision creates a microcosm that reflects the spirit of the larger university environment.
The main hall, situated in the project's oldest building, serves as a lively hub with study areas, a shop and a café/bar. The room's elegant design features slender metal extrusions that subtly echo the building's unique roof curves, supported by sturdy dark wood structures. The vintage Portuguese tiles, arranged in a rhythmic pattern, add a touch of sophistication to the space. Throughout the hall, a cohesive visual narrative unfolds, incorporating diverse floral-inspired elements to evoke the image of an opened tree trunk.
At the end of these extrusions, the bars for the shop and café merge, forming a centerpiece that mimics an oversized tree trunk. The adjacent walkway's mosaic floor cleverly curves around the original columns, paying homage to their rich history while incorporating modern functionality. The hall is enveloped by sweeping catenary arcs of lightweight fabrics in the university's colours, creating a mesmerising visual effect reminiscent of drifting clouds.
In the outermost ring, serene reading areas provide peaceful sanctuaries for study and relaxation. The mosaic flooring invites visitors to indulge in a coffee while immersing themselves in literature and reflection, with elliptical portals in the brick partitions revealing historic features such as decorative beams and columns.
As visitors move beyond this historic core, they enter a transition zone which links to the slightly newer alumni centre, bridging the architectural evolution that has unfolded over the years. This transitional space is marked by the warp tunnel, its undulating arches creating a distinct sense of passage. Here, the subtle threshold distinguishes the public areas from the more intimate alumni zones, metaphorically bridging the gap between the institution's rich historical heritage and its modern, revitalised visual identity.
The alumni centre's design takes inspiration from academic bell towers, elegantly capturing the essence of a bell flower while navigating the building's heritage status with sensitivity. This thoughtful approach is a testament to the power of collaboration, where open-minded individuals within a traditionally conservative environment came together to share the So Song Studio's vision.
In the realm of adaptive reuse, where alterations to existing structures are often discouraged, embracing creativity requires a willingness to take risks. Yet, it is precisely this approach - exploring innovative ways to engage with heritage - that is increasingly vital as societies seek fresh perspectives on their pasts.
Photo credit: Zhao Yilong
