The Wuzhen Rural Brewery Renovation Project, situated in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China, represents a significant undertaking in revitalizing industrial heritage within the Jiangnan water town area. This project transforms a 25,400 square meter abandoned factory in Beizha Town, Wuzhen, into a creative industry park with a focus on theater production and performance.
This initiative addresses a crucial aspect of China's urban development: the conversion of industrial sites. The challenge lies in authentically preserving and interpreting the factory's historical and cultural significance amidst its decline. The factory, surrounded by water and ancient village residences, is a testament to the region's rich industrial past.
The renovation honors the original industrial architecture, particularly the exposed red brickwork, a hallmark of the era's austere, functional design and a common building material in local towns. Key structural elements like trusses and chimneys are preserved, and "mending techniques" are applied for necessary alterations. This includes fixing existing brick walls with metal screws to an internal support framework and using recycled bricks from the site for new wall sections.
The design strategy blends traditional and innovative methods, such as showcasing cut surfaces, varying masonry patterns, and wrapping surfaces, to extend the industrial aesthetic. It achieves a seamless integration with the characteristic Jiangnan water town landscape, reusing industrial heritage resources effectively.
The project not only focuses on aesthetic enhancement and sustainable construction using recyclable materials but also delves into the site's historical context. It contemplates the socio-economic benefits, striving to create aesthetically appealing and environmentally responsible industrial buildings. This approach facilitates the preservation and rejuvenation of industrial wastelands, ensuring their historical legacy continues while adapting to modern needs.
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