Sustainable Urban Renewal Architecture: CACP Designing by YIIIE Architects

Revitalizing Urban Spaces Through Sustainable Design

CACP Designing, a project by YIIIE Architects, transforms an abandoned bicycle shed in Chengdu, China, into a vibrant public hub. As part of the Community Art Creative Project (CACP), this initiative addresses the untapped potential of informal urban spaces while fostering sustainability and community empowerment. Completed in 2024, the project demonstrates the power of sustainable urban renewal architecture to rejuvenate neglected spaces and redefine their role in urban life.

Context: The Challenge of Informal Urban Spaces

Located in Yulin 2nd Alley, a dense urban area marked by partially demolished red-brick buildings, the site once thrived as a community landmark. Over time, it devolved into stagnant "waiting land," reflecting the impact of rapid urbanization and non-privatized land policies. The CACP initiative explores these informal spaces, addressing their neglect and leveraging their potential for meaningful community use.

CACP Designing aims to reconnect the area’s socio-ecological fabric by involving local communities, low-income residents, migrants, and minorities. By addressing these urban challenges through architecture, sociology, and art, the project revitalizes the neighborhood while fostering inclusivity and sustainability.

Design Approach: A Modular and Participatory Framework

The architectural solution centers on a lightweight, modular galvanized steel structure that is cost-effective, adaptable, and recyclable. This non-welded, prefabricated system allows for community involvement in construction while enabling future modifications. The assembly of the main structure, achieved in just seven days with the help of 30 volunteers and local residents, underscores the participatory spirit of the project.

The structure features innovative design elements such as sawtooth gaps and rotated units, creating dynamic boundaries between nature, space, and the neighborhood. The planted roof serves as a terraced community garden, providing cooling benefits, green vistas, and a platform for collective maintenance. These design choices blur the lines between the built environment and nature, emphasizing ecological integration.

Materiality: Low-Cost and Recyclable

The materials for CACP Designing prioritize sustainability and affordability. Recycled and locally sourced materials were chosen to minimize costs and environmental impact. Transparent polycarbonate panels maximize natural light, lending the space an airy, accordion-like quality. This design fosters an inviting and friendly atmosphere that encourages community interaction.

By embracing a "light-touched, soft-edged" design philosophy, the project underscores the importance of process and adaptability. Its open and fluid structure allows for dynamic engagement with users, ensuring the space evolves with the community's needs.

Functionality and Community Impact

CACP Designing’s multifunctional space accommodates diverse activities, including furniture renovation workshops, community meetings, and art exhibitions. These events bring together stakeholders, fostering connections among residents, local vendors, and government initiatives. The project’s focus on creative expression and sustainability promotes dialogue between top-down policies and grassroots efforts, enhancing urban resilience.

The structure’s adaptability supports continuous spatial updates, allowing the community to redefine the space over time. Its roof garden and terraced planting integrate nature into the urban environment, providing ecological benefits while fostering community stewardship.

Toward Sustainable Urban Renewal

CACP Designing exemplifies sustainable urban renewal architecture, where underutilized spaces are transformed into dynamic hubs of social and ecological engagement. The project’s next phase will further expand its impact by integrating commercial operations, such as florist shops, to balance public activities with economic opportunities. This collaborative approach enhances community participation, attracting visitors while revitalizing aging courtyards in the surrounding area.

Through its innovative design, participatory construction, and commitment to sustainability, CACP Designing sets a precedent for future urban renewal projects. It redefines informal spaces as vital assets for fostering community connections, addressing social issues, and promoting cultural and environmental resilience.

All Photographs are work of Arch-Exist Photography