A Hamlet Within the Urban Village – TAO’s Urban Renewal Project in Shenzhen

Revitalizing Nantou Ancient Town with Modern Design

Introduction to the Project

TAO – Trace Architecture Office has completed its first urban renewal project in Nantou Ancient Town, Shenzhen. Titled A Hamlet Within the Urban Village, this project transforms an existing high-density urban cluster into a composite urban community, seamlessly integrating old and new elements.

Site Context and Historical Significance

Located in the heart of Shenzhen’s urban fabric, this cluster comprises six interconnected buildings, with one historic Qing Dynasty structure at its core. Over the years, the urban village has experienced continuous organic growth, leading to irregular layouts and visual occlusion. TAO’s challenge was to introduce modern interventions while respecting the historical and cultural identity of the site.

Architectural Strategy: Blending Old and New

Open-Ended Concrete Framework

To unify the fragmented urban village, TAO introduced an open-ended concrete structure. This framework integrates preserved and newly built structures, creating a visually cohesive urban landscape. The new design allows for natural light penetration, enhancing spatial fluidity and encouraging public interaction.

Adaptive Reuse and Spatial Transformation

Rather than demolishing the entire site, TAO preserved original structures and inserted modern architectural elements to enhance functionality. The layout maintains the original street patterns, incorporating narrow alleys and a central courtyard that serve as communal spaces for residents and visitors.

Multi-Functional Public Spaces

At the core of the project is the historic Qing Dynasty building, repurposed into “Qimiao”, a community living room. This space hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and social gatherings, reinforcing the neighborhood’s sense of identity and belonging. On the upper floors, semi-outdoor shared spaces provide versatile areas for public interaction, while the ground floor commercial units retain a strong sense of domain and privacy.

Materiality and Construction Techniques

In-Situ Concrete and Wood Casting

TAO employed wood-cast in-situ concrete for the roof and key structural elements, ensuring durability while complementing the raw textures of the historic buildings. The concrete’s natural finish establishes a dialogue between the old masonry structures and the new interventions, reinforcing the project’s architectural narrative.

Light and Ventilation Strategies

By integrating strategically placed openings, the design maximizes natural ventilation and daylighting, enhancing the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of the spaces. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the interiors, celebrating the contrast between solid and void.

Urban Impact and Future Implications

A New Model for Urban Regeneration

A Hamlet Within the Urban Village serves as a prototype for urban renewal, demonstrating how high-density urban environments can be sensitively revitalized. The project preserves the spontaneity and diversity of the urban village while introducing order and coherence through modern design interventions.

Enhancing Community Engagement

By fostering public interaction and cultural continuity, this project reinforces the social fabric of Nantou Ancient Town. The integration of residential, commercial, and public spaces ensures a dynamic and inclusive urban ecosystem.

 A Balance of Tradition and Modernity

TAO’s approach to urban renewal in Shenzhen exemplifies a harmonious blend of history and innovation. A Hamlet Within the Urban Village captures the essence of organic urban growth, creating a vibrant and adaptable architectural landscape that breathes new life into the city.

All Photographs are works of Hao CHEN, ZC Architectural Photography Studio