Community Space Design: Xietu Sub-District Kanghui Community Space by atelier mearc

The Xietu Sub-District Kanghui Community Space, designed by atelier mearc, is an exemplary model of modern community center design, situated in the northeast corner of Xuhui District, China. Completed in 2023, this 315 m² space harmoniously blends architectural aesthetics with functional community needs, fostering a sense of identity and connection among residents.

Historical Context

Xietu Sub-District has a rich history, with its urban fabric reflecting different eras of development from the 1950s to the 1990s. The area comprises worker villages, multi-story houses, and high-rise commercial buildings, each contributing to the diverse urban landscape. Despite this diversity, residents often remain strangers to one another due to natural barriers such as age, background, and perception differences. The Kangju Community, one of 19 communities in Xietu Sub-District, encapsulates this phenomenon.

Design Concept

The project aimed to transform No. 77 Chaling Road, a former fresh supermarket venue, into a vibrant community space. The primary design element, dubbed "Indoor Chaling Road," is a 2.4-meter-wide and 40-meter-long corridor parallel to the outdoor Chaling Road. This corridor is not just a passageway but a symbolic space representing "invitation," "openness," and "integration."

Functional Layout

The community space incorporates traditional neighborhood committee functions, such as a mediation room, office, server room, and daily services, alongside newly developed facilities for self-help, elderly care, and assistance services. The corridor features modular study seats and a micro fire station, organizing complex functions in a simple form while providing a comfortable sensory experience.

Architectural Features

The activity space, marked by its reversed arch top, creates a spiritual and dynamic atmosphere. High windows close to the ceiling bring in natural light, connecting the interior with the community environment. The design also incorporates movable and storable furniture, allowing the space to be used for various purposes.

Exterior Design

The exterior of the building is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The titanium-zinc plate roof cleverly conceals all pipelines, while the originally exposed electrical box has been redesigned into a poster column. The façade, featuring a decorous combination of red, white, yellow, and grey colors, presents a clean and inviting face to the street, dissolving any sense of distance and integrating with the community.

The Xietu Sub-District Kanghui Community Space by atelier mearc is a testament to innovative community-centric architectural design. It successfully transforms a former commercial space into a multifunctional community hub, fostering a sense of identity and connection among residents. Through thoughtful design and functional integration, the Kanghui Community Space exemplifies how architecture can bridge gaps and bring people together.

All the photographs are work of Shan Liang