Lacime Architects - Liva Riverside Book Bar, reconstruction project in Shanghai
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Liva Riverside Book Bar, reconstruction project in Shanghai

Lacime Architects

Renovation  /  Completed
Lacime Architects
The project used to be an abandoned riverside warehouse at East China Normal University (ECNU) , Shanghai, China. Architects renovated this abandoned property and turned it into a riverside book bar which is a tranquil space for reading and relaxing.

For ECNU, Liva River is the mother river, and the carrier of campus memory. Alumni have always buried the love for it deeply in their hearts. The picturesque and quaint Liva river runs right through the central campus where architects transformed an abandoned riverside warehouse dating back to the Republic of China era into a tranquil study book bar for students, professors and the general public alike.

Architects thought campus life is always evolving and the demands on teachers and students change from time to time. Only a functional space that preserves local features and keeps abreast of the times can attract people and increase their sense of belonging to the place.
Apart from the building itself, the intervention includes the surrounding landscaping. During the process of transforming the site, the design team sought to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and the natural landscape.

The existing architectural structure was maintained, and a glass extension was added in front of the upper level, while on the ground level an open space was created for a canteen. The design team transformed the features of the existing slope roof and added a partial mezzanine below it.

The original building was a traditional masonry-timber structure, so red bricks and corroded steel plate were chosen to form the main facade, which blends into the environment; the varying materials also help delineate separate spaces.

To create a harmonious relationship between architecture and the natural landscape. Glass bricks and windows were used to connect the site with the surrounding nature, and paving appears both outside and within the structure.

A partially sunken plaza was built between the study and the existing Chonger pavilion, offering more spaces for teachers and students to meet. The Chonger pavilion was renovated based on its original design. Corroded steel plate was used to remake the handrail and stairs and the glass door and windows were removed to create more space. The pavilion is also known as the ‘love pavilion’, as one sideboard was covered in the phrase ‘I love you’ written in various languages, and the river was seen to represent a romantic sentiment. During the renovation this sideboard was refurbished, with the hope that the popular spot will continue to be considered a romantic site.

Credits

 Shanghai
 China
 East China Normal University,CIFI
 04/2019
 2334 mq
 Lacime Architects
 Song Zhaoqing (lead), Li Sheng, Shi Zheyu, Li Yinchao, Liu Yueyi, Ou Xing
 Landscape design: Lacime Landscaping
 Terrence Zhang

Curriculum

Lacime Architects uphelds the architectural philosophy "Simplify complicated material" since it was established in Shanghai. The name "Lacime" was given by founder Song Zhaoqing. It comes from French which means"peak"and express the aim to design first-class architecture work.

After 19 years'development, we have over 700 architects and rich experience in the large projects in china and overseas. We actively participate in the residential, commercial, cultural, tourism and various type of work, aiming to cultivate local talents, integrate elite design team and provide best solutions to the clients.

http://www.lacime-sh.com/


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