The Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde, located in the west corner of Weishan Ancient Town in Dali, Yunnan, China, is a remarkable architectural project that seamlessly blends historical preservation with contemporary design. Weishan, the birthplace of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom, boasts a rich history spanning over 600 years and retains the urban layout of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Chongzheng Academy, established during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty, has a legacy exceeding 500 years. In 2021, the local government and Librairie Avant-Garde commissioned Trace Architecture Office (TAO) to restore and transform this historic site into a multifunctional bookstore, exhibition space, small theatre, and café, aiming to rejuvenate the academy’s former vibrancy.
TAO’s design philosophy for the Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde focused on minimal intervention to preserve the site’s historical essence. The project meticulously maintained the original spatial atmosphere and existing trees in the courtyard, ensuring that the historical walls and wooden structural details were preserved to the greatest extent possible. This approach demonstrates a profound respect for the local history and the natural landscape, allowing the academy to retain its cultural significance while embracing contemporary functions.
A distinctive feature of the design is the introduction of two floating book galleries along the east-west axis, which connect the previously dispersed functional areas of the academy. These steel-framed structures, clad in metal mesh screens, serve as both book display areas and seating, creating rhythmic transitions between the internal and external spaces. The galleries enhance the spatial experience by providing a ‘spiritual tunnel’ for visitors, inviting them to explore the academy’s rich history and contemporary offerings.
The outdoor theatre and recreation courtyard, enclosed by grandstands and trees on both sides, offer spaces for reading, communication, and cultural activities. This area serves as a vibrant community hub, fostering social interaction and cultural exchange. The addition on the easternmost side of the academy features an interactive book display window facing the city streets, presenting a dynamic cultural and spiritual outlook for the academy. This design element not only attracts passersby but also invites them to engage with the academy’s offerings, bridging the gap between the historic site and the modern city.
The integration of the 330-year-old banyan tree into the design further enhances the academy’s connection to its historical roots. The tree, a central figure in the community’s memories, is preserved within the courtyard, intertwining with the new structures and creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. This thoughtful incorporation ensures that the academy remains a place of gathering and reflection, honoring its past while embracing its future.
The new addition on the easternmost side of the academy is both the end of the spatial sequence and the beginning of the connection to the city. This addition establishes an extroverted space that showcases and attracts tourists. The space is divided into upper and lower parts, with an indoor theater on the upper level and a semi-sunken display area for books on the lower level. The glass facades of the sunken area allow for visual interaction between the building and the city, drawing attention to the bookstore’s vibrant interior.
The design employs a ‘pavilion within a pavilion’ concept, with an inner pavilion for the theater and an external pavilion with a traditional herringbone pitched roof. This dual form creates unique in-between spaces and enriches the visual relationship and spatial tension inside the building. The floating gabled roof, supported by wood-grained concrete walls and steel beams, harmonizes with the architectural style of the historic building.
The Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde stands as a testament to the successful integration of historical preservation and modern architectural intervention. By thoughtfully preserving the academy’s original structures and incorporating contemporary design elements, TAO has created a vibrant cultural hub that honors the past while embracing the future. The project not only revitalizes the academy but also contributes to the broader regeneration of the old town, fostering a renewed sense of community and cultural pride.
The project has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to architectural restoration and adaptive reuse. It serves as a model for future projects that aim to preserve historical sites while introducing new functions that meet contemporary needs. The Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde exemplifies how architecture can bridge the gap between history and modernity, creating spaces that are both functional and culturally resonant.
In conclusion, the Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde is a remarkable example of architectural innovation that respects and preserves historical heritage. Through careful design and thoughtful intervention, TAO has transformed a centuries-old academy into a dynamic cultural space that serves the community and attracts visitors, ensuring that the academy’s legacy continues to thrive in the modern era.
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