A Chinese architectural firm remastered three old tea plantation buildings into one – new – cultural centre near Guangzhou, Springwise reports. There are a fine-dining restaurant and office space.
The idea of giving the second life to the old buildings was conceived as part of the (Re)forming Duichuan Tea Yards project. Its aim is to restore production at an old tea plantation in the Duichuan Village.
Thus, the three converted buildings were old production factories, left derelict after the plantation fell into disrepair at the start of the 21st century.
The idea ‘in search of a lost time’ was developed and realized by O-office Architects that has converted three old tea plantation buildings into a cultural centre in Guangzhou.
The connection between nature and industry
The entire site has been designed to evoke and enhance the connection between nature and industry. The factory conversions kept as much of the traditional structural heritage of the buildings as possible, retaining and mimicking the old concrete structures and narrow steel windows.
This podium doubles up as both an exhibition space and a viewing platform and also connects to the rooftop for a full panoramic tour space. For visitors, a tour can evoke a sense of Proust’s ‘in search of a lost time’ whilst at the same time acting as a response against the rapid industrialisation of modern urban and rural areas.”
The new cultural centre in Guangzhou features various public spaces, which are connected to each other by bridges for breathtaking views and are surrounded by bamboo screens. There are a fine-dining restaurant and office space.
