SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects

SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Image 2 of 27SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - WindowsSZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Stairs, Arch, HandrailSZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - StairsSZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - More Images+ 22

Shenzhen, China
SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Windows
© O-office & Maurer United

Text description provided by the architects. Conservation of architecture is not only a matter of reserving history and physical space. Architectural renovation is also more than recycling old buildings for new functions. The reconversion of the former Guangdong Floating Glass Factory is an experiment of rediscovering the lost spatial existence and experience via architectural study on contemporary industrial relics. We expected new possibilities to architecture and urbanism can be unveiled for contemporary Chinese cities.

SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Windows, Facade
© O-office & Maurer United

The silo building, occupies the centre of the 4-hector factory site, standing out in-between the main production hall and the sand warehouse. The 78-metre-long building is composed of three parts in plan: two thin steel silos of 5.4 metres in diameter at the west end, four concrete silos of 14 metres in diameter in the middle, and at the east end, an rectangular vertical transportation tower. Likewise in elevation, the building is composed of also three parts: a 6-mitre-high ground discharging level on the bottom, 6 30-metre-high silos shaping the main bodies of building in the middle, and on top, a 3.6-metre-high horizontal material-inlet level.

SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Stairs, Arch, Handrail
© O-office & Maurer United

The studies of the internal space mostly can only be conducted on survey drawings since the internal silo space was inaccessible during the design phase. The symmetric plans and sections of a building of pure function and efficiency on paper surprisingly showed an enigmatic relation to some sort of religious prototype. This literal spatial experience on paper continuously allured architects to unveil its mystery and intervene into the enclosed shadow.

SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Stairs, Handrail, Beam, Column
© O-office & Maurer United

We attempted to introduce a peculiar path route within this gigantic industrial artifact. A series of weightless, transparent and abstract spatial installations were implanted to the empty background after the exeunt of industrial function. Bridges, ramps, staircases, terraces and walls were built to articulate the breakthroughs and intervals of the original spaces. All the interventions are light, quiet and moderate, without waking up the sleeping industrial ghost.

SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects - Image 27 of 27
Exploded view

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Chiwan Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "SZ-HK Biennale-Silo Reconversion / O-office Architects" 31 Mar 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/489408/sz-hk-biennale-silo-reconversion-o-office-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© O-office & Maurer United

2013深港建筑双年展价值工厂原料筒仓改造设计 / 源计划建筑师事务所

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.