Presentation Day

Scott Killinger giving his thoughts on the project so far, and feedback of the presentation

After visiting the site we have all been affected and considering the designers roll in the lives of a vibrant social network within this community. Personal interaction with the area and its people is a vital component for starting design considerations. Following the site visit, we were divided equally into three groups, to begin schematic planning and design, before we met with the Tianjin students. After a critique in the morning with Tom to discuss our ideas, we had feedback before we presented our ideas to the Chinese students and faculty. The packed lecture hall was filled with students, our future Chinese partners, Professor Laging and Scott Killinger. This was the first time that Scott had seen any of our ideas since we presented our research and programming document to him in Lincoln.

The event started off with Professor Laging’s lecture about several urban design sketch problems that he has been involved with in New Mexico. His lecture helped to frame many of our views to our design problem, and offer an overview of the design process we would take. Within our class groups of three students, we each presented to the Chinese students. We were lucky to have Scott Killinger in the audience and we were all thankful for his feedback, on our development, progress, and future considerations.

Introduction to Tianjin University

View looking toward the campus gate

Today we had the opportunity to meet with the Chinese students and faculty we would have contacts with. After a warm welcome from their College Dean, we were guided on a tour of the campus. Tianjin University we found to be a very planned and elegant campus. Ponds and bridges with tree and flower lined sidewalks axially divide the space with large classroom buildings on either ends. One of the buildings we found to be most special was the literature and gallery building.

At the end of the ponds, centrally located is the architecture building. Following the tour of the campus, we were invited to a welcome banquet. Many of the Chinese students were able to join us, enjoying many toasts with rice wine and local cuisine.

Tianjin Site Visit

View of Hutongs near the river

Today marked the first trip to the site. By subway, the group traveled through Tianjin and arrived three to four blocks away from our destination. After a short walk through an old neighborhood of four to five story decaying apartments as well as an earthy market that consumed an entire street. In this market you could find anything from fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, and other items like clothing and trinkets. Although this market was in poor condition it is still vibrant and felt like the backbone of the nearby community.

At the end of the market stood our site stretching northward. We broke into several groups, knowing the site covered a large area, and mapped out walking plans for each. One group would follow the river that binds our site to the east, another would travel along the west boundary, the third would take a zigzag route through the center of the site.

The site as a whole was in poor condition. The hutongs were made of brick and concrete. They were linked together by a network of small paths that are not large enough to accommodate an automobile. Larger apartment buildings that are 7 to 8 stories lined the southern part of the site and were also in major disrepair. An automobile accessible road stretched along the river, unpaved and rough, it was the only major access into the site.

One aspect that brings some color and warmth into the site was the growing of vegetables, trees, and vines along the roofs and walls of the hutongs. These gardens and green spaces could be found all throughout the hutongs, but were not evident in the taller apartments due to lack of outdoor space. Although the homes are aged the residents are very pleasant and openly welcome. The people were very clever in their space management and fully utilized their private space. Our visit brought smiles, waves and laughter. The site was not a scary place but one that is in disrepair after 60 years of intense use.

As the site visit came to a close one more area was investigated. A large park that borders our site to the North had an enormous amount of green space. It was quite similar to everything else in the area, showing signs of neglect and age. A carnival at the center of the park for children drew quite a crowd but for the most part the park was desolate compared to its size. After the park, the group boarded the subway back to the hotel no doubt all wondering how to bring modern life to the neighborhood while keeping its values intact.

First Day in Tianjin

After leaving the Huangshan Golf Hotel we ended up in the airport, were we were to depart to Tianjin. We arrived in Tianjin shortly after nightfall, then we took a bus into the city to our hotel.

Our home for the next week will be the Tianjin First Hotel located in the British Concession. As the fourth largest city in China, Tianjin is home to fourteen million people. We are located in the city center, so transportation has been quite easy either by taxi or metro. In close proximity to our hotel is Scott Killinger’s office as well as a small park where locals of all ages play ping pong and Chinese Checkers or exercise. We have found that streets are intimidating to cross because of their size. Tianjin has an interesting night life, especially since we arrived on National Day, October 1st, (a seven day “holiday” that is similar to our Independence Day) in which many Chinese travel around the country for leisure and family. The Chinese enjoy some of the same activities that we do including karaoke bars (KTV), dance clubs, movies, and internet cafes.

Hongcun: A Village of Rivers and Lakes

Entrance into Hongcun
A great example of urban planning and with a village scale of about 30 hectares, Hongcun is roughly the size of our site in Tianjin. The Hongcun Village is nestled in the beautiful hills of China with channels of water giving life to the residents. The white walls and black roofs throughout give a cohesive vernacular to the village. Artificial water channels, three feet deep and two feet wide, hug the edges of both buildings and alleys throughout the village, providing water to each household.


Paths inside Hongcun

These channels meet at the middle of the village forming a crescent moon pond in front of the clan ancestral hall. More channels continue from there through the village to South Lake. This water channel system is often referred to as the Water Buffalo framework of the village, due to certain pieces of the system resembling parts of a water buffalo. The role of the water channel ranges from washing, fire protection, drainage, and temperature and humidity adjustment for the inhabitants. Achieving a tranquil harmony between nature and building, the Hongcun Village is an inspiration for urban planning.


Small canal running through Hongcun

Golf Spa Healthy Apartments

Xwinston Yan and Professor Tom Laging

The Golf Spa Healthy Apartments, located in Huangshan, China were designed by Xwinston Yan. This multi-use complex is composed of four buildings creating an S-shape that follows the contour of the land. Program includes elegant condos, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is located on a thirty-six whole golf course shared with the Huangshan Golf Hotel.

Construction of Golf Spa Healthy Apartments

With China entering a time of economic growth and power, buildings that cater to a rising economic demographic of affluent citizens is emerging. Economic strengthening provides many firms opportunities to create progressive architecture, but what Winston and his firm did not overlook was the buildings site specific context and how this facility relates to local customs and traditions. It was great to see that this new condominium shows respect for the old city and its unique context in the foothills of the Yellow Mountains.

Humble Administrator’s Garden

Humble Administrator's Garden Pavilion looking over a pond full of Lotus Plants

Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the most famous gardens in China, is located in the City of Suzhou. Dating back to 1509 during the Ming Dynasty, the garden covers nearly 13 acres. Containing an Eastern, Central, and Western section, it is peppered with lakes, forests, hills, rock formations, and buildings. The garden also features a large bonsai garden. The design utilizes intriguing perspectives and suspense in order to inspire visitors to move throughout the garden. The Humble Administrator’s Garden reveals many ancient Chinese theories and design aspects seen in courtyards and parks throughout China.



(Left) View into Central Garden with Pagoda outside the walls
(Right) Pavilion inside the Humble Administrator's Garden


Pond with Lotus Plants waiting to be harvested