Dalian 37 Xiang

Transformed from an abandoned factory, Dalian 37 Xiang is located halfway up the mountain side with a main aspect towards the harbor in the north of the city. The design is inspired by the geographical features of Dalian's iconic mountains and adjacent seas, creating a new architectural image that echoes the spirit of the city, establishing a contrast between the old and the new through delicate and light interventions. The design objective was to renew this old factory into a regional landmark of the city, accommodate multiple business types, and finally make it an open and dynamic city node.

The main building was originally a cuboid industrial factory building with a regular 6m x 9m structural grid, presenting a typical uninspiring example of an industrial building. By reorganizing the structural order contained in the original building, we established a new facade system superimposed on the old order. This derivative relationship between the old and the new not only fits the new facade system to the old structural order, but also implies the continuity of the building within an historical dimension.

As the most important and eye-catching element in the new curtain wall, the cluster of white perforated aluminum cladding gradually bends outward, and the perforation rate of the aluminum plate decreases with the bending until it becomes opaque, which is reminiscent of the waves and sails. At the southeast corner of the building, the "waves" in two directions meet, forming the high point and visual focus of the building.