VOID MATTERS: Architecture References - Shanghai Community Cubes, by INCLUDED

Monday, 10 March 2014

Architecture References - Shanghai Community Cubes, by INCLUDED

Shanghai Community Cubes

Shangai, China

Area: 150 sqm

Year: 2013

Photos: Jennifer Ha, Marco Jacobs

Project's description on ARCHDAILY [by INCLUDED]:
"INCLUDED’s Shanghai Gucun community center is the latest attempt to create an affordable, mobile, scalable, and highly flexible center to serve the marginalized migrants of Shanghai. It can be moved with the community if they are forced to move. The shipping container model was first conceived because of the high availability of used shipping containers in China. The used containers, donated by OOCL, have been individually renovated and are meant to be detachable and transportable if the need arises. Behind the flashing are bolted plates that can be removed in order to detach and transport the containers, allow us to protect the investment.

Because the shipping container community center is meant to serve a large variety of different functions, from early childhood development, to adult workshops, to community meeting space, the interiors were designed to be highly flexible. Four shipping containers together create one large classroom, but can be divided in two by a sliding room divider. The room divider and cabinets also have whiteboard veneer so they can be used as teaching surfaces. The three smaller nooks created by the longer containers, approximately 15 sqm each, allow space for a small library, quite play space, computer area, and a place to pin up student work. The classroom furniture also adds to the flexibility of the space as it can be easily stored away for community gatherings, or it can be pulled out into many different configurations for both children and adults. The simple furniture also has a white board veneer so kids can write directly on them.

The container doors were left intact and drilled with small holes. The doors are opened during the winter to allow maximum heat gain, and closed in the summer to keep the classrooms cool. The small holes allow light to filter across the floor during sunny days. Large sliding doors allow the classroom to open to the outdoor space when weather is appropriate. This is also useful during community gatherings and for outdoor teaching sessions. The outdoor playscape is designed to encourage creative involvement and be highly adaptable for multiple uses. The curvilinear landscape benches can be reconfigured into sculptural waves and circles and are lightweight and mobile in order to be easily rearranged for outdoor classes, community events, and staff gatherings."

- INCLUDED