Translucent Connections

Transparent Connections is a residential design project aimed at bridging generational gaps and addressing social isolation through innovative architectural solutions that emphasize transparency within the urban and social fabric. Located on a long strip in a key area of Beijing, China, the site is bordered by poorly constructed housing and local stores, with street fronts on either side. Two significant buildings—the temple to the east and the former Anhua communist building to the west—influence the design.

I began with developed a prototype incorporating two key features: externalized circulation to promote interaction and a perforated facade extending over the staircases to create varied light conditions and enhance transparency within the building and its surroundings.

The design is segmented into three main parts. The northern part fosters a close-knit community with a central garden park and multifunctional outdoor spaces, creating an intimate environment. The southern part focuses on transparency and connection with the streets, blurring the boundaries between the building and the urban fabric using lattice grid features that form diverse public spaces for activities like dancing, martial arts, food carts, and bike storage.

The middle square emphasizes the temple, integrating communal spaces for traditional Chinese pottery and guest houses for tourists. A key element is a reimagined entrance colonnade to the temple from the building, inspired by Aldo Rossi’s design. This colonnade strengthens the connection between the building, temple, street, and users, highlighting cultural significance and bridging generational gaps.