Smallness as an alternative to the large-scale urban development prevalent in China today, both spatially and in the way that that space is used.

Shenzhen is one of China's fastest growing and most densely developed cities. There, small traditional structures are being swept away to be replaced by monstrous large-scale new-build. Small spaces for encounter are giving way to vast, aimless open plazas and evolved social microstructures being supplanted by China's new wealthy residents. I seriously doubt whether this is the correct strategy to follow. I also believe that it must be possible to build housing in ultra-high densities without losing sight of the local scale. I chose the naturally evolved area of Da-xin in the centre of Shenzhen as the location for my experiment. Although Da-xin is all set to be demolished, I developed a plan for it based on my own ideas. Noting the expected population increase, I have added more than 30% floor area so as to crank up the FAR (Floor Area Ratio) from 2.7 to 3.6. In fleshing out my project I have applied the concept of smallness in a variety of ways.
This I did literally in the first instance, by dividing up the area into three levels. At street level, a great many small city blocks present a new network of tiny streets that lock into the existing structure. At the next level seven new clearings divide the planning area into seven individual blocks. This configuration at the same time provides shaded public space where residents are protected from the sun in the prevailing subtropical climate. At the highest level, lastly, groups of mini-towers follow the scale of the received fabric, accompanied by a study into the prospects of a new dwelling type typical of Shenzhen.
The seven shaded roofed public spaces have a crucial part to play for the perimeter block. These double-height spaces are able to accommodate multiple activities in juxtaposition. The drama of filtered sunlight percolating through the roof contributes to a unique ambience appropriate to the local character.
I based the dwelling design on the principle of an open building system predicated on functional walls. Not only do these contain the internal traffic system and plant rooms, they are protection against the scorching evening sun. The walls allow for the most efficient, freely subdivisible interior. This can be chopped up into many smaller units and even serve as a garden. In the longer term this configuration paves the way for a change of function, averting the need to demolish. At the detailing and building technology level I devised a system of slats that allows the facade to be adapted to suit the types of facilities it fronts.

Place of education: TU Delft | Specialization: architecture | Tutors: Jasper van Zwol, Ype Cuperus, Birgit Jürgenhake