How did a garment factory become a hub for youth activities? The Youth Activity Center in Beijing stands as a testament to innovative urban renewal. It transformed a 5000 square meter garment factory in Beizhuang Town into a vibrant space for youth education and recreation.
Imagine children exploring geometric shapes. They conceive stories of adventure. They play and have fun in various ways at the Youth Activity Center. The architects, REDe Architects and Moguang Studio retained the original factory layout. They renovated it into a center with youth education camps. Classrooms, a restaurant, a conference room and accommodations are also there. The site is divided into two courtyards.
The north courtyard had a large single-story factory building. It has been renovated for education camps and events. The southern courtyard featured smaller brick buildings. They were converted into accommodations. Renovations focused on retaining the original structures. They upgraded functions and linked the spaces. This enhances continuous landscape experiences.
The existing pavement in the north courtyard was once covered by hard concrete bricks. Now, a circular slope and a steel-grid platform are embedded in the courtyard. It is now a large entertainment installation. It connects the camp area and the restaurant’s rooftop terrace. Kids can run and play at different heights. The platform provides shade. This helps strengthen a dramatic feeling. Recycled red bricks and concrete bricks were chosen as main paving materials. They are complemented by a rubber running track. Playful spaces were created where kids can run and jump freely.
The Youth Activity Center’s design encourages children’s perception and imagination. Slanting columns support a suspended walkway. It forms an undulating pattern that resembles sine waves. The fire reservoir outlet is now a wedge-shaped optical pavilion. It blends the blue sky into the lawn area. Geometric color blocks and lines embellish the building facades. This evokes kids’ imagination and stimulates them to interact.
The northernmost original building had poor lighting. The architects removed the original building. They placed a row of entrance lobby. It is a single-sided cantilevered structure in the shape of umbrella ribs. The lobby eases the pressure of the factory building on the street entrance. The interior of the lobby consists of seven inscribing semi-circular glass boxes. They function as the main entrance, a cafe area, and a concept store.
Inside the Youth Activity Center the exhibition space encourages borderless games. The 7-meter clear height of the original factory space is divided into active and quiet functions. Children can enjoy physical games on the ground floor. The mezzanine provides an area for creative and intellectual games and teaching.
The Youth Activity Center stands as a beacon. It shines for innovative design. It is a revitalized space where children learn, play, and imagine. It’s a place where the past meets the future.