In the rural town of Tangkou, Kaiping City, Jiangmen, the Grand Granary Bookstore is a testament to architectural innovation and cultural revitalization. Designed by Art+Zen Architects, this project transforms defunct grain silos into vibrant cultural spaces, creating a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Concept and Architectural Trends
Art+Zen Architects describe their work as transforming "from material granaries to spiritual granaries," highlighting the shift from agricultural use to a place fostering intellectual and cultural growth. This adaptive reuse project is part of a growing trend in architectural circles, where silos and other industrial structures are repurposed into public venues. Notable examples include the Kunstsilo art gallery in Norway and Heatherwick Studio's Zeitz MOCAA in South Africa. These projects capitalize on the inherent volume and robust structure of silos, often evoking the minimalist appeal of brutalist architecture.
Tangkou Town is recognized for its World Cultural Heritage. Kaiping Diaolou's Multi-storeyed defensive rural houses, which blend Chinese and Western architecture, provide a rich historical backdrop for the Grand Granary Bookstore. The architects sought to honor this heritage while creating a space that serves contemporary cultural needs. The project aligns with China's broader efforts to enhance rural development by fostering cultural and economic growth in smaller towns.
(Photo: Art+Zen Architects / Arch-Exist )
Restoration and Design Elements
The Grand Granary Bookstore comprises seven silos, five of which have been restored and repurposed into different sections of the bookstore. The renovation process involved traditional construction techniques to address structural issues like leakage while preserving the silos' historical integrity. Steel beams reinforce the structure, ensuring durability.
Inside the silos, which span approximately 165 square meters with heights between 6 and 8.4 meters, the architects designed spatial installations to create distinct reading areas. These installations use clever lighting, including skylights, to ensure a well-lit interior. Bookshelves, crafted to match the cylindrical shape of the silos, are kept within a height of 2.4 meters, making them accessible to all visitors. Comfortable seating areas invite patrons to relax and immerse themselves in their reading.
The interior design predominantly features white, which enhances the sense of space and light, contrasted by select black elements to add a touch of modernity. This color scheme reinforces the bookstore's contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Connecting the five silos is a gallery designed as a multifunctional space. The gallery features a light steel structure with an arc-shaped skylight, allowing natural light to filter in and create dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. The gallery not only links the silos but also serves as a venue for exhibitions and events, enriching the cultural offerings of the bookstore.
(Photo: Art+Zen Architects / Arch-Exist )
Additional Facilities and Architectural Details
In addition to the silos, the project includes a newly constructed coffee shop and a 'literary bell tower.' The coffee shop, with its glass walls and columns reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, offers a modern gathering place for visitors. Inspired by the traditional Diaolou structures, the literary bell tower stands at 17 meters and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This design choice further underscores the project's blend of heritage and modernity.
The Grand Granary Bookstore features a main entrance on the west side and a smaller entrance facing the village square, creating an open and inviting site. These additions enhance the bookstore's facilities and ensure a diverse range of experiences for visitors.
(Photo: Art+Zen Architects / Arch-Exist )
Preservation and Modern Integration
The project includes subtle yet significant interventions to preserve the historical character of the silos. For instance, the exterior walls retain traditional symbols and scenes painted during the refurbishment. The architects meticulously concealed ductwork inside, maintaining a seamless transition between traditional and modern design elements.
This careful attention to detail and respect for historical context highlights the aspirational quality attributed to modern architecture in contemporary Chinese projects. By reinventing industrial remnants into cultural hubs, the Grand Granary Bookstore reflects a broader architectural trend of adaptive reuse and community-focused design. As Art+Zen Architects demonstrate, the key to revitalizing these structures lies in blending their historical significance with modern functionality, creating spaces that serve as cultural and communal gathering points for future generations.