Hu Zhile is the founding partner and design director of WJ Studio, a design firm located in Hangzhou, China. He believes that design is a way of thinking, and champions a research-informed, multi-disciplinary approach to the built environment that pays mind to context and symbolism.
Could you tell me about your architectural practice, WJ Studio. What sets it apart from your contemporaries?
HU ZHILE: WJ STUDIO is a design company that specializes in commercial spaces. Such projects often require quick solutions for issues related to form, movement and function. However, balancing the need for speed with thoughtful design can be challenging. Our establishment of PRO-LAB, a team of professionals from different disciplines who bring diverse perspectives and encourage innovation, offers a solution to this. Our design approach is no longer one-dimensional and limited to spatial design but incorporates multiple disciplines in our research and innovation process.
Hu Zhile.
What role does cultural integration play in your approach to commercial projects?
My designs don't set out to deliberately integrate something for the sake of it; culture is not an empty concept. Let’s take one of our projects, Mawei Shipbuilding Library Renovation as an example. The project is located at the historic site of a former shipbuilding academy. This significant place has existed for over a century but has lost its relevance in the modern world. Our design does not forcefully impose this culture that is tied to the past but seeks to maintain its recognition in this place with a rich history.
The design and operation of the Shipbuilding Library reflect the increasing trend of symbolism in commercial design in China. Symbols are necessary to attract more visitors more consistently to the library. A single 'Instagrammable’ building may attract attention briefly, but it will become obsolete in the long run when it loses its novelty. We should not focus solely on novelty and form but also understand the significance of the building in the city and create a practical design.
Photos: Studio FF
WJ Studio’s design of the Mawei Shipbuilding Library in Fuzhou, China, saw the transformation of the former naval academy, dating back to 1866, into a space for modern cultural display, education and academic research.
How do you think culturally sensitive design can help cities strengthen their legacies?
Firstly, we are not capable of fully preserving the memory and heritage of the city, and it is unlikely that any private program can ultimately achieve this. In the case of Hangzhou BO Space, our goal is to reinvigorate the space and reintroduce it to the city as a hub of new programs and leisure spaces while also acknowledging the historical significance of the old factory buildings. Our design aims to bring new life to the preserved scene of the site, rather than to overtly preserve people’s memory.
Photos: Xue Yutao
BO Space is located in Hangzhou's HE Park, where there used to be an old factory. It's now a gathering place for culture and innovation. The balance and connection between old and new brings a lively atmosphere.
How do you understand the relationship between people, nature and the built environment? What role does sustainability play?
From a human perspective, we have expanded like cells growing out of control, inevitably causing constant and severe damage to the natural environment. I do not think there is any sustainability in the current construction industry. The materials used in the construction of buildings, such as concrete, steel and others, are not biodegradable, making this issue a pressing concern. As designers, we can explore ways to mitigate the impact of urban development on the environment by designing buildings that control the scale of the city and promote a sustainable cycle within the existing urban landscape. However, it is essential to note that the impact of architecture on urban development is limited by the decisions made by those in positions of power.
Photos: Zhang Xi
Cover and above: Located in Suzhou, China, the Boatyard Hotel is surrounded by nature, away from the city's noise and fast-paced life pattern. It is more like a transient utopia to escape from life.
Photo: FF Studio
Cangshan Cinema is located the former Dutch Consulate in Fuzhou, China, where histories from the East and the West mix and mingle. The key point of restoration was to bring new function to life inside the existing space.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of activating pre-existing historical spaces for modern use?
It is essential to consider introducing new functions to the original space. As an architect, one of the biggest challenges in activating historical spaces to adapt to everyday use is balancing the relationship between preservation and modern demand. We have thought about this in projects such as the Mawei Shipbuilding Library and the Cangshan Cinema renovation. When redesigning and renovating old buildings, we must preserve the original historic elements and charm while meeting modern needs.
