'Designing'? is a spatial practice project of CACP, reimagining urban informal spaces, transforming abandoned bicycle shed adjacent to residents' windows into dynamic public areas.
 
China is undergoing rapid urbanization, but at the same time facing a collective loss of focus on urban surplus spaces. The CACP（Community Art Creative Program）, based in the Yulin Second Lane neighborhood of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, focuses on research and renewal practices of informal urban surplus spaces. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, it dynamically explores the complexity of urban and local community aspects, involving professional disciplinary organizations, communities, residents, government, university student volunteers, and civic volunteers, the project explores the diversity of urban and local communities, and seeks new mechanisms of participation through spatial practices to collectively create and reshape urban living spaces and rights.
 
In 'Designing'? we aim to present a lightweight, flexible, and inclusive design reflecting the construction process. We use prefabricated light-gauge galvanized steel as the structural material, with standardized 50*100C steel completing all primary structures, presenting a slender and exposed structural linearity. The structural units maintain spatial functionality in basic form, accommodating subsequent spatial changes.
 
Facing the community street in the depth direction, we've designed an iconic entrance, combining lighting to showcase the architectural structure's order and spatial hierarchy. Adjacent to neighbors, each unit is rotated to form a serrated shape, avoiding direct exposure and ensuring privacy space. The staggered gaps blur the boundaries, presenting an integrated open stance. Inclined roofs are planted with herbs like mint, providing cooling and scenic views for neighbors, and usable for tea drinking. This creates a soft boundary where nature, space, and neighborhood relationships blend harmoniously.
 
Locally sourced inexpensive industrial materials are chosen as the primary materials, such as transparent corrugated sheets and sunlight boards to partially transmit light, creating a soft light and shadow effect. Cotton windproof cloth curtains are used as local facade materials, adding uncommon daily materials to the space. The collision between galvanized steel and these materials presents a harmonious blend, fostering a soft and fluffy atmosphere, enhancing a community-friendly atmosphere.
 
We encourage the reuse of waste materials, collecting them within the neighborhood and transforming surplus construction materials from the site into furniture to support daily use and specific exhibitions. All processes are participatory, aiming to activate the community through public activities, establishing connections with residents, youth, and the public, prompting a reconsideration of relationships between nature, community neighbors, and sustainable management mechanisms.