The project is located in the Tianjin area, where the century-old Italian architectural ensembles built of red brick are located. Initially, “Tianjin Zhongshuge” was a modern building that stood out from the surrounding classical context.
The reconstruction required a comprehensive consideration of the architecture and interior design, fitting into the cultural atmosphere of the area. Red brick, as an important structural material in Italian classical architecture, became an essential design element for this project.
The project incorporates the technique of cutting during the construction process. Gaps appeared in the originally dense brickwork, creating a visual effect of the interaction of solid and empty, blurring the boundaries. Multi-layer steel plates in the center of the building with a more graceful cut shape echoing the waves, conveying the spirit of the urban temperament of Tianjin as a port city.
The entire main body is made exclusively of brick, complemented by metal. Steel, with its modern industrial strength, harmonizes with the classic charm of red brick, and the combination of warm and cool tones creates visual tension. Bricks and steel, which are often considered structural materials, are used in a more subtle scale to create functional spaces. Bookshelves naturally emerge from the gaps where the materials are laid, and seats and steps are installed in line with the trend of bookshelves, organically fitting into the overall spatial layout.