Zhang Taiyan Former Residence Pavilion at XINTIANDI DONGTAILI | Kokaistudios

Zhang Taiyan Former Residence Pavilion is an integral component of XINTIANDI DONGTAILI, a bold urban renewal project situated in the Greater Xintiandi area. Within this evolving urban landscape, two historical landmarks have been carefully preserved: the Lagena Primary School and the former residence of Mr. Zhang Taiyan, a prominent Chinese thinker and revolutionary from the late Qing dynasty and early Republican period.

The installation is situated on the southeast side of the master plan along Xizang Road, occupying a modest vacant area of approximately 8 by 13 meters between the heritage building and the newly-built commercial podium. The design brief called for a proposal that would establish a strong connection with the preserved building, aiming to create an artwork that serves as a focal point, drawing people’s attention from the city.

The proposal seeks to innovate the heritage building with minimal intervention, mirroring the existing facade, while reinterpreting its geometries through the use of contemporary language and materials, thus blending historical reverence with modern aesthetics.

The house was originally part of a larger neighborhood, characterized by the typical Shanghai shikumen architecture. The controversial decision to preserve only a single unit posed a challenge, which Kokaistudios addressed by creating its contemporary “replica.” This approach aimed to reinforce the memory of the original historical urban texture, seamlessly integrating the old with the new.

This concept is brought to life through the use of stainless steel PVD-coated elliptical pipes and metal mesh, recreating the wireframe of the heritage building. The construction logic is highly rational, modular, and flexible, enabling easy maintenance and replacement of individual components in the future. Despite its simplicity, the design process emphasizes exceptionally refined detailing and craftsmanship, optimized by in-factory prefabrication and on-site dry assembly, avoiding engineering waste or pollution. Lighting is seamlessly integrated into the project, with fully concealed wiring housed within the perforated pipes and mesh frames.

Through passionate and professional coordination with clients and consultants, the project was completed with precise control over time and cost. The result is a design poised to become a successful iconic landmark, enclosing a semi-public space that serves as a vivid, inviting outdoor lifestyle destination in the city center of Shanghai.