For designers, the optimal approach to safeguarding historical monuments or ancient buildings isn't through mere veneration but by making them accessible, tactile, and functional—integrating them into the fabric of daily life and exploring the potential for new uses and enriched experiences within these historical spaces. We constructed streamlined steel staircases that traverse from the first through the fourth levels, connecting the second-floor spaces and knitting together the buildings' isolated "islands" like a flowing river, thereby unifying the site.
The staircases' sinuous forms, reminiscent of a protective dragon, weave through the dense architectural landscape, creating a striking visual contrast. The strategic use of Chinese red not only draws the eye amid the subdued tones of the surrounding structures but also accentuates the theme of "Big Red Crayfish" visually encapsulating the fervor of the taste experience and sparking guests' anticipation of a gastronomic journey. This vibrant, red staircase has evolved into a new landmark and popular photo spot, enhancing business traffic and generating additional commercial value.
At Dayi, we champion the philosophy that form should serve function. The sculptural staircase is more than an aesthetic element; it also fulfills practical needs by connecting spaces and serving as an essential fire escape route. On a practical level, the staircase at the ground floor provides shelter, addressing the logistical challenges of transporting dishes in adverse weather and offering respite from the elements for visitors. Moreover, the staircase platform subtly reveals new perspectives of the nearby Dabaoen Temple, maximizing the site's unique geographic advantages and enriching the visitor experience with unexpected views.
Our design aesthetic blends modern materials with classical styles, employing metals and glass to craft traditional architectural silhouettes with simplified lines, adorned with elements of "Cyber Chinese Style." This melding of diverse Chinese aesthetic sensibilities layers ancient ambiance with contemporary sensations and futuristic dreams, weaving these elements into the architectural nuances to provide the historical space with richer connotations and more dynamic possibilities. During the construction process, the project emphasized reduction, utilizing local materials wherever feasible.
Removed doors were repurposed as glass-sealed screens, and original Taihu stones were collected, reorganized, and used as functional barriers—all while ensuring that new additions like the staircase did not adhere to the original structures, thus preserving the heritage and promoting sustainable use of the ancient architecture.