By Rediscovering Industrial Heritage
Nanjing Combat Machinery Factory, nestled on the west side of Hongshan in Nanjing, China, stands as a testament to the city’s industrial past. Established in the 1950s, the factory once thrived but later faced abandonment as the city expanded and industrial activities shifted. Despite efforts to repurpose the factory into a creative industrial center around 2006, it failed to garner attention and remained forgotten, overtaken by nature and decay.
A Renewed Vision
In 2020, the owner entrusted MIX Architecture with the task of revitalizing the factory into a modern composite emerging park, with a primary focus on office spaces. Preserving existing trees and honoring the building’s history were paramount. Inspired by the factory’s iconic red brick walls, the architects sought to integrate this historical element into the renovation, aiming to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia while aligning with the city’s vernacular.
Embracing the “Red” Identity
The choice of materials played a pivotal role in reshaping the factory’s identity. Red bricks, red concrete blocks, red terrazzo, and red face bricks became the cornerstone of the renovation, symbolizing continuity amidst change. Each material, representing different construction eras, contributed to creating a cohesive narrative that resonated with the city’s architectural language, thereby redefining people’s perception of the factory.
Harmonizing with Nature
Central to the design philosophy was establishing a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Courtyard walls, adorned with lush vegetation, delineated public and private spaces while seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape. The deliberate positioning of windows allowed for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, and inviting occupants to reconnect with the environment.
A Journey of Discovery
MIX Architecture envisioned the renovated factory as a journey of discovery, inviting visitors to engage with the space on multiple levels. From acknowledging its presence to feeling the historic ambiance through materials, and ultimately experiencing a profound connection with nature, the architecture served as a bridge, uniting the city’s past, present, and future. Through thoughtful spatial transformations and material interventions, the factory was transformed into a vibrant hub that resonated with the essence of Nanjing’s industrial heritage.
