Transforming Abandoned Spaces: The CACP Designing Project in Cheng Du Shi, China

Revitalizing Urban Spaces

CACP 'Designing' is a groundbreaking project by CACP (Community Art Creative Project), completed in 2024 in Cheng Du Shi, China. This initiative breathes new life into an abandoned bicycle shed, transforming it into a vibrant public space that promotes recycling and community involvement.

Addressing Urban Challenges

This project is part of a larger movement that addresses the neglect of informal urban spaces in China, which have suffered due to rapid urbanization and non-privatized land policies. The Community Art Creative Project aims to explore the potential of these spaces for revitalization.

Community Engagement

Located in Yulin 2nd Alley, an area with partially demolished red-brick buildings, the project serves as a hub for low-income groups, migrants, and indigenous residents. The design fosters community adaptation and resilience over three decades, creating a dynamic social ecology.

Innovative Design Approach

The project employs a non-welded, light steel structure that allows for a participatory construction process. Lightweight galvanized steel was chosen for its recyclability, making it easy to assemble and modify. This modular design ensures spatial functionality adaptability.

The building features a planted roof and zigzag boundaries that blur the lines between nature, space, and community. The community garden enhances the ecological impact and provides a space for collective maintenance.

Sustainable Practices

The choice of materials prioritizes low-cost and locally sourced products, ensuring that the construction is both functional and eco-friendly. The space has become a venue for various community activities, including workshops and exhibitions, aimed at revitalizing local culture and establishing sustainable operational mechanisms.

Future Developments

The next phase of the project will invite local florists to open shops, balancing public activities with commercial operations. This collaborative approach aims to promote business opportunities while extending the community model to other aging courtyards.