A cluster of forgotten buildings in Foshan's Guanyao Town has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and art center through an innovative renovation project that preserves the area's century-long architectural heritage. The Foshan Guanyao Culture and Art Center, also known as Guanyao Sanbao, represents a masterful example of adaptive reuse that combines comprehensive restoration with strategic micro-renovations to breathe new life into a historic district.
The project began in early 2023 when ceramic artist Li Jianshen selected a relatively inconspicuous group of buildings on the north side of Yiyuan West Road in Guanyao Town, Nanhai District, as the future site of the cultural center. At that time, every structure within the 865-square-meter site appeared to have been sealed away for years, quietly awaiting rediscovery and transformation.
The architectural firm Greyspace Architects, led by Liu Moyan and Su Peng, approached the renovation with a philosophy of comprehensive restoration combined with localized interventions. Their goal was to preserve the authentic character of the original street block while incorporating spatial elements themed around ceramics, providing a foundation for curators, artists, and operators to develop related business formats and revitalize the district through ceramic art.
The complex consists of four distinct structures, each representing different construction periods and architectural styles that tell the story of China's evolving urban landscape. Building 1, the former site of the Pearl River Column Headquarters, was constructed in the early 20th century and exemplifies typical Republican-era architecture that blends Western architectural elements with local cultural features. Building 2, erected after the founding of the People's Republic of China, is a three-story masonry-concrete structure featuring exterior corridors characteristic of mid-century Chinese construction.
Building 3 represents more recent additions to the site, constructed as a small, single-story concrete frame structure in recent years. Building 4 is a single-story brick-and-timber residential dwelling of indeterminate age, adding another layer to the architectural timeline. Together, these four buildings form a long and narrow inner courtyard that, along with the small rooftop terrace of Building 3, constitutes the core outdoor public space within the site.
The location holds particular historical significance, as Yiyuan West Road at the entrance to the building complex has served as a bustling transportation route for over a thousand years. The century-long construction history embodied in the architecture has become a defining feature of the area, creating what essentially functions as an open-air architectural museum that preserves uninterrupted examples of architectural styles from various historical periods.
After conducting detailed measurements and structural assessments of each building, the design team developed tailored restoration and renovation strategies based on the historical value and future usability of the existing structures. A key decision involved determining which historical period each heritage building's exterior should reflect – whether to restore buildings to their original completion appearance based on archival research, or to retain the various traces left by long-term use.
The architects chose the latter approach for most areas, preserving the marks of time and use while only repairing and adjusting parts that posed safety concerns. This philosophy allowed the buildings to maintain their authentic patina while ensuring structural integrity and safety for contemporary use.
The restoration of Building 1 focused primarily on cleaning and repair work that revealed hidden historical layers. The outer layer of faux-stone paint on the south elevation, which had disrupted the building's historical appearance, was carefully removed using pressure washing techniques, revealing the original cement mortar finish beneath along with faint traces of slogans painted during various historical periods. Damaged railings and window frames were meticulously measured, and molds were created from existing components to ensure consistency between restored and preserved elements.
Building 2 underwent both exterior restoration and internal spatial adjustments to better serve its new function. The original masonry-concrete structure, with portions built in a frame structure, had relatively small interior spans that were not well-suited for public functions. The designers made careful modifications to the internal configuration to meet the functional requirements of artist residencies and temporary living accommodations while preserving the building's essential character.
The transformation of Building 3 involved removing the original doors and windows between structural frame columns, opening up the interior space and creating a more seamless connection with the courtyard. The original reinforced concrete beams, slabs, and columns were reinforced to support increased foot traffic and activities on the roof, while the existing staircase was preserved as a visual anchor for the courtyard space.
Building 4 presented the most complex renovation challenge, requiring the removal of intricate internal brick wall structures while retaining the original exterior walls. The space was reimagined with eight steel-and-wood columns supporting the roof and mezzanine level, creating a flexible and open ground-level space suitable for artistic creation. The original 600mm height difference between units was preserved and repurposed as a versatile zone within the ceramics studio.
To address circulation and wayfinding challenges, the architects introduced an innovative system composed of ceramic bricks and steel framing between the buildings. This new circulation system not only organizes spatial flow but also serves as a visual element that reintroduces and emphasizes the ceramics theme as part of Guanyao's cultural revival, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the complex.
The project represents a successful model for heritage preservation and adaptive reuse in rapidly developing Chinese cities, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural intervention can honor the past while creating spaces for contemporary cultural expression and community engagement.
