中国，景德镇

2022

The regeneration of an old porcelain factory property in the heart of Jingdezhen’s Imperial Kiln Historic District is guided by what PAO calls a Plugin Architecture approach to historic preservation and urban regeneration. This method involves placing architectural insertions within and adjacent to existing buildings to revitalize the site while incorporating and respecting its historical elements. Jingdezhen, known as China’s “Porcelain Capital,” has a history of over 1,000 years in ancient porcelain production.

The focal point of the design is a modern architectural landmark that integrates seamlessly into the center of the historic surroundings—a three-story glass building topped by a double-pitched roof. Housing exhibition spaces and a café, the building serves as a vital anchor in the main public square, harmonizing contemporary design with a deep respect for historical continuity. The transparency of the glass enclosure introduces a sense of openness, contrasting with the solid, traditional buildings nearby. The roof, covered in traditional clay tiles, appears to float above the transparent enclosure, creating a welcoming spatial extension of the public square.

Surrounding the glass building on three sides are a new restaurant and old porcelain workshops that have been revitalized through the Plugin Architecture approach. The original wood and brick structures remain intact, with new architectural insertions upgrading the old buildings to meet contemporary needs. Inside, these modules provide insulated and conditioned sleeping quarters, office spaces, and meeting rooms. Kitchen and bathroom modules add new functionality. Stairs and walkways are inserted both inside and outside to connect spaces and maximize their use. The new Plugin components are designed as modern insertions, visually distinct from their historic surroundings yet functionally integrated.

To extend public access into the courtyard spaces of the porcelain workshops, one building was rotated to merge the two original courtyards into a single unified space. This reconfiguration allows access from the public square and the glass building to flow through the interior of the courtyard, connecting the entire complex into a cohesive whole.

Porcelain Factory Plugin Revival

Client:Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Tourism Group

Location:中国，景德镇

Date of Completion: Jan 2022

Principals:Liu Kecheng, Xiao Li Principals (PAO): He Zhe, James Shen, Zang Feng

Project Team:Yuan Yingzi, Zhang Meng，Yang Quanyue, Yang Qian, Huang Liying, Zhang Mengyuan, Zhou Shimin, Han Xiao, Liu Yixin, Wang He, Wen Hao，Jiang Ying, Liu Yifeng

Photographer: Zhu Yumeng, People’s Architecture Office