02. More than Just Housing

---

Architectural Competition

Academic, 2018
Collaborate with Zhichen Gong, Congying He

Third Prize | 3rd "Tianhua" ART&TECH National College Students' Arch Design Competition, 2018

As China's economy transitions toward a knowledge and research-driven model, the demand for urban environments that support research and development, marketing, and finance has increased. This evolution calls for cities that promote continuous networking and face-to-face communication, effectively functioning as a social "super-brain." It also draws a concentration of young, entrepreneurial professionals to central urban areas, all driven by a constant need to network, acquire new knowledge, and pursue potential collaborations.

The concept of co-living has emerged in response to these dynamics. Co-living offers a framework for residential communities that prioritize shared spaces and intentional compatibility among residents. By sharing space and fostering community, it has the potential to cultivate a sense of belonging and interpersonal connection - and, as such, to help build urban environments suited to a modern, knowledge-based economy.

---

---

Wuhan is a city with a history of over 3,000 years, divided by the Yangtze River. While the river has contributed to the city's development, it has also created a barrier to interaction between Wuhan's three districts. Since the 1950s, several bridges have been built to improve transportation and support economic growth. In the future, plans for bridges that include residential areas may help further enhance connectivity.

Thus, we propose a structure that functions as both a bridge and housing, aiming to facilitate interaction between the separated areas. The profits would help ease residents' economic burdens. Housing units and amenities would be provided as customizable modules that connect to pre-installed sockets on the bridge.

---

---

---

Below is a video we created for a presentation in the winter of 2018. With limited technical skills at the time, we did our best to convey our idea - looking back, there's something compelling about that raw ambition.

---

Presentation Notes (Presented by Zhichen Gong)

• Good evening, everyone! To be honest, traveling all the way from 2048 has been quite exhausting. But no matter the effort, I am honored to be here today to introduce a new architectural model from my time - one that integrates bridges and housing. This model, piloted in Wuhan in 2048, is called "More than Just Housing."

• As we know, the development of architecture has always been closely tied to technological advancement. The Industrial Revolution, for instance, boosted productivity and paved the way for Modernism. Today, the rapid growth of the internet means some traditional architectural standards no longer apply. In my era, dominated by the internet, architecture must be adaptable and responsive to fast-changing, diverse needs. With challenges like population growth and urban sprawl, we need innovative solutions.

• Wuhan was selected as the test city. After decades of development, it has become a key city in central China. Since 1957, the growing number of grand bridges across the Yangtze River has become a defining feature of the city.

• Let me share my personal experience. As a recent graduate, I left college with big ambitions, only to be quickly confronted by the harsh realities of life. Wuhan's rapid growth, combined with rising housing costs, left me struggling to pay steep rents on my limited salary. Daily commutes between the city center and suburban housing slowly wore down my initial enthusiasm.

• For the city, insufficient economic returns have made bridge maintenance a significant burden on the government. And as the urban center shifts, some older bridges are gradually losing their relevance.

• (News broadcast) "In 2048, the Wuhan Municipal Government introduced 'Several Opinions on Promoting Bridge Reconstruction,' proposing a new bridge-community model. This model combines bridges with residential communities to provide affordable housing and create entrepreneurial hubs that accelerate Wuhan's innovation. Let's take a closer look..."

• The first project, the M Bridge, connects multiple economic zones across the river and offers residential, exhibition, office, and other spaces. It also functions as a creative industry park for recent graduates and young startups. The M Bridge community will be open to the public, offering recreational spaces and becoming a new city landmark. Revenue from transportation, industry, and tourism will cover the bridge's maintenance costs and provide rent subsidies for residents.

• Now, let's hear from the project manager of the M Bridge community, who will explain the move-in process: "First, residents upload their profiles via our app, showcasing their entrepreneurial goals. They can view and select neighbors with similar interests, forming sub-communities. Second, we offer 3.5m x 3.5m modular units - residents can choose the number of units based on their needs, allowing for a customizable home. Lastly, shared facilities tailored to each sub-community's needs are provided."

• Finally, let's hear from the mayor of Wuhan: "Cities face challenges that require constant innovation and the breaking of traditional boundaries. Today, the M Bridge community opens as a pilot project to tackle urban issues. It reflects Wuhan's spirit of 'daring to lead and striving for excellence.' I hope this community model can be expanded nationwide and globally. Thank you!"

• END