CPI W-18b is a newly built lakeside building located in the CPI commercial complex in Luxe Lake, Chengdu. It serves as a display space for water activity equipment, jointly operated by Badmarket and MRS.
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The owner proposed that the architectural design should better facilitate sustainable development in the commercial context and respond to public demands. Hence, we took this opportunity to discuss the relationship between commercial spaces and public spaces (publicity) and the issue of sustainability.
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1) Public Space (Publicity):
CPI connects scattered independent units through a collection of “public spaces.” The community provides public spaces, and we believe that commercial units should also bear part of the public responsibility. If each unit strictly guards its boundaries, the community will consist of disjointed, unrelated, and even opposing segments.
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Therefore, we actively open up to the surroundings, forming new usage scenarios with the outside world, supporting and participating in public activities. By creating height differences, we ensure that the interior and exterior are undisturbed, maintaining operational scenarios while keeping open and interactive. We extend or enclose spaces that interact with nature. A net is installed around the entrance’s large tree, allowing fallen leaves to create a transitional gray space, paired with a bar counter to support activities in this area.
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2) Light Structure Materials, Heavy Spatial Forms
To liberate the space more, we adopted a strategy of using light structural materials and heavy spatial forms. The use of lightweight industrial materials achieves low cost, quick construction, energy efficiency, and a friendly community atmosphere with wooden beams and columns.
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3) Sustainability:
We aim to create buildings that can perceive the present and adapt to changes.
The fallen leaves on the net become part of the process and materials, and the building’s exterior changes with the seasons. The paving stones extend from outdoors to indoors, bringing soil and small flowers and plants inside. The facade is a multi-layer structure; the outer layer’s transparent mesh achieves eco-friendly energy savings when temperatures are appropriate, while the inner layer’s sliding glass doors provide insulation and security.
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Conclusion
All forms of commerce have a certain public space attribute, and public spaces also support commercial activities. They are mutually beneficial. “Is the birth of urban public space invented or negotiated?” Negotiation is a process of give and take, and sustainability is also a form of adaptive change.
Project Info
Architects: YIIIE Architects
Area: 52 m²
Year: 2024
Country: Cheng Du City, China
Lead Architects: Tang Zhang
Design Team: Fan Xia, Shenbin Chen
Structural Design: Sichuan Zhongsheng Hongrun Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Clients: Chengdu Wide Horizon Investment Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu α7 Commercial Management Co., Ltd.
Owner’s Design Management (Architecture): Chengdu Luxe Lake Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd.
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.