(Re)Generate

Larvik (NO) - Winner

TEAM DATA

Associates: Tian Li (FR), Zihao Wang (CN), Ala Rassaa (FR), Ons Larguech (TN) – architects, Shan Jiang (CN) – landscape architect

face.tian@gmail.com

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TEAM PORTRAIT

VIDEO (by the team)

INTERVIEW
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1. How do you define the main issue of your project in relation with the theme “Living Cities Imagining architecture taking care of the milieus”? And in which way do you think your project can contribute to an ecological and/or social evolution?
In Larvik, our commitment to nurturing inhabited environments materialized through our endeavor to regenerate an existing living system. Our goal is to revitalize biodiversity within a port encased in concrete, utilizing existing structures to the fullest extent, rehabilitating buildings with virtue, and establishing educational platforms. We believe our project has the potential to foster ecological and social evolution by pioneering virtuous habits and inspiring the inhabitants of Larvik to prioritize their well-being and the environment.

2. How did the issues of your design and the questions raised by the site mutation meet?
We endeavored to leverage the complexity of the site and its constraints as advantages, embarking on the reinvention of a program for existing structures. Our approach involved envisioning an evolutionary process in the utilization and realization of the project, adaptable to potential future scenarios such as the relocation of the railway.

PROJECT:

After being broken down, repurpose the dismantled embankment to create boundaries for biodiversity containers and coastal swimming pools

The library utilizes existing waterfront structures as a foundation, adding volume and connecting directly to the skywalk

Raise a section of the landscape at the mountain-top park and create a new mediatheque within it, visually concealing the bridge surface

3. Have you treated these issues previously? What were the reference projects that inspired yours?
Amidst the climate emergency we currently face, tending to inhabited environments and bolstering their resilience has emerged as a vital focus in our professional pursuits. We actively address these concerns by engaging in competitions, both individually within our respective workplaces (Reinventing Cities) and collaboratively as a team (where two of our members secured victory in Europan 16 Eco(Re)Start).

SITE:

Man-made rock pools at San Diego Bay waterfront double as coastal defences

4. How can your project be implemented together with the actors through a negotiated process and in time. How did you consider this issue in your project?
In formulating our proposal, we endeavored to provide the most precise response to the issues and expectations of Larvik city, presenting a flexible project poised for evolution. We strongly advocate for collaborative methodologies in addressing challenges of this magnitude and eagerly anticipate the involvement of all stakeholders in the ongoing dialogue. Furthermore, within our design, the project is intricately subdivided into distinct parts with a phased realization schedule already in place.

REFERENCES:

Reused concrete not only functions as containers for biodiversity but also serves as flood prevention measures

The local stone in Larvik serves as the inspiration for the monochromatic form of our library

The inspiration for our bridge curvature and finishing materials is drawn from traditional warships

5. How did you form the team for the competition and if so what are the skills you associated?
The team members crossed paths a few years ago during their tenure at AJN and have since collaborated on numerous competitions. The team coalesced around a shared vision centered on sustainability and resilience within the realm of design. Additionally, they bring a diverse array of skills and experiences encompassing urban planning, rehabilitation, parametric design, and graphic design.

6. How could this prize help you in your professional career?
We aspire for this award to pave the way for in-depth studies of our proposal and to serve as a catalyst for initiating new collaborative opportunities with the city of Larvik.

TEAM IDENTITY
Legal status:
Team name:
Average age of the associates: 32 years old

Has your team, together or separately, already conceived or implemented some projects and/or won any competition? if so, which ones?
Europan 16 - Site Istres (FR) - Runner-up
YAC - Site Rwanda - First prize

WORKS: