FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Centennial Shameen Renovation Project

WAY Architects has completed the transformation of Centennial Shameen, a historical building located at No.41 Shamian Street on Shamian Island, into a multifunctional composite cultural space. The project, which began in May 2020 and finished in January 2021, aims to protect and reuse historical buildings, integrating them into the urban context and reconnecting the community.

The project retains the original exterior style of the building, preserving its symmetrical form, precise proportions of doors and windows, and rich molding lines. The 260 square-meter room with a 4.55-meter high ceiling height has been creatively utilized, adding a steel interlayer to create a mezzanine space with an independent frame structure, maximizing the existing space.

New materials, forms of design, and lighting techniques have been integrated into the classical space, interacting with the old pillar system. The design emphasizes the contrast between the old and the new, creating a clear relationship between the two.

WAY Architects, based in Guangzhou, China, is known for its unique approach to architecture, activating the inherent mutation genes of each project. The firm's design method allows buildings to take root in specific environments, serving the city and its users. The office is located in Dongshan Xinhepu, a historical and cultural area of Guangzhou, reflecting the firm's deep roots in the Greater Bay Area.

-END-