DnA_Design and Architecture company reimagines Chinese Quarries, turning them into vibrant cultural spaces.
The Chinese design studio DnA_Design and Architecture has converted several old stone quarries in Zhejiang Province into cultural spaces, as part of an initiative to revitalize the region.
The unused quarries, located in Jinyun county, have been repurposed to provide amenities for residents and visitors.
Beijing-based DnA_Design and Architecture was tasked with metamorphosing nine of the excavated pits, with three now successfully finalized. These three areas offer a library, a venue for performances, and a space for communal gatherings.
Each quarry exhibits a unique structure and patterns, shaped by extensive manual excavation. The initial area, designated as Quarry 8, has been transformed into an accessible library.
The pre-existing stone platforms have been preserved and modified, featuring new concrete steps and seating arrangements crafted from a combination of steel and pressed bamboo.
The project involves minimal intervention and micro-renovation, with each quarry exhibiting unique structures shaped by manual excavation.
The studio, inspired by the region's history of monuments and rock inscriptions, aimed to emphasize the inherent character of quarries and avoid over-designing tourist destinations.
The second excavation, Quarry 9, now serves as a performance venue, capitalizing on the acoustics of its narrowing, cavernous structure.
At its base, a level stone stage and recessed seating area have been introduced.
Three completed areas now house a library, a performance venue, and a space for communal gatherings.
As for Quarry 10, the third locale, it has undergone a metamorphosis into a space dedicated to showcasing the stone quarrying process. Marked by a tiered seating arrangement and cohesive wooden elements, it harmonizes with the overall design of the other facilities.
The success of the initial transformation has sparked attention and discussion about repurposing deserted mines and quarries in response to current challenges. Plans include constructing an information center along a scenic path connecting the newly created spaces.