Studio

Reading Architecture
IV
‘YULIN ALLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY
PUBLIC SPACE’ as case

Mehonaj Sharmin Mohona

Roll: 230122
1. Introduction of the case………………………..02
CONTENT

2. Organization
2.1. Form and Geometry…………………………………………….03
2.2. Scematic Zoning………………………………………………...05
2.3. Bubble Diagram…………………………………………………06
2.4. Spatial and Functional Relationship…………………………...07

3. Circulation ………………………………………………………08
4. References……………………………………………………….13

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Introduction of the Case:
Name: Yulin Alley Community Neighbourhood Public Space
Location: Chengdu, China
Architect:Nhoow Architects
Complention: Yulin Alley is a model of urban regeneration, blending flexible design with community-driven
functions to create a vibrant, inclusive public space.
Funtion: Yulin Alley functions as a flexible, community-driven space for social interaction, performances,
cultural activities, and inclusive services
.Target Users: Elderly residents, children, local shop owners, and performers.
Design Considerations:
Respect the existing cultural fabric and architecture.
- Use locally sourced and sustainable materials.
- Integrate greenery, seating, and shaded structures.
- Support small events and informal interactions.Nhooe
Yulin Alley Community Neighbourhood Public Space in Chengdu, China, is a revitalized
urban area designed by Cto foster inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement. The
renovation, completed in three phases (2020–2022), introduced accessible pathways, a
community stage, leisure platforms, and multifunctional service rooms like a theater and
cafeteria. The design emphasizes flexibility, blending indoor and outdoor spaces to support
diverse social activities, daily use, and a strong sense of community belonging

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Form and Geometry:
Yulin Alley Community Stage Community mass Community Service Community
party center center Cafeteria

Yulin Alley’s space organization primarily represents

a Linear Organization with spaces arranged along a
continuous path. It also features elements of Clustered
Organization through grouped community functions,
and Centralized Organization with focal points like the
community stage. This combination supports fluid
movement, flexible use, and strong community
interaction

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🔹 1. Circulation Spaces (Alleys & Pathways)
Form: Narrow, winding, human-scale corridors.
Geometry: Irregular, curvilinear paths (3–5m wide), shaped by organic development.
Function: Pedestrian movement, social interaction, and spillover of daily life activities.
🔹 2. Communal Courtyards / Nodes
Form: Semi-enclosed, open-air gathering spots.
Geometry: Asymmetrical, pocket-sized voids within building clusters.
Function: Spaces for gathering, playing games, group exercises, or casual seating

🔹 3. Informal Commercial Spots (e.g., food stalls, corner shops)

Form: Small, often improvised or retrofitted into existing structures.
Geometry: Tucked into corners, edges of alleys; typically rectangular or L-shaped.
Function: Local services—noodle stalls, tea tables, convenience items.
🔹 4. Green Pockets / Plant Areas
Form: Planters, vertical gardens, trees in shared space.
Geometry: Irregular and embedded into leftover spaces (between doors, walls, corners).
Function: Cooling, beautification, psychological comfort, softening the built form.

Function-Form Integration
• Tea stall integrated into a courtyard wall
• Children playing in front of a shop while elders rest on a bench
• Plants growing up the façade and across wires, shading the alley
• Public message board built into a shared wall
• Stairs doubling as seats for street performances or chatting

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Schematic Zoning:

Yulin East Road Community Hub

Outdoor Spaces
Yulin Alley
Community Sevice Room
Coomunity Cafeteria

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Bubble Diagram:

Path as Spine:Circulation is the main structure from which all other functions branch off.
Edge Activation:Homes and shops open directly onto the alley—thresholds become multifunctional.
Nodes of Activity:Slightly wider spaces act as gathering zones, rest points, and sometimes marketplaces.
Flexible Use Zones:Morning = delivery/movement,
Afternoon = gathering/play,
Evening = resting/chatting/social dining

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Spatial and Functional Relationship:

Functional Core
Interior space
Grey space
Flexible spaces

Placing Functional core in Interior space

Grey space with flexible borders that can be used as an extension space
The community Theater is also multi-purpose hall,can be used as an flexible space for art stor or Library

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Circulation:

Primary Ciculation: ( Approach Paths)

Linear circulation path with progressive unfolding of space.

Secondary Circulation: (Transitions and Thresholds)

Nodal point of circulation, often where paths intersect or expand.

Tertiary Circulation: (Internal Public Space)

Field-like circulation, where flow merges with occupation.

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Path Configuration- Linear + branching (organic spine + soft nodes)
Approach- Frontal
Spatial Sequence- Public → Semi-public → Private
Thresholds- Level changes, textures, street furniture
Circulation Type- Pedestrian-focused, slow, social
Order- Emergent, human-scaled, repetitive spatial cues
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Form formulation of Yulin Alley

Linear circulation
Frontal approach

Section of Yulin Alley

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Linear circulation

Frontal approach

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Circulation Type Spatial Relationship
Primary Path defining space Linear organization

Secondary Path to space transition Path space relationship

Tertiary Path merges with space Field condition, open plan

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References:
1. Ching, F. D. K. (2014). Form, Space, and Order (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
2. ArchDaily. (n.d.). Yulin Alley Community Neighbourhood: Community Public Space
Renovation. Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com

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