Japanese architect Shuhei Aoyama’s latest project in Beijing has become a sensation, attracting visitors from all over the world. The bakery, with its cozy porch and grey brick walls, seamlessly blends into the surrounding hutong alleys and courtyard houses of the historical district.
- Aoyama’s design skillfully weaves together traditional elements and modern aesthetics, creating a space that is both inviting and deeply connected to the city’s cultural roots.
- The building’s exterior wall features a large mirror that attracts numerous passersby to take photos, while a well-positioned window offers seated diners a perfect view of the iconic white pagoda, a Buddhist structure designed by a Nepalese architect and built in the early Yuan Dynasty.
Aoyama’s passion for Beijing’s ancient alleys began when he first visited China as a teenager and returned in 2005 after earning a master’s degree in architecture. He was drawn to the city’s vibrant architectural boom ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and decided to make it his home.
REINVENTING HUTONG LIFE
Aoyama first rose to public attention through a television show in which he transformed aging hutong residential buildings. One notable project involved an L-shaped house of less than 40 square meters in Dengshikou Hutong. Aoyama reimagined the space into a functional and desirable home, much to the delight of its returning residents.
- Aoyama developed a deep appreciation for the lifestyle in the hutongs, realizing that buildings are in constant dialogue with their environment.
- He was impressed by the strong sense of community in the hutongs, where neighbors would help each other with tasks like cleaning the shared courtyard and collecting laundry.
“I don’t want to see old neighborhoods turned into museums — preserved, but empty because people move out when they get the chance. We aim to use modern design to turn them into places people actually want to live in,” Aoyama said.
INSIDER TO CHINA’S ARCHITECTURE
As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has had a unique vantage point on the country’s architectural development. He has had a chance to work on various projects, from urban renewal to rural revitalization.
- Aoyama’s studio has taken on projects to renovate old residential communities nationwide, benefiting 48 million households and over 120 million people.
- He has also worked on rural revitalization projects, transforming traditional countryside homes into guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Aoyama notes that China’s architecture industry has become more standardized and professional over the years. “Clients now evaluate firms, domestic and foreign alike, based on their work, philosophy, and values.”
ARCHITECTURE AS CULTURAL BRIDGE
“Architecture is not like selling a product but a creative pursuit,” Aoyama remarked. “If I want to design something in Beijing, I need to understand the local climate, culture, terrain, and how people live. The process is a great way to truly get to know a place.”
“I hope more young people from China and Japan can connect through architectural projects,” Aoyama said. “For me, architecture is an important medium for cultural exchange.”
Aoyama’s passion for cultural exchange is evident in his work, which often incorporates traditional Chinese courtyard elements into his designs.
As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has had the opportunity to travel extensively across the country, collecting materials and knowledge that he can use in his designs.
RENEWING BEIJING’S ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPE
Aoyama’s studio has been at the forefront of China’s architectural innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in urban renewal and rural revitalization.
- Aoyama’s team has worked on numerous projects to address common issues in hutong living, such as cramped spaces, poor insulation, inadequate bathrooms, and limited ventilation and daylight.
- He believes it’s vital for a city to keep such diverse communities in the old town where people of different ages and backgrounds can interact with each other.
Aoyama’s vision for Beijing’s ancient alleys is one of renewal and revitalization, where traditional elements are combined with modern aesthetics to create a vibrant and thriving cultural landscape.
As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has a unique perspective on the country’s architectural development, and his work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and innovation.
Renewing the Spirit of Beijing’s Ancient Alleys
Shuhei Aoyama’s latest project in Beijing has become a sensation, attracting visitors from all over the world. The bakery, with its cozy porch and grey brick walls, seamlessly blends into the surrounding hutong alleys and courtyard houses of the historical district.
| Project | Location | Client |
|---|---|---|
| Bakery | Downtown Beijing | Local residents |
| L-Shaped House | Dengshikou Hutong | Returning residents |
Aoyama’s passion for Beijing’s ancient alleys has been evident in his work, and his latest project is just one example of his commitment to preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
Renewing the Spirit of Beijing’s Ancient Alleys
Aoyama’s design skillfully weaves together traditional elements and modern aesthetics, creating a space that is both inviting and deeply connected to the city’s cultural roots.
Aoyama’s passion for cultural exchange is evident in his work, which often incorporates traditional Chinese courtyard elements into his designs.
Aoyama’s studio has been at the forefront of China’s architectural innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in urban renewal and rural revitalization.
Aoyama’s vision for Beijing’s ancient alleys is one of renewal and revitalization, where traditional elements are combined with modern aesthetics to create a vibrant and thriving cultural landscape.
As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has a unique perspective on the country’s architectural development, and his work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and innovation.
Renewing the Spirit of Beijing’s Ancient Alleys
Aoyama’s latest project in Beijing has become a sensation, attracting visitors from all over the world. The bakery, with its cozy porch and grey brick walls, seamlessly blends into the surrounding hutong alleys and courtyard houses of the historical district.
Aoyama’s passion for Beijing’s ancient alleys has been evident in his work, and his latest project is just one example of his commitment to preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
Aoyama’s design skillfully weaves together traditional elements and modern aesthetics, creating a space that is both inviting and deeply connected to the city’s cultural roots.
Aoyama’s passion for cultural exchange is evident in his work, which often incorporates traditional Chinese courtyard elements into his designs.
Aoyama’s studio has been at the forefront of China’s architectural innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in urban renewal and rural revitalization.
Aoyama’s vision for Beijing’s ancient alleys is one of renewal and revitalization, where traditional elements are combined with modern aesthetics to create a vibrant and thriving cultural landscape.
As a Japanese architect based in China, Aoyama has a unique perspective on the country’s architectural development, and his work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and innovation.
Aoyama’s latest project in Beijing has become a sensation, attracting visitors from all over the world.
