Reinterpretation of arcade typology in a contemporary way

This thesis proposes a public building design for local community of Enning Road, Canton, China. Enning Road is located in a historical area which is famous for the coherent arcade streets. The proposal is a response to the cultural context and surrounding environment, based on a comprehensive research and analysis of Arcade typology. Architecture typology is a framework within which the dialogue between past and present takes place. It represents the sustainability of a building element or composition of elements- it can be structural, formal and vernacular. The function and form are generated based on a specific building type, developed regarding to the context. In another word, typology is supposed to maintain the same in spite of the social development and natural diversity. In this case, the adaptability to social status and future development under the premise of inheriting the basic historical framework of architecture has become the solution to design work located in historical area. The structure of this thesis consists of a theoretical part and a design part. The former one provides a literature review of arcade typology and investigation of traditional Cantonese arcade buildings and related design projects. The latter one includes design process based on site analysis and strategy for social issues and a proposed project in a plot presented with architectural drawings, illustrations and diagrams. It is my intention to seek for a potential synergy to apply my research and study to a specific site, carried out by a thoroughly understanding of current situation and context. The proposed community centre cuts out according to the summer wind direction, the covered open plaza offers the local a public space which fits the climate and living environment. Functions are distributed regarding the user type and natural circumstance. Arcade typology in a specific context acts as historical continuity and guarantees the sustainability of the building- the function might change in the future based on the needs but the building type will maintain