Zhuozhuo Community: Urban Regeneration in Jingdezhen's Historic District
WEI+ Design transforms traditional ceramic workshops into a multifunctional cultural community hub.
1Project Scope and Scale
The Zhuozhuo Community project encompasses a total area of 9532 square meters within Jingdezhen. Completed in 2026, this ambitious urban regeneration initiative was led by chief planner Wei Weijia and lead architect Shi Jianwei. The site integrates multiple structures, including hotels, theaters, and guild halls, into a cohesive cultural destination.
2Strategic Geographic Positioning
Located in the Taoyangli Historic District, the site sits between the 600-year-old Zhongshan North Road and the Imperial Kiln archaeological site. This location is deeply rooted in centuries of porcelain production and commerce. The project leverages this dense urban fabric to bridge the gap between historic commercial streets and ancient industrial heritage.
3Collaborative Design Framework
The development involved a multi-disciplinary team including WEI+ Design, Compass Architects, and Jibenfaze Architectural Design. Specialized roles were distributed across interior design, structural engineering, and lighting design. BPI provided lighting expertise, while Tian Guoping served as the structural consulting engineer, ensuring the renovation met modern safety and aesthetic standards.
4Preservation Through Adaptation
Rather than treating historic buildings as isolated museum pieces, the design team focused on functional continuity. The project transforms former workshops, residences, and narrow alleyways into an open, multifunctional community. This approach allows the historic urban fabric to accommodate contemporary activities while maintaining the unique architectural identity of the ceramic district.
5Diverse Functional Components
The community features varied programs including the Zhuozhuo Hotel, which incorporates the White Ceramic House and Timber Courtyard No 1. Additional facilities include the Zhuozhuo Kuaileyuan Theater and the renovated Nanchang Guild Hall. These spaces are supported by service islands and specialty restaurants, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for residents and visitors.
6Material and Artistic Integration
The project emphasizes material authenticity, utilizing products from manufacturers like Minimaist for interior details. Artistic elements are woven throughout the site, featuring glass art installations by Zhang Daiqing and Yang Weihan. Floral design by Zhou Jinlian and moss landscape design by Zheng Tao further enhance the sensory experience of the historic environment.
7Technical and Structural Execution
Construction was executed by the China Construction First Group, adhering to the complex requirements of renovating historic structures. Beijing Waterwood Evergreen Culture Dissemination Co., Ltd provided product research and development support. The architectural wayfinding system, designed by Rinceau, ensures seamless navigation through the dense, interconnected network of traditional alleyways and new spaces.
8Impact on Urban Heritage
Zhuozhuo Community serves as a model for balancing heritage conservation with modern urban needs. By revitalizing the Taoyangli district, the project ensures the survival of Jingdezhen's ceramic legacy. It demonstrates how historical sites can evolve into vibrant, living environments that support both cultural tourism and the daily lives of local community members.