The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Bronz in Nhazi Ime Ụlọ na Ngosipụta Competition Category.

BronzIme Ụlọ· 2025

The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ

by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

Client: Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Bronz Winner in Ime Ụlọ Category

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The Design

About The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ

The Transformed Repository na-echeghachi ụlọ nkwakọba ihe akụkọ ihe mere eme dị na Detroit, na-agbanwe ya ka ọ bụrụ ọba akwụkwọ na ụlọ ihe ọṅụṅụ ọgbara ọhụrụ. Nhazi ahụ na-echekwa àgwà mmepụta ihe nke ụlọ ahụ ebe ọ na-ewebata olu ihe owuwu ọhụrụ iji mepụta oghere nwere ọtụtụ ọkwa maka ịgụ akwụkwọ na nzukọ. Windo elu na windo dị elu na-eweta ìhè eke n'ime oghere ahụ, na-eme ka ọ na-ekpo ọkụ na imeghe ya. Ọrụ iji ihe emegharị mee ihe a na-eje ozi dịka ihe atụ maka mweghachi obodo mepere emepe na-adịgide adịgide, na-ejikọta nchekwa akụkọ ihe mere eme na ọrụ nke oge a, ma na-emepụta ebe obodo dị ndụ.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Bronz

The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ meriri A' Design Award nke Bronz, nnabata dị oke ugwu e nyere design ndị pụtara ìhè nke a ma ama maka nzụlite ihe, ọgụgụ isi na nghọta. Ndị meriri na Bronz bụ ihe e mere nke ndị nwere nka nke ukwuu ma dị mma n'imepụta nke na-egosi ahụmahụ buru ibu, echiche na ọgụgụ isi nke ndị designer ha. A na-atụ anya na The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ ga-abụ ihe a na-asọpụrụ nke ukwuu, a na-eto na a hụrụ n'anya, nke dị oke ọrụ ma dị ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Bronz na-agụnye ụzọ kacha mma n'ime nka, sayensị, design na teknụzụ, ma dị mma nke ukwuu maka nlebara anya ya n'obere ihe. The Transformed Repository Ọba Akwụkwọ na-emezu mkpa nke ọma, na-emetụ ọchịchọ aka, na-adọrọ mmetụta obi ma na-adọta ọchịchọ ịmara.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Transformed Repository is a project located in Detroit, set in a former warehouse with over a hundred years of history. By converting this old industrial space into a library with a coffee shop, the project aims to create more than just a public space; it is a thoughtful reflection on history and the future of Rust Belt factories.
Dimensions & Packaging: The Transformed Repository spans approximately 18 meters in width, 35 meters in depth, and 7 meters in total height. The design incorporates mezzanine floors at a height of 3.5 meters, creating a dynamic double-height space. Skylights, each measuring 1.5 meters by 2.5 meters, and high clerestory windows of 2 meters in height are strategically placed to maximize natural light. Structural reinforcements include steel beams with a depth of 0.4 meters, ensuring stability and supporting the new design elements.
Tags: Factory Renovation
Production Technology: Our design employs adaptive reuse principles, introducing new volumes within the existing warehouse to create a dynamic double-height space. We utilized parametric design tools to optimize natural light through skylights and high clerestory windows, enhancing spatial quality while preserving historic integrity. Material selection focused on sustainable, locally-sourced options like reclaimed wood and steel, maintaining the industrial aesthetic while modernizing the interior environment.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of this design activity was balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. Creatively, we faced the challenge of maintaining the warehouse's original character while adapting it for new uses, like a library and café. Internally, we navigated historical perspectives to honor the building's legacy and community expectations. Externally, we dealt with zoning laws, structural limitations, and integrating modern technology within a century-old structure, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Research: This project used a combination of historical research and community-focused design research. The objective was to transform a historic warehouse into a modern library while preserving its cultural significance. We used surveys, interviews, and site analysis as our primary data collection tools. Participants included local residents, historians, and urban planners. Results showed a strong community desire for a multifunctional space that respects the past while serving current needs. The insights gained emphasized the importance of adaptive reuse in promoting sustainable urban development and enhancing social engagement. This research has real-life impacts by revitalizing heritage buildings, fostering community pride, and offering a model for future sustainable design practices.
Inspiration: Detroit has a significant number of abandoned factories, many of which were once part of its thriving automotive industry. By repurposing this historic warehouse, the project honors the past while providing a sustainable model for urban renewal, showcasing a vision for the future where old industrial spaces are reborn as vibrant community assets.
Project Duration: Detroit, USA
Operation Flow: The Transformed Repository is designed to create an inviting and interactive space. A newly introduced drywall volume with an embedded structure adds layers and depth to the library, enhancing the sense of openness. This volume, along with reading and sitting steps, encourages exploration and interaction, offering cozy spots for reading or gathering. Large windows and skylights fill the space with natural light, making it bright and welcoming, blending historical character with modern comfort for an engaging experience.
Team Members: Zhaoxiong Han
Yinzhu Yao
Image Credits: Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao