The Transformed Repository 圖書館 by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

The Transformed Repository 圖書館 by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 室內空間及展覽設計 Competition Category.

銅室內· 2025

The Transformed Repository 圖書館

by Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

Client: Zhaoxiong Han and Yinzhu Yao

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 室內 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #163877

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The Transformed Repository 圖書館

「蛻變寶庫」重新構想咗底特律一座歷史悠久嘅倉庫，將佢改造成一間現代化嘅圖書館兼咖啡室。設計保留咗建築嘅工業特色，同時引入全新嘅結構體量，營造出層次豐富嘅閱讀同聚會空間。天窗同高處嘅高側窗將自然光引入室內，增添咗溫暖感同開揚感。呢個適應性再利用項目，係可持續城市活化嘅典範，將歷史保育同當代功能融為一體，締造出一個充滿活力嘅社區樞紐。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

The Transformed Repository 圖書館是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計The Transformed Repository 圖書館將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。The Transformed Repository 圖書館出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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