The first social housing project by MAD “introduces a fresh perspective” in China

Situated near the Central Business District of Beijing, the 93,900 square meters project is composed of 12 residential buildings, able to accommodate 4000 families, and has a total construction area of 473,300 square meters. MAD “saw this commission as an opportunity to improve the living conditions of low-income communities and introduce a fresh perspective to the current dull residential design image in China”.

The architecture firm decided to divide the lot into six blocks, anchored by a main avenue cutting through the center of the site, in order to fragment it into a much more human-friendly scale. In fact, the project aims to create a lively and inclusive urban experience in the neighborhood, thanks to the diversity of the spaces it offers.

At the street level, open to the public, the functional scheme hosts a range of commercial spaces and services. While the second level is accessible only to the residents and offers a communal outdoor landscape. A pedestrian path weaves around the six blocks, with a variety of functions including a gym, gardens, badminton court, children’s playground, and support services. Almost 3000 families have already moved in.