THE TRIPTYCH VILLAGE

by Will Pope

Interior migration into Beijing has increased sharply in the last 10 years causing a major need for suitable housing. The three biggest demographics of new migrants are old people, families with young children and young adults seeking employment. The Triptych Village is formed by three distinct typologies of housing united by a submerged public bathhouse. The baths are an ancient socio-cultural part of Chinese heritage relevant to everyone in the village. The dense courtyard typology at the west end of the building is for the older residents. The units give privacy while retaining close social intimacy with there immediate neighbor. They are based on the tradition Chinese housing typology known a ‘Hutongs’. The two central squares are lined with different units of terrace housing suited to different family makeups; parents and child, parents and children and the common addition of a grandparent. Dividing the two square is nursery for the youngest children. The tower at the east end is for the young adults. It is very dense and contains multiple communal living and working spaces. It has the most direct access to the main road as It will be the most lively area of the village.