Meiyuan Pavilion

Checkpoint for Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University CO., LTD.

Meiyuan pavilion is expeditiously put together for checkpoint of Meiyuan community during the coronavirus pandemic. It attempts to apply new materials and digital fabrication to improve the congested circulation and provide a social interaction space for residents of old communities. Moreover, it promotes not only a warm-welcoming gesture, but also a sense of community belonging.

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Meiyuan Pavilion by THAD

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Checkpoint by THAD

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Unique Properties

The Meiyuan pavilion is located in an old community – Meiyuan Community in Beijing, and is expeditiously assembled together for checkpoint during the coronavirus pandemic. It provides multiple imperative functions for the community residents, such as a substantial shelter, temperature checkpoint, package storage, and resting place. The pavilion is inspired by traditional Chinese tectonic language and reinterpret it into a simple and clean modern image for the community.

Tags

Beijing, China, Covid-19, Checkpoint, Paper-tube, Plywood, Pavilion, Digital Fabrication

Production Technology

It is designed as a modular system that can be mass-produced and easy-assembled. Each module includes two paper-tube columns and two paper-tube beams as the main structure, connected by three plywood tenon joints and two steel bases. Lastly, the two steel bases are buried in two wooden beer boxes filled with rocks. These foundations effectively prevent pavement from damage. Construction technology includes waterproof and fireproof experiment, structural innovation lab testing and CNC digital fabrication. Especially with CNC technology，designers could ensure precise cutting, pre-punching, pre-grooving within 0.3mm error. Joint pieces can be engraved with ID number, and pre-punched with holes. Those steps are helpful for construction workers to assemble joints and screw holes. Hence, the designers could ensure the construction quality and shorten the construction time to 24 hours. In terms of electrical equipment integration, the designers take the advantage of paper-tube being hollow, in which they place electric and internet wires. Keeping electric wires invisible enhances overall spatial quality as well as architectural integrity.

Design Challenge

The gateway of old communities faces four major challenges. Firstly, limited open space and high pedestrian flow are the primary obstacles. Secondly, in order not to burden the community, eco-friendly and degradable construction materials are preferable. Thirdly, the checkpoint needs to perform its duty during the pandemic as quickly as possible, so construction should be done in 24 hours. Lastly, pavement shall be kept intact because the pavilion is only a temporary structure. In addition, the free-standing foundation should be able to meet the wind load test of extreme climate.

Project Duration

The project is located in Beijing. The project started in June 2020, and completed in November 2020.

Operation Flow

The designers carefully create three independent circulations within the pavilion based on functions. For instance, entering pedestrian circulation is separated from package-picking pedestrian circulation. Hence, the diversion not only decrease the risk of exposure to virus, but also increases traffic efficiency significantly.

Research

This experiment attempts to apply new materials and digital fabrication to improve the spatial quality, and provide a social interaction space for residents of old communities. From the post-occupancy evaluation of this project, we find out that under the pavilion elders enjoy chatting with friends, kids like to play with toys, young men and ladies like to stay while waiting for taxi. During the Chinese New Year, the residents even decorate it with red lanterns and Chinese knots. It is good to see how architecture stimulates social interaction and neighborhood vitality.

Inspiration

With the outbreak of the Covid-19 in 2020, Chinese government conducts strict entry and exit regulations. Residential communities set up checkpoints to guard outsiders who might carry the virus. Checking process slows down the circulation flow at the checkpoint, and it becomes congested. Therefore, designers create a modular system that is fast and easy to assemble. They also create a package storage space to divert the circulation. Thus, it becomes clear and unimpeded.

Image Credits

Tri-images, Xiaobin Lv

Project Overview

Meiyuan Pavilion Checkpoint has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

THAD was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Meiyuan Pavilion Checkpoint.

THAD Press Releases

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THAD Unveils Meiyuan Pavilion: A Modular Checkpoint System for Covid-19

THAD introduces the Meiyuan Pavilion, a modular checkpoint system designed to streamline circulation flow and enhance safety during the Covid-19 pandemic in Beijing.

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