The INNOVATIVE LAB of ARCHITECTURE & ART marks CLAB’s latest endeavor, situated in Qionglai, Chengdu City. This pioneering studio space is a collaborative effort between architects, artists, scientific researchers, and rural craftsmen, embodying a spirit of experimentation across multiple domains.
Exploring Experimental Realms
The essence of the lab is encapsulated in its name, which signifies three key experimental dimensions: the experimentation of construction techniques, the exploration of rural reform movements, and the innovation of social relations. This multifaceted approach underscores CLAB’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.
Pushing Boundaries with Rammed Earth
A distinguishing feature of the space is its construction using traditional rammed earth techniques. Leveraging support from a scientific research team at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, CLAB has enhanced the technical capabilities of rammed earth construction. This advancement enables the use of rammed earth as a structural material, even in earthquake-prone areas with a fortification level of eight degrees. By integrating this technology, CLAB aims to enhance living security in rural communities while preserving traditional building methods.
Cultivating Artisans and Empowering Communities
Central to the project is the insistence on manual rammed earth construction, aligning with the social fabric of rural life and facilitating widespread adoption across China’s rural landscape. The construction process serves as a training ground for modern rammed earth artisans, empowering local craftsmen to utilize this technique in building their homes. This grassroots approach not only addresses the practical needs of rural society but also imbues historical narratives with contemporary significance.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
Upon its completion, the laboratory will serve as a residence for architects and artists, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge exchange. Here, contemporary insights intersect with rural traditions, facilitating experimentation with innovative social relationships. Through this initiative, the INNOVATIVE LAB of ARCHITECTURE & ART seeks to redefine the boundaries of architectural practice and enrich the cultural fabric of rural communities.
In essence, the INNOVATIVE LAB of ARCHITECTURE & ART embodies CLAB’s ethos of experimentation, collaboration, and social impact, positioning itself as a beacon of innovation in the field of architecture and art.
