yiiie architects presents Community Art Creative Project (CACP)
The Community Art Creative Project (CACP) by YIIIE Architects has revitalized an abandoned bike shed China into a vibrant public space that promotes recycling, social engagement and sustainable urban life. The project is designed as a collaborative intervention in informal, “leftover” urban areas and connects modular Light Steel Construction, terraced green roofs and locally sourced materials to engage marginalized communities while addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization.
Located in Yulin 2nd Alley, a dense urban center characterized by partially demolished red brick buildings, the site serves as a hub for low-income groups, migrants, minorities and indigenous residents. Once a bustling urban landmark, the space had become stagnant over decades of neglect. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines architecture, design, sociology and art, CACP transforms this “land-in-waiting” into a community-driven experiment in adaptability and resilience.
All images courtesy of YIIIE Architects
a community intervention in a “leftover” urban area
YIIIE Architects' (find out more Here) integrates nature through rotated units and roof plantings that create zigzag boundaries, with sawtooth-shaped gaps adding greenery and further improving public orientation. The exposed structure supports ongoing change, while the planted roof serves as a community garden, providing cooling benefits and scenic green views while encouraging collaborative maintenance of public gardens.
Low-cost, locally sourced and recycled materials were used, resulting in a dynamic, accordion-like spatial hierarchy. Transparent polycarbonate panels and a lightweight galvanized steel structure maximize natural lighting while providing a soft and airy aesthetic. The structure offers further opportunities for participatory building and ongoing spatial updates with customizable modular units. These design decisions create a friendly, adaptable environment that welcomes diverse interactions with the community. In just seven days, the CACP team, 30 volunteers and local residents worked together to build the main structure.
a dense urban center characterized by partially demolished red brick buildings
a meeting point for workshops, conferences and exhibitions
The revitalized space will serve as a venue for workshops, meetings and exhibitions, connecting local stakeholders while strengthening community resilience. Activities such as furniture renovation, community meetings and artistic interventions also address social challenges and empower local providers. The flexible and open design of the space emphasizes the importance of the process and allows for continuous feedback and refinement to achieve a lasting impact. Future plans for the site include integrating commercial operations such as flower shops as well as public activities to create a balance between community use and business opportunities. CACP's goal is to expand this model to other aging courtyards and stimulate further dialogue about the role of community commerce in preserving local culture.
The work of YIIIE and CACP bridges the gap between top-down government initiatives and grassroots community action. By building alliances between local youth, residents' groups and government authorities, the project highlights the potential of informal urban spaces to develop into vibrant centers of social, environmental and economic activity.
YIIIE Architects presents Community Art Creative Project (CACP)
a vibrant public space that promotes recycling, community engagement and sustainable urban living
There was once an abandoned bicycle shed on the site
The project combines modular lightweight steel structures and locally sourced materials
The revitalized space serves as a venue for workshops, meetings and exhibitions and connects local stakeholders
crowned with terraced green roofs
The zigzag borders and sawtooth joints provide more greenery and further improve public orientation
In just seven days, the CACP team, 30 volunteers and local residents built the main structure