Alley Encounters

Winner - Doumen Ancient Town Renewal International Competition

2024 Winter

Partner: ELSE

Doumen Ancient Town sits quietly among the Jiangnan water towns of Shaoxing. The Alley, connecting the West Square to the main street, provides visitors their first impression of the old town. However, the alley currently feels narrow and dim, with no clear guidance or distinctive features to draw people in.

To enhance this space, we reimagined it as a “historical corridor” that tells the story of the town’s heritage. Glass bricks embedded in the walls contain miniature artifacts that represent the town’s history. At night, hidden lights behind the bricks illuminate them, projecting silhouettes onto the opposite wall. The alley transforms into a simple yet engaging space, blending history and art to create a memorable experience for visitors.