Former Chinese canteen transformed into cultural space

A 1950s canteen for coal miners in China has been converted into a cultural venue. The building is near historic 1912 administrative buildings designed by German architects. The renovation, led by architect Aurélien Chen, preserved original walls and historical traces, including red slogan characters. Interior design reinterpreted Communist-era colors and materials in a contemporary abstract style. New features include a bar area using a ruined wall, a central slatted wall recreating a floral motif, and curved furniture for flexibility. During construction, arched openings and a stone-vaulted basement were discovered and integrated. A new arched volume houses stairs to the basement, where concrete tanks became reading nooks and exhibition spaces. Blue metal moldings on the facade echo existing window patterns. The space now hosts a literary café, exhibitions, events, and conferences.