On The Road

DATE: 2011/08-2011/09

PROJECT TYPE: Public Building

BUILDING STATUS: Unconstructed

Where is your road, man? Is it the good boy road, the madman road, the colorful road, the Dandy Road, or any other road? And where does it lead? How do you reach it?

In today’s rapidly advancing society, life seems to move at breakneck speed—like a speeding train. For recent graduates or young professionals, life often feels like waiting at a station for the next train to take them to their destination. With a myriad of needs, aspirations, and dreams, the end of the journey is uncertain. Yet, the moment we board that train, our new life begins, and we embark on our personal road.

In an effort to build a supportive community for the young generation, particularly for new graduates who struggle to afford the high cost of living, we were inspired by the concept from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. In his novel, the road symbolizes a journey toward new goals and experiences, much like the transition the younger generation faces as they step into profession.

In this project, we chose an old factory complex located near the edge of our university campus. This site, acting as a bridge between graduates and the outside world, offers a physical and spiritual space for transition. We believe it’s the perfect location to create a sense of community.

While preserving the historical value of the old factories, we’ve designed the space to serve a variety of functions beyond just housing. These include entertainment, public communication, and even exhibition areas—transforming these factories into vibrant, future-forward hubs that attract and engage people.

Additionally, we’ve designed a train-like connection space that not only links the four factories but also provides a dynamic living environment. This structure will act as a connective tissue, allowing residents to live, socialize, and explore in a cohesive and interconnected community.

Ultimately, the combination of the revitalized factories and the new connective spaces will create a balanced, lively community—one that offers both private retreats and vibrant public areas. It will be a place where young people can embark on their own journeys, just as the trains take us to new destinations, with endless possibilities ahead.

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