The CURIE Project
– A Micro-renovation Project of Community Public Spaces in Chengdu, China
The CURIE project is a brand based in Chengdu, specializing so far in the community building and micro-renovation of community public spaces. Founded in August 2020 by five students with architectural background: MA Rui, HE Shiyu, AN Chengyu, JIANG Yuqi, HUANG Ziyu, mainly led and coordinated by me, always inspired and instructed by Professor ZHANG Yu (to whom we send so much love and infinite thanks) at School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, the CURIE project has so far managed to bring one of the three renovation projects, in collaboration with community-building organizations such as Digua Community, to fruition. As the header of our loevly team, my role in the teamwork included coordination and communications of sorts, pitching, surveying, design and feedback collection.
Poster Collection
Poster for the recuit of volunteers, and as the unveiling introduction of the CURIE project. 
Poster as invitation to the residents of the community to taking part in the tea party held by the CURIE project, hoping to create dialogues in relation to the situations in the public space 
Poster as invitation to local residents in the community for further discussion on possibilities of micro-renovation in their community.
In the new wave of urban renewal in China, communities serve as crucial spaces linking various city functions. Through community building, we can foster a sense of community among members and enhance overall quality of life from the grassroots level up. Our brand, named the “CURIE Project,” resonating with the English term “curie,” embodies five key concepts: Cooperation, Urbanity, Resident Engagement, Interaction, and Evolution. Specifically, we aim to create comfortable, dynamic, and adaptable shared community spaces to activate interaction among residents.
Pitching of the first CURIE project
Renovation Plan for Community Shared Spaces at Renju Tianfu Xinyuan – This a residential complex in Chengdu catering to the middle to upper-income groups, lacks communal areas. We propose converting the unused underground space into a shared activity room to foster neighborly interactions. Through research, we found adaptable structures ideal for creating versatile spaces. We developed five design options and organized themed tea parties with residents to refine our plans. Currently, we are in discussions with the property management for implementation.
Retro of the second CURIE project
The second CURIE project at Yinsha District in Chengdu. The project started with on-site surveying and mapping, later developed into round-table sessions pitching to the residents and our partner organizations. Ultimately, the project was submitted to the district offices. 
Before-afters of our propositions 
The rendering for the little playground in the communal square in the micro-renovation project 
The rendering for the entry of the communal square in the micro-renovation project 
Rendering for nooks and crannies of the square spaces
Our second project focuses on the micro-upgrading of public spaces in the Yinsha Road Community, JinNiu District in Chengdu, predominantly inhabited by low-income groups. Collaborating with the Digua Community team, the initiative, themed “Homecoming,” addresses safety, mobility, and comfort issues through on-site inspections and tea gatherings with residents. The core principle emphasizes respecting diverse groups’ rights to space usage, guided by safety, interaction, and enjoyment. Subsequently, the plan undergoes further development by a third-party design firm.
Retro of the third CURIE project
The third project involves a small upgrade in a courtyard near the Xipu Campus of Southwest Jiaotong University, outside the Xinihe Community. We stayed in touch with the community and received funding for the project. We surveyed the area, discussed with community leaders, and identified issues. Our upgrade plan focuses on five areas: improving small squares, planning greenery and vegetable gardens, enhancing corridors and lighting, renovating red brick warehouses, and updating children’s play areas. We’re still finalizing the plan based on budget and technical considerations.
MA RUI 