Hutong Mushroom

The publication Hutong Mushroom stemmed from a research project conducted with urban-studies students at the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA).

Organised by Li Han of Drawing Architecture Studio and Professor Jin Qiuye of BUCEA, students designed speculative dwellings for the residents of Beijing’s historic hutongs (alleys formed by rows of traditional courtyard residencies), which are rapidly being demolished.

The project aimed to expand the definition of what architecture is, and who can and should practise as an architect.

The students, who have not yet been accredited as practising architects, presented work about the city in the form of a model, but also through writing, images and film.