As a means to investigate the existing site conditions addressing the water's edge, these rough trace overlays explore the elements of porosity, connectivity, and visual relationships within Qing Cun. Areas of intervention become identified as I continue to discover opportunities where these qualities can be enhanced as a means to revitalize the village. 

Site Investigation 1: This overlay identifies the main circulation routes within the site and highlights the areas that branch off as a means to show the diversity of porous conditions along the two prevalent paths on site. The Old Street is identified in red as being primary and the opposing path across the canal is in green. The dashed moments in squares mark the areas where direct passages cut through the main path towards the water's edge and can be better utilized to draw individuals to the canal. 

Site Investigation 2: I sought to analyze the moments identified in my first site investigation by identifying the direct passages to the water and highlighting the buildings that are being viewed once at the edge. It was interesting to note how much direct access is available on the west portion of the village, and how little is available in the center-where the major activity is prevalent. 

Site Investigation 3: I further highlight the major porous routes by identifying the buildings which address them towards one's progression the water. I establish a system of hierarchy within the diversity of these porous moments: 

Means of approaching the water through the designated paths vary based on:

1. The extent of the size of the paths 
2. The extent of the circulation and activity within/around the paths
3. The availability/quality of views from the paths 

Site Investigation 4: I take on the the west portion of the site and identify the areas where I see the most potential to intervene based on the conclusions and relationships I have drawn from my investigations so far. I feel that this portion of the site has a rich potential to revitalize the existing greenery and gardens, and can be further enhanced with program that involves a community gardens and kitchen, where the growing, cultivating, and then cooking and eating of the food on site can occur in an interactive, community setting. 

Site Investigation 5: I expand on my methodologies to intervene by looking at the extents of the entire site. I believe there is potential to bring life to the central areas of the site along the water by opening up views and giving the residents better opportunities to interact with the canal's edge. I propose removing a small handful of existing buildings and potentially introduce platforms/docks that can serve as areas of retreat. 

I see the aspect of family and community life most prevalent on site through the activites that revolve around the meal. In an attempt to explore this everyday ritual, I created abstract collages that speak to the cyclical nature of growing, cultivating/cooking, and eating. 

NOUN

1.THE ACT OF UNITING AGAIN

2.THE STATE OF BEING UNITED AGAIN 3.A GATHERING OF RELATIVES, FRIENDS, OR ASSOCIATES AT REGULAR INTERVALS OR AFTER SEPARATION: “a family reunion.”

Digital Explorations in Section, Plan and Axon. 

Throughout the time spent in Qing Cun, there was this journey and path we took throughout the Old Street, and these images are the explorations visually into that journey along the path of Old Qing Cun. 

1. Section_10/04/14 Explores the sectional qualities across the canal, contrasting the density within the Old Street to the openness across the Canal. The section was taken through both Courtyards that are currently under construction. 

2. Linkage Section Diagram_10/15/14 These are the areas of discovery that I found to be integral for my own personal exploration along the Canal. These areas begin to link to each other to create pockets of the Qing Cun character. 

3. Section-Perspective Character_10/14/14 I want to understand the character of the site and all of its unique qualities. This exploration included the sifting through of many photos to find these perspectives I have outlined in red. The perspectives themselves outline the qualities of space that had a great sense of life. 

4.Residential Path_10/19/14 Tells the story of my journey along the path, and the people I saw and what they were doing over our time in Qing Cun. There was this great sense of community I wanted to explore using this narrative and diagram. The red dots in the diagram represent the people, and where I had seen people casually gathering, and the paths and journeys they were taking. 

5. Textures Area of Interest_10/23/14 This image is a combination of the edges and their diversity in the area I would like to explore the most. There is a great deal of material and liveliness in this area, as it is the "gateway" into the area and is situated between three main axis. 

As I continue: I would like to continue to work in this area and create a place where the residents and others as well can have a sense of union. As I have labeled this exploration "Reunion" I would like to explore the idea of creating a place for gathering, maybe on a larger scale. I want to do this so Qing Cun will have this sense of nostalgia within new visitors who will come back to see old friends, and for the residents to gather and unite with old friends.