Behind the Concrete is a monthly snippet where we introduce a piece of architecture that has a unique design and/or interesting story.
Qilou, or ‘arcade houses,’ are a familiar sight for Guangzhou residents. Their hybrid architecture took root in Guangdong’s capital hundreds of years ago, when the city was China’s only commercial port. During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Guangzhou enjoyed a history of embracing foreign cultures, resulting in the birth of qilou in the 18th century; blending traditional Cantonese constructions, known as ‘bamboo tube houses,’ and Western building practices.
Standing on both sides of Beijing Lu are various kinds of qilou. Among them, Goelia 225 is one of the most eye-catching during the night, when its bright red facade and warm yellow lighting glow in the darkness.
This five-floor, fan-shaped qilou was constructed in 1949 around the crossroad of Beijing Lu and Danan Lu and originally housed a jewelry shop. Today it’s home to Goelia 225, a fashion brand, with each floor dedicated to different functions.
The first floor, a florist, greets you with colorful roses, tulips, daisies, you name it; the second floor is a reading space with some volumes on travel, design and floriculture. An exhibition hall occupies the third floor, where over 60 shows are held every year. On the fourth is Veg Tables, a Western-style vegetarian restaurant that features foods made with ingredients from Kangaroo Island in Australia.
Crowning it all is an exquisitely designed guest house, so that those who want to spend longer in the historic building can get a feel for how it was to live in the striking qilou.
Click here for more Behind the Concrete.
0 User Comments