Kai Niu

MA 2022.9 -- 2023.6 Royal Academy of Art

BA 2017.9-2021.6 Beijing University of Technology, Environmental Design

Hello everyone! I am Kai, born in Shandong, China. My projects involve architecture, interior design, exhibition design and art. Currently studying interior design at the RCA, exploring the relationship between people, space, narrative and materials.

Woolwich is a borough in south-east London and was an important naval, military and industrial area from the 16th to the 20th century. The population was around 60,000. After decades of mass unemployment and economic hardship. Now, with most of the historic buildings being renovated and converted into flats, Woolwich is looking forward to a revival.

The old factory, Junction Box, is a Grade II listed building that has been abandoned for many years. This year, our task is to imaginatively and thoughtfully reuse this building to help the development of this area.

Taking into account the proposed future renovation and expansion of the area and the surrounding environment, the site was conceived as a public art centre for artists, students and residents of the local community. I sought to challenge the existing scheme of this building by unfolding the existing hidden lift shaft within the building, creating a new journey.