Innovative designs give old Beijing new look

The Beijing Design week is bringing a feast of ideas, some of which could become the next big thing to transform our cities. One of the major activities taking place is a showcase of creativity at the Dashilar Hutong in central Beijing.

The Beijing Design week is bringing a feast of ideas, some of which could become the next big thing to transform our cities. One of the major activities taking place is a showcase of creativity at the Dashilar Hutong in central Beijing. 

Here, the ancient meets the modern. Dashilar hutong is an ancient commercial hub of Beijing. Now, modern elements have settled in comfortably, yet the place still retains its historic flavor.

And now that creative designs have become the benches here, it serves as more than just a spot for people to relax.

Like many other hutong residents in Beijing, the people here must use public bathrooms. One designer from Britain has designed a washroom with glass walls. But not to worry.

An exquisite modern redesign of an old house in the hutong is also a major highlight. The house is only 30 square meters, but with the new re-organized, box-like interior, it feels like much more.

"There were only two rooms, but after I redesigned it there's five rooms. The design creates more space for people without enlarging the house." Designer Zhang Ke said.

These are but a tiny fraction of the wide array of designs at Dashilar hutong, where over 80 designers are showing their stuff until October 7th.