The Day of Launching / Practice on Earth + ARC Z Architects

An architectural installation, dubbed “The Day of Launching / Practice on Earth + ARC Z Architects,” recently debuted on Fuxing Island in Shanghai. Created as part of the Shanghai Urban Space Art Season (SUSAS) 2025, the project reimagines a former shipbuilding site and its historic slipway.

Reclaiming Industrial Space

The installation wasn’t initially conceived as a large-scale intervention. The client originally requested enhancements to the slipway’s visible exterior. However, ARC Z Architects discovered the slipway represented more than just a surface; it marked the central axis of the site and, crucially, the final location for assembling and launching ships. The architects chose to focus on activating the site’s inherent history and scale rather than simply updating its appearance.

Did You Know? The project site is located on Fuxing Island, formerly the location of the China Shipbuilding Factory, which relocated in the early 2000s.

Design and Collaboration

The project was led by Haotian Wu, Cloe Yun Wang and Zi Meng. The architectural photography for the installation was completed by Qingyan Zhu.

Expert Insight: By choosing to engage with the history of the slipway, the architects demonstrate a sensitivity to place and a desire to create an installation that resonates with the site’s past. This approach suggests a broader trend in contemporary architecture toward adaptive reuse and the preservation of industrial heritage.

The installation covers an area of 90 square meters. KadaRay is listed as a manufacturer involved in the project.

Looking Ahead

this installation will inspire further artistic and architectural interventions on Fuxing Island, potentially transforming the area into a cultural hub. The success of this project could lead to similar approaches in other former industrial zones in Shanghai and beyond. Further development of the site may focus on preserving and celebrating its shipbuilding history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original request from the client?

The client initially asked for an intervention to enhance the slipway’s exposed elevation.

Where is the installation located?

The installation is located on Fuxing Island in Shanghai.

Who were the lead architects on the project?

The lead architects were Haotian Wu, Cloe Yun Wang, and Zi Meng.

How might the legacy of a shipbuilding site be thoughtfully integrated into contemporary architectural projects?