Argentu Architettura · 2026
Ascending Ground Funzione Primaria: Bibliuteca Cumunitaria
by Hao Zhong
- A' Design Award d'Argentu 2026 in Architettura
- CLIENT: Hao Zhong
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 13,752
- Verification code DC5AE52680 · Verify this award
Colors
About Ascending Ground Funzione Primaria: Bibliuteca Cumunitaria
Testu: Situatu in u paese storicu di Wuzhen, Ascending Ground esplora un dialogu trà a permanenza è l'apertura à traversu una bibliuteca cumunitaria cuntempuranea. Volumi di mattoni grisgi riciclati anchjeghjanu l'edifiziu in a tradizione lucale, mentre chì terrazze, piattaforme è aperture intagliate generanu un muvimentu fluidu è viste incurniciate. Un vuotu centrale pienu di luce introduce a natura è l'attività suciale, trasfurmendu a bibliuteca in un paisaghju spaziale stratificatu chì cunnetta l'architettura, a luce diurna è a memoria urbana.
About the A' Design Award d'Argentu
Ascending Ground Funzione Primaria: Bibliuteca Cumunitaria hè un vincitore di u premiu A' Design Award d'Argentu, una ricunniscenza straordinariamente prestigiosa attribuita à i disegni di alta gamma, splendidi è impressiunanti. I vincitori d'Argentu sò opere tremendamente brillanti è estremamente creative chì illustranu l'espertisa, u talentu è l'acutezza eccezziunali di i so disegnatori. Si aspetta chì Ascending Ground Funzione Primaria: Bibliuteca Cumunitaria sia una opera maravigliosa di mostra, rimarchevulemente prufessiunale è prufondamente innuvatrice. Stu disegnu vincitore di u premiu A' Design Award d'Argentu hè una invenzione assai nutevule è ammirata chì benefizia è allarga i limiti di l'arte, di a scienza, di u disegnu è di a tecnulugia. Ascending Ground Funzione Primaria: Bibliuteca Cumunitaria hè una creazione assai invidiata chì evoca disideri, introduce sentimenti pusitivi è accende stupore è maraviglia.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project reinterprets Wuzhen’s historic architectural language through a contemporary community library that merges cave-like enclosed spaces with open terraces. The façade employs locally sourced recycled bricks, reinforcing regional identity while reducing material impact. A heavy masonry mass contrasts with a light-filled central void, creating layered circulation and a social platform connecting residents and visitors.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The building is organized as a multi-level library composed of a heacy mass cladded with local-sourced recycled bricks and lightweight steel terrace structures. Massing and platform geometry were optimized through sun-path analysis to enhance daylight performance and natural ventilation. Varied façade openings regulate light and views, while staggered terraces create integrated circulation across levels, supporting flexible spatial use and environmental responsiveness.
- Tags
- community library, contextualized design, heritage integration, recycled material
- Production Technology
- The overall massing and platform layout were determined through careful study of the sun path to optimize daylight and capture views of Wuzhen’s historic district. Heavy volumes use locally sourced recycled grey bricks, while lightweight timber and steel define the central void and terraces. Staggered terraces, varied window openings, and intersecting stairs create layered spatial experiences, blending traditional materials with contemporary construction techniques.
- Design Challenge
- Integrating a contemporary library into Wuzhen’s historic fabric required balancing tradition and innovation while addressing social and spatial needs. Constraints included local regulations, material availability, and construction logistics in narrow historic streets.
- Inspiration
- The design is inspired by the rich historical and cultural fabric of Wuzhen, particularly its muted grey brick and white-walled architecture. Motivated to create a contemporary intervention that respects tradition, the project explores spatial contrasts between enclosed cave-like areas and open terraces, fostering community interaction while embracing the town’s scenic context.
- Project Duration
- The project concept started in 2018 during my travel in Wuzhen and the design finished in 2019.
- Operation Flow
- The library features a system of staggered stairs, platforms, and vertical circulation within the brick volumes, allowing visitors to move freely between enclosed, cave-like spaces and open terraces. This separation of circulation creates multiple paths, encourages exploration, and frames diverse views of Wuzhen, while the central void and terraces serve as flexible communal spaces that enhance social interaction and experiential engagement.
- Patents
- Hao Zhong
- Image Credits
- Hao Zhong
