Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award d'Argent in Design d'Architecture, Bâtiment et Structure Competition Category.

ArgentArchitecture· 2026

Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award d'Argent Winner in Architecture Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #181487

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire

Texte du livre : Située au cœur de la ville historique de Wuzhen, Ascending Ground explore un dialogue entre permanence et ouverture à travers une bibliothèque communautaire contemporaine. Des volumes en briques grises recyclées ancrent le bâtiment dans la tradition locale, tandis que les terrasses, plateformes et ouvertures sculptées génèrent un mouvement fluide et des vues cadrées. Un vide central baigné de lumière introduit la nature et l'activité sociale, transformant la bibliothèque en un paysage spatial stratifié qui relie architecture, lumière naturelle et mémoire urbaine.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award d'Argent

Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire est lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent, une reconnaissance énormément prestigieuse décernée à des designs haut de gamme, superbes et impressionnants. Les lauréats Argent sont des œuvres tout à fait brillantes et extrêmement créatives qui illustrent l'expertise, le talent et la perspicacité remarquables de leurs concepteurs. Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire est censé être une œuvre merveilleuse, une vitrine de savoir-faire, remarquablement professionnelle et profondément innovante. Ce design lauréat de l'A' Design Award d'Argent est une invention très notable et admirée, qui sert l'art, la science, le design et la technologie et en repousse les limites. Ascending Ground Fonction principale : Bibliothèque communautaire est une création très enviée qui éveille les désirs, apporte des sentiments positifs et suscite émerveillement et étonnement.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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
Team Members: Hao Zhong
Image Credits: Hao Zhong