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Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award í silfri in Arkitektúr, bygginga- og mannvirkjahönnun Competition Category.


SilfurArkitektúr· 2026

Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award í silfri Winner in Arkitektúr Category

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The Design

About Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn

Bókartexti: Staðsett í hinum sögulega bæ Wuzhen, kannar Ascending Ground samtal milli varanleika og hreinskilni í gegnum nútímalegt samfélagsbókasafn. Endurunnar grátegldar múrsteinsheildir festa bygginguna í staðbundinni hefð, á meðan svalir, pallar og útskornar opnanir skapa fljótandi hreyfingu og rammað útsýni. Miðlæg ljósfyllt eyða kynnir náttúru og félagslega virkni, og umbreytir bókasafninu í lagskipt rýmislandslag sem tengir saman byggingarlist, dagsbirtu og borgarminni.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award í silfri

Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn vann A' Design Award í silfri, gífurlega virta viðurkenningu sem veitt er hönnunarverkum í fremstu röð, stórfallegum og áhrifamiklum. Sigurvegarar í silfri eru ákaflega snjöll og afar skapandi verk sem sýna framúrskarandi sérfræðiþekkingu, hæfileika og skarpskyggni hönnuða sinna. Þess er vænst að Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn sé dásamlegt sýningarverk sem er einstaklega fagmannlegt og djúpt nýstárlegt. Þetta hönnunarverk sem vann A' Design Award í silfri er mjög athyglisverð, dáð uppfinning sem gagnast og færir mörk listar, vísinda, hönnunar og tækni fram á við. Ascending Ground Aðalhlutverk: Samfélagsbókasafn er mjög öfunduð sköpun sem vekur langanir, færir jákvæðar tilfinningar og kveikir undrun og aðdáun.

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

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