Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Xelata A' Design Award a Zîvîn in Dîzayna Mîmarî, Avahî û Strukturê Competition Category.

ZîvMîmarî· 2026

Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Xelata A' Design Award a Zîvîn Winner in Mîmarî Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #181487

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî

Di nava bajarê dîrokî yê Wuzhen de, Ascending Ground bi pirtûkxaneyek civakî ya hevdem diyalogek di navbera mayindebûn û vekirîbûnê de vedikole. Hêmanên kerpîçê gewr ên ji nû ve hatine bikaranîn avahiyê di kevneşopiya herêmî de bicih dikin, dema ku teras, sekû û vebûnên neqişandî livandina herikbar û dîmenên çarçovekirî diafirînin. Valahiyek navendî ya tijî ronahî xweza û çalakiya civakî pêşkêş dike, û pirtûkxaneyê vediguherîne perestgehek mekanî ya qatbeqat ku mîmarî, ronahiya rojê û bîranîna bajarî bi hev ve girê dide.

The Recognition

About the Xelata A' Design Award a Zîvîn

Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî xelatgirê Xelata A' Design Award a Zîvîn e, nasîneke bi awayekî awarte bi prestîj ku ji sêwiranên di asta herî bilind de, xweşik û bibandor re tê dayîn. Xelatgirên Zîvînê karên pir birûsk û pir afirîner in, yên ku pisporiya hêja, jêhatîbûn û zîrekiya sêwiranerên xwe nîşan didin. Tê hêvîkirin ku Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî karekî mînak, pir pîşekar û bi kûrahî nûjen be. Ev sêwirana bi Zîvînê serketî vedîtineke berbiçav û hatiye sitayişkirin e ku ji bo fireh kirina sînorên huner, zanist, sêwiran û teknolojiyê tevkarî dike. Ascending Ground Pirtûkxaneya Civakî afirandinek e ku gelek kes çavê xwe lê dikin, daxwazan şiyar dike, hestên erênî tîne û heyirînê çêdike.

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