Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis by Zhifeng Zhao

Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis by Zhifeng Zhao is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum in Hospitalitas Competition Category.

ArgentumHospitalitas· 2025

Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis

by Zhifeng Zhao

Client: ZHANG Qiang

Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum Winner in Hospitalitas Category

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Verified Award Winner
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The Design

About Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis

Projectum in Insula Loti arte gratiam pastoralem cum notione cooperativae ruralis coniungit, experientiam turismatis agriculturae immersivam praebens. Designatio eius sustentabilitatem et simplicitatem exprimit, naturam cum spatiis functionalibus miscens. Usus imaginum manu ductarum materiaeque naturalis atmosphaeram harmonicam creat, dum dispositio flexibilis, terras, areas legendi, et sedilia gradatim disposita includens, relaxationem et interactionem socialem fovet. Decorem aestheticum cum functionalitate practica aequilibrans, projectum visitatoribus nexum unicum cum natura communitateque praebet.

The Recognition

About the Praemium A' Design Award Argenteum

Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis victor est Praemii A' Design Award Argenteum, honoris eximie amplissimi formis summi generis, pulchris et conspicuis dati. Victores Argenti opera valde splendida et creandi ingenio praedita sunt, quae praestantem peritiam, talentum et acumen auctorum suorum ostendunt. Exspectatur Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis opus mirabile, exemplare, valde professionale et penitus novum fore. Haec forma Argento victa inventum notabile et admiratum est, quod ad fines artis, scientiae, formandi rationis et technologiae promovendos confert. Youhe Community Designatio Hospitalitatis creatio est, quam multi invident, quae cupiditates excitat, sensus bonos affert et admirationem miraculumque movet.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This vibrant agro-tourism space on Lotus Island, Suzhou, blends pastoral beauty with the rural cooperative concept. The design uses hand-drawn illustrations and simple lines, with orange and white contrasts for a fresh look. The architecture combines repurposed materials and natural scenery, while wood and rattan interiors create a simple, nature-connected atmosphere. The space offers dining with views, a reading nook, and multi-functional areas for gatherings and study.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project occupies a single floor with a thoughtful layout. The main space faces the bar counter, flanked by IP product exhibition areas, creating a central, functional design. To the right, an open dining and viewing area features terraces by the window and built-in bookshelves, offering a cozy reading spot. Behind a soundproof curtain on the left, a tiered seating area provides a flexible space for events like study tours or social gatherings.
Tags: Tourism Complex, Landscape Design, Argo-tourism Space, Travel Design, Tourism Design
Production Technology: The overall cost control of the project is relatively low, and the design and construction are closely integrated during the process. The material control often uses old wood for renovation and reuse, which is also part of sustainable design.
Design Challenge: A key challenge of the design was the owner's limited budget, requiring careful cost control and strategic material selection. To address this, the design reused old materials, reducing costs while adding unique character and sustainability. Focused design elements were prioritized to maintain impact without exceeding the budget. Close collaboration with the construction team ensured a balance between design vision and practical constraints, maintaining high craftsmanship while adhering to financial limitations for a successful outcome.
Research: The early-stage research focused on co-creation, involving in-depth collaboration with stakeholders. This included discussions with the owner to meet practical needs and with the head of Lotus Island to integrate local characteristics. University students, especially younger groups, were engaged for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This multi-layered collaboration enriched the design approach, providing both a solid theoretical foundation and practical basis for the final outcome.
Inspiration: The project is inspired by the pastoral beauty of Lotus Island in Suzhou, with its serene lakes and lush landscapes. It also draws from the collective spirit of rural cooperatives, emphasizing shared efforts and sustainable development. This blend of nature and collaboration creates a vibrant, interactive agro-tourism space.
Project Duration: Project Duration:October 2023- December 2023
Location: Lotus Island, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Operation Flow: Youhe Community is a rural revitalization project developed in collaboration with the local town government, becoming a model for rural redevelopment in Suzhou. Since its opening, the project has provided a new leisure destination for both local residents of Lotus Island and visitors. During the crab season, the area experiences a significant influx of people, highlighting its commercial value and popularity.
Image Credits: DENG Chun