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Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Sidabrinis apdovanojimas A' Design Award in Architektūros, pastatų ir konstrukcijų dizainas Competition Category.


SidabrinisArchitektūra· 2026

Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Sidabrinis apdovanojimas A' Design Award Winner in Architektūra Category

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The Design

About Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka

Įsikūręs istoriniame Wuzhen miestelyje, „Ascending Ground" tyrinėja dialogą tarp pastovumo ir atvirumo per šiuolaikinę bendruomenės biblioteką. Perdirbtų pilkų plytų tūriai įtvirtina pastatą vietos tradicijoje, o terasos, platformos ir išraižytos angos kuria sklandų judėjimą bei įrėmintas perspektyvas. Centrinė šviesos pripildyta tuštuma įveda gamtą ir socialinę veiklą, paversdama biblioteką sluoksniuotu erdviniu kraštovaizdžiu, kuris susieja architektūrą, dienos šviesą ir miesto atmintį.

The Recognition

About the Sidabrinis apdovanojimas A' Design Award

Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka laimėjo Sidabrinį apdovanojimą A' Design Award, nepaprastai prestižinį pripažinimą, skiriamą aukščiausios klasės, puikiems ir įspūdingiems dizainams. Sidabro laureatai yra itin puikūs ir labai kūrybingi darbai, rodantys jų kūrėjų išskirtinę kompetenciją, talentą ir įžvalgumą. Tikimasi, kad Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka bus nuostabus, pavyzdinis, labai profesionalus ir giliai novatoriškas kūrinys. Šis Sidabriniu apdovanojimu įvertintas dizainas yra žymus, žavimas išradimas, padedantis plėsti meno, mokslo, dizaino ir technologijų ribas. Ascending Ground Bendruomenės biblioteka yra kūrinys, kuriam daugelis pavydi, žadinantis troškimus, teikiantis teigiamų jausmų ir sukeliantis nuostabą bei stebėjimąsi.

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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