Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Prata in Design de Arquitetura, Edifícios e Estruturas Competition Category.

PrataArquitetura· 2026

Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award de Prata Winner in Arquitetura Category

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Verified Award Winner
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The Design

About Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária

Situado na histórica cidade de Wuzhen, o Ascending Ground explora um diálogo entre permanência e abertura através de uma biblioteca comunitária contemporânea. Volumes de tijolo cinza reciclado ancoram o edifício na tradição local, enquanto terraços, plataformas e aberturas esculpidas geram movimento fluido e vistas emolduradas. Um vazio central repleto de luz introduz natureza e atividade social, transformando a biblioteca numa paisagem espacial estratificada que conecta arquitetura, luz natural e memória urbana.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Prata

Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária conquistou o A' Design Award de Prata, um reconhecimento extraordinariamente prestigiado atribuído a designs de topo de gama, deslumbrantes e impressionantes. Os vencedores da Prata são obras tremendamente brilhantes e extremamente criativas que ilustram a perícia, o talento e a acuidade excecionais dos seus designers. Espera-se que Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária seja uma obra maravilhosa e de referência, notavelmente profissional e profundamente inovadora. Este design vencedor do A' Design Award de Prata é uma invenção muito notável e admirada, que beneficia e faz avançar as fronteiras da arte, da ciência, do design e da tecnologia. Ascending Ground Biblioteca Comunitária é uma criação imensamente invejada que desperta desejos, traz sentimentos positivos e faz nascer espanto e deslumbramento.

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