Open Village: A Beacon of Art and Culture in Rural China

Shimu Wang's Award-Winning Design Breathes New Life into a Former Cement Plant

The inspiration for Open Village came from the desire to bring high-quality cultural resources to rural areas. The cinema is named after the movie 'Rome, Open City', and its Chinese name, 'Seed Theatre', symbolizes prosperity and growth. The building's unique features, such as its pierced brick walls and polygonal glazings, create an animated dynamic hub, rich in vitality and openness.

One of the most striking features of Open Village is its colorful glass staircase, which has become a unique postcard of the village. To ensure the longevity of the glass pattern, it was attached between two slices of glass, protecting it from the elements. The pierced brick walls act as a 'brise soleil' shading device, hiding functional openings in different dimensions.

Since its opening, Open Village has attracted artists and young people to the village, hosting events like the 86358 Short Film Festival and the Lvliang Literature Festival. The cinema also houses a bookstore and an extensive exhibition wall, accommodating both outdoor and indoor activities. This multi-purpose use of the space ensures the efficient provision of resources to recipients, attracting a wider audience for the cultural experience.

The construction of the glass staircases was the most challenging part of the project. Every corner and edge of the glass pattern were carefully designed, matched, and jointed to achieve a unified final staircase outlook. Despite the challenges, the project was completed in September 2019, after starting in March 2017.

Open Village has been recognized for its innovative design, winning a Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. This award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics. Open Village is indeed a beacon of art and culture in rural China, demonstrating the transformative power of design.