Village Hall: A Modern Heart for Rural Community Life

Innovative architecture redefines social spaces in Xiangtang Village

Located in Xiangtang Village, Nanjing, the Village Hall by Youpei Hu reimagines the concept of a rural social center. Drawing from the historical significance of the ‘Ting Tang’—the main hall in traditional Chinese homes—this public building serves as the village’s communal heart. The design prioritizes openness and flexibility, offering spaces for meetings, exhibitions, and receptions, while fostering connections among villagers and visitors alike.

Distinct from conventional rural architecture, the Village Hall intentionally departs from vernacular styles. Instead, it employs modern materials such as weathering steel and concrete, unified under a striking, expansive roof. This roof, reminiscent of a giant open umbrella, elegantly shelters both formal and informal gathering areas, symbolizing unity and inclusivity within the community.

The building’s most notable feature is its innovative structural system. To achieve the illusion of a floating, lightweight canopy, the design team developed a hybrid structure inspired by umbrella cantilevers. Advanced engineering techniques, including Karamba3D force analysis and form-finding technology on the Rhino platform, enabled the creation of slender steel members that support large spans and overhangs. This approach not only enhances visual lightness but also demonstrates cutting-edge architectural problem-solving.

Spanning 1,370 square meters, the Village Hall’s flexible layout accommodates a variety of public functions. The open-plan design encourages spontaneous social interaction, making the space adaptable to the evolving needs of the community. The project’s completion in 2023 marks a significant addition to the architectural landscape of Jiangsu Province, setting a new standard for rural public buildings in China.

Recognition of the Village Hall’s excellence came with the Silver A' Design Award in 2025, honoring its remarkable blend of technical innovation and artistic expression. The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design, illustrating how architecture can bridge tradition and modernity while enriching daily life.

By redefining the role of communal architecture, the Village Hall invites other rural communities to explore new possibilities for public space—where heritage inspires progress and design fosters connection.