Nestled at the base of the majestic Maoqian Mountain, Shanxia Village in Zhejiang, China, is a tapestry of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. While modernisation has dulled some of its traditional allure, the vibrant folk custom of the Bench Dragon Lantern shines bright, binding the community every year on the seventeenth day of the first lunar month. In response to the fading customs yet rich cultural spirit, the MUFU Architectural Performance Studio has envisioned a cultural station, breathing new life into the village’s heart, right next to the dragon lantern performance grounds.
Rather than contributing another uniform modern residence to the landscape, the architects faced the challenge of harmonising the building’s height with local customs, which dictated it could not be shorter than the surrounding homes. Employing a strategy of slanted cuts and volume setbacks, they crafted an architectural form that merges seamlessly with its natural setting, transforming ground pressure into a lightened visual presence and creating a welcoming courtyard for the community.
The structure is adorned with a mix of red terracotta bricks, pebble-dash, and glass, forging a strong bond with the village’s aesthetic and ethos. With dual entrances leading south into the heart of tradition and north toward the natural hill, the building is designed as a cultural oasis. Public spaces on the first two floors, including a dining hall and multifunctional area, accommodate gatherings, while upper levels provide residential quarters for visiting artists and scholars.
During festive celebrations like the dragon lantern performance, the upper floors transform into public viewing platforms, enhancing the community’s shared experiences. The cultural station has transcended its utilitarian function, evolving into a vibrant venue for exhibitions, theatre workshops, and academic dialogues—igniting the village’s cultural renaissance and encouraging reflections on its development potential amidst the breathtaking backdrop of nature.
Shanxia Cultural Station, designed by MUFU Architectural Performance Studio, elevates the cultural essence of Shanxia Village in Zhejiang, China. Set against the scenic Maoqian Mountain, the station is a response to modernization, enhancing local customs, particularly the Bench Dragon Lantern. Strategically designed to merge with the landscape, it features public spaces for community engagement and accommodations for artists, fostering cultural vibrancy and reflecting the village’s identity.
The Shanxia Cultural Station stands as a testament to the exploration of cultural identity and community spirit in modernising landscapes. By integrating traditional practices with thoughtful architectural design, this project not only revitalises local customs but also fosters a dynamic space for communal gathering and artistic expression, ultimately aiming to spark a broader appreciation for the village’s cultural significance.
Original Source: www.archdaily.com
