The project is located in Xiafu Village, Diankou Town. The original agricultural market, funded by the village government, covers an area of 800 square meters and was built in 2003. This market serves as the heart of daily life for villagers—a place for trade and social interaction.
Every morning from 5 to 8 a.m., villagers gather here to buy and sell crops and livestock, and to exchange goods. It is also the largest and most significant public building in the entire village.
Today, villages in Zhejiang are undergoing an era of renewal and improvement of public spaces, similar to the development seen in China’s first- and second-tier cities. When the agricultural market was first completed in 2003, it was created from scratch. However, the construction was assembly-line style, and the architectural design did not fully consider the villagers’ practical needs.
With rapid economic growth and changing lifestyles, the 800 square meter farmer’s market under the eaves is now largely unused. Instead, villagers have set up their stalls directly along the roadside adjacent to the market.
Resident Architect Program
The Resident Architect Program in Diankou Town was initiated by Mr. Qiu Zhefeng, founder of Ideal Town, aiming to improve rural public spaces through design using BIM technology. Xiafu Village Farmers’ Market serves as one of the demonstration sites.
Two architects were arranged to live with local residents within the BIM development zone. They conducted interviews and surveys to understand villagers’ needs regarding the agricultural market, and analyzed the social structure and spatial usage of rural villages. From these insights, they drew conclusions and proposed design strategies.
Design Strategy
Our design focused on two key changes. First, we replaced the linear spatial layout of the large-span steel structure with a continuous folded plate roof design. This created a roof without a fixed direction, removing the original architectural boundaries of the market and inviting villagers to enter from all sides.
The folded roof also allows natural light to enter through the eaves, significantly improving the lighting conditions beneath the roof.
Second, we redesigned the storefronts and reorganized the sales area into a circular enclosed layout. This clearly separates seller and buyer zones, offering distinct spaces for each.
Sellers can securely store items such as electric vehicles and goods within the enclosed spaces, while buyers have more freedom to move horizontally within their designated area. The enclosed design fosters a sense of ownership among sellers, encouraging them to maintain the space, such as by “sweeping the snow in front of the door.” Market managers only need to maintain the road outside the enclosure, while the market operates smoothly within this self-regulated village order.
Drawings
Master Plan
Roof Analysis Diagram
Roof Analysis Diagram
Ground Floor Plan
Section A-A
Section B-B
Elevation Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Honjo Architectural Firm
Location: Xiafu Village, Zhuji, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
Category: Community Center
Principal Architect: Xiangnan
Design Team: Chen Jianhong, Hong Yueying
Building Area: 734.6 square meters
Project Year: 2018
Photographer: Chen Hao
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