BIM Architecture: A Rural Construction Experiment at Jiangba Ginkgo Plaza by Botao Design in Huai'an, Jiangsu

Within the framework of the rural revitalization strategy, the evolving relationship between urban and rural areas, along with transformations within rural regions, has created a complex and diverse landscape. Changes in industrial functions, population demographics, and architectural styles have inspired architects to explore various approaches in rural construction.

In Jiangba Town, located in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, rapid urbanization and the decline of traditional industries such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries have led many young residents to leave for urban opportunities. The once thriving ancient town now faces severe rural depopulation, an aging population, and the fading memory of its historical identity. The town urgently requires revitalization and transformation. As a key demonstration project of the Jiangsu Provincial Government’s rural revitalization plan, this initiative also serves as a social experiment focused on the rural environment.

In response, we propose the concept of ‘Longing for’. The term ‘Xiang’ is an ancient Chinese character meaning ‘countryside,’ emphasizing a focus on the unique characteristics of the local land.

Our approach begins with the essence of rural areas, emphasizing the preservation and evolution of traditional materials, structures, and craftsmanship, alongside the integration of modern technologies. From a broader societal perspective, we aim to foster the development of rural industries, organizations, and culture. Through targeted architectural interventions, we aspire to spark comprehensive rural revitalization and complete a distinctive rural construction experiment.

Jiangba Ancient Town, situated in Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, lies at the southernmost point on the Hongze Lake embankment. Known as a historic cultural town and transportation hub, it carries the reputation of being a place where one can “hear the sound from ten miles away and stop the boat within five miles.” Emperor Qianlong visited twice during his southern tours, leaving two imperial inscriptions: the “Xinba Stele” and the “Xinba Stele Pavilion Inscription,” along with poignant local legends such as Wohu Dam and Huanggang Temple. The town is also famous for its culinary specialties, especially fish balls, which Qianlong praised as the “world’s finest delicacy.”

The traditional spatial layout of Jiangba Ancient Town developed organically through the growth of small buildings. The town faces west towards Hongze Lake and east towards ecological fields, with waterways running north-south and several wetlands scattered throughout. The architectural style blends elements of Huizhou vocabulary with Jiangnan residential buildings. This project naturally integrates into the central area of the ancient town, aiming to harmonize with its fabric and revitalize its vitality.

The design and construction process follows two parallel strategies:

First, it involves researching the local construction systems of Jiangba’s residential settlements to identify spatial patterns and stable architectural features that align with the natural environment, climate, complex terrain, lifestyle, and cultural traits. This research provides a foundation for protecting the traditional settlement style.

Second, it combines traditional and modern consumption habits and trends to reorganize the town’s commercial and tourism offerings.

The newly created village activity square offers residents a source of village vitality. Here, new spatial forms, building materials, and traditional architectural language blend and interact, weaving together old and new elements to reveal fresh rural charm. The architectural space serves as a vital medium connecting people.

While preserving traditional construction techniques, the design injects contemporary expressions, reflecting the natural evolution of traditional architecture in the modern era. For instance, it incorporates modern facades and materials into traditional architectural vocabulary to create a balanced fusion.

The contemporary reinterpretation of traditional lattice windows adds a playful and intriguing element that neither strictly adheres to ancient nor modern styles.

At selected locations, traditional lattice window styles are recreated using wood and glass, freeing the design from traditional wooden structural constraints and allowing for greater facade design possibilities.

Waste materials removed from the site—including tiles, green bricks, wood, slate, and pottery jars—are creatively reused to breathe new life into the project.

A distinctive ground pavement is created by combining discarded tiles, slate, and green bricks, revitalizing cultural memories in the process.

Floral tile patterns are paired with green bricks and wooden boards to form elements such as fences, flower beds, and lattice windows.

The intricate masonry of green bricks creates decorative patterns by varying the orientation, depth, and projection of surfaces and facades. Depending on the size, quantity, and placement of exposed areas, these brick features are categorized into forms such as exposed brick walls, exposed window walls, and brick flower walls. They convey the craftsmanship culture through landscape walls, building facades, and other elements.

Since the project’s completion, the site has attracted numerous tourists, significantly boosting the local tourism economy. It has also shifted the local villagers’ perceptions and values regarding architecture. Many young people who had left for work have returned, and new businesses continue to emerge, creating ongoing employment opportunities. With strong government support, the economic agglomeration effect has been further amplified.

Today, Jiangba Ancient Town is gradually reclaiming its former glory.

Each ancient town carries its own cultural DNA,

Whether in the alleys of a neighborhood

Or the arch bridges of Zhouzhuang,

The ancient towns we speak of are no exception.

Yet, as times change,

More and more young people leave,

And these cultural imprints gradually fade.

The construction of Ginkgo Plaza

Is an effort to reshape the old cultural DNA of the ancient town,

To reinterpret it,

And to radiate new vitality and energy.

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