The Jiaxing Old Construction Committee Station, also known as the City Lounge of Zhongshan Road in Jiaxing, has been honored with the LEAF Awards 2020/2021 in the Best Art and Culture Architecture category by the European Outstanding Architect Forum. It also received the Public Jury Prize in the Library category at the 9th Architizer A+Awards in the United States.
Situated on Zhongshan Road, the heart of Jiaxing’s old city, the Old Construction Committee Station occupies a fragmented urban space nestled between buildings from various eras. This project is part of the Jiaxing Old Town Redevelopment Plan, which emphasizes simplicity within fragmented spaces rather than large-scale redevelopment. Inspired by Jane Jacobs’ concept of the “street eye,” the design evolves organically to rekindle appreciation for the rich and diverse life of the historic city.
The site’s most distinctive characteristics are its disorderly layout, blurred boundaries, and the presence of four mature camphor trees. The project aims to revitalize this space by creating an active community hub, including essential public restrooms. The architecture embraces the concept of “pleasant shade beneath large trees,” establishing three courtyards within the irregular site to preserve all four camphor trees. Boundaries are carefully limited, and the entire roof is designed to lie under the natural canopy.
A three-dimensional circulation system, composed of stairs and ramps, surrounds the architectural spaces and courtyards to encourage public interaction. The street-facing facade uses textured wood-grain concrete and lightweight metal mesh to draw attention. The concrete entrance, rolled up like a curtain, piques visitors’ curiosity and guides them along the intended path.
The rooftop terrace, accessible via the surrounding ramps and stairs, offers a peaceful resting spot where visitors can enjoy the cool shade of the trees while observing the lively traffic on Zhongshan Road outside. The long slope of the northern courtyard has become a favorite play area for children from the nearby community. This courtyard features shallow water elements designed with safety in mind.
The passage winding beneath the ramp through the main building can serve as a small community gathering or preaching space. The core of the building features an open stepped reading area, complete with a full book wall and reading platforms at various elevations. This area acts as both the starting and ending point of the three-dimensional circulation system. The design of the reading space and roof is inspired by the triangular shape of “Jiaxing Zongzi,” a traditional regional delicacy, reflecting local cultural characteristics.
Known as “One Zhongshan Road, half of Jiaxing City,” Zhongshan Road holds a deep urban memory for the people of Jiaxing, witnessing the city’s growth and transformation. The Old Construction Committee Station revitalizes the fragmented old city space, becoming a lively focal point for urban life and community engagement, a cherished childhood memory for nearby residents, and a nostalgic “old street.”
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Perspective View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Jiaxing Old Construction Committee Post Station
Design Unit: Youth Innovation Center PLAY Architects – China Academy of Art Landscape Architecture Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Website: www.caaladi.com/products/index_303-html
Contact Email: PLAYarchitects@163.com
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Project Completion Year: 2020
Building Area: 380 square meters
Project Address: Zhongshan East Road, Jiaxing City
Lead Architects: Chen Xiawei, Ke Lijun
Design Team: Shen Junyan, Wang Kaijintuo
Photography: Aoguan Architectural Vision
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