Imagine an endless staircase embedded within a traditional wooden house—a ring of steps that seems to extend infinitely. This staircase has no final destination; it is the destination itself, evoking a sense of mystery. The building’s exterior walls feature a grid of bookshelves and windows that look out onto a courtyard. Pingtan Bookstore transcends the concept of a conventional children’s library, serving as a space where children can both read and play. This represents a new model for rural libraries in China.
In recent years, Dong ethnic villages have faced a significant challenge: their beautiful wooden architectural heritage is rapidly being replaced by foreign materials like concrete. For centuries, the Dong people have built their villages using local cedar wood, a sustainable resource. However, this tradition is now under threat as modern lifestyles and urbanization reshape rural China, endangering the cultural identity of the Dong community.
Pingtan Central Primary School exemplifies this shift. Founded in 1951, the school’s concrete buildings were constructed 20 years ago. The campus includes teaching buildings, teacher and student dormitories, administrative offices, and a canteen, surrounding a central playground. Today, the school serves over 300 students aged 6 to 13.
Condition_Lab sees an opportunity in this challenge to preserve the Dong ethnic group’s wooden architectural heritage and to rekindle their cultural pride. By creating living heritage projects, children are reconnected with their villages and encouraged to appreciate their rich culture through hands-on experience.
This project marks the second library Condition_Lab has built in the Pingtan River Basin. Its sister project, Gaobu Bookstore, is located ten kilometers upstream in Gaobu Village. Both projects share a simple yet powerful concept: they reinterpret traditional Dong dry railing structures using modern architectural design techniques, incorporating elements like stairs, walls, windows, and floors.
The Condition_Lab team collaborated closely with local carpenters and architecture students from CUHK. Their approach emphasizes patience, presence, and listening. Years of hands-on work have built trust with villagers and the school principal, and secured sponsorship for the project. All construction funds were generously donated by Mrs. Chen Zhang Mincong’s charity foundation.
Pingtan Bookstore is constructed entirely of wood—from its structural frame to its walls, stairs, and floors—making it a rare example in contemporary architecture. The only non-wood material used is a solar panel installed for facade lighting. The entire building follows traditional Dong wooden construction techniques.
The significance of Pingtan Bookstore lies in two key aspects. Firstly, it directly engages the children of Pingtan Elementary School, offering them a space to learn and play, and fostering an awareness of the importance of love and hope rooted in their culture amidst a rapidly changing world.
Secondly, it challenges contemporary architectural practice, which has often lost its soul to meet developers’ demands, especially in metropolitan areas like Hong Kong. Pingtan Bookstore demonstrates that architecture’s social role is just as crucial as its aesthetic or commercial value. Social impact does not require massive funding, and meaningful design exists beyond high-end projects—the building itself must carry significance.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Condition_Lab & UAL Studio
Area: 180 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: Sai Zhao, Xiaotie Chen
Manufacturer: Foshan Aluminum Bai Building Materials Technology Co., Ltd
Lead Architect: Peter W. Ferretto
Design Team: Cai Ling, Lin Minxin, Liu Ziwei, Wang Yuqian
Location: Pingtan, China
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