The Longma Village International Study Forest, located in Baodun Town, Xinjin District, Chengdu City, sits adjacent to the Xinpu Expressway and the Baodun Tourist Circle, near the historic Baodun Ancient City Ruins. Linpan is home to 50 households and approximately 300 residents, spread over an area exceeding 140 acres. The site is conveniently positioned close to the entrance of Linpan, serving as a vital daily passage for villagers.
On weekdays, residents gather on the empty dam just outside their homes to enjoy various activities such as chatting with neighbors, repairing and cleaning vehicles, picking vegetables, playing mahjong, cooking, or eating together at the doorstep. However, Linpan lacks a central square where everyone can come together. Given that the pathway is already a crucial thoroughfare, rich with everyday life and natural scenery, our design approach focused on minimizing new additions to preserve the existing environment.
Initially, the installation was named “Garden,” symbolizing an enclosed courtyard that forms a garden space. Later, the villagers likened its shape to a rice bowl, with wind-powered panels on top resembling grains of rice, leading to the popular name “Xiaomi Dou.”
The structure is divided into two main zones: an outward-facing area for social interaction and an inward-facing space for private reflection. Sitting facing outward, individuals engage with the surrounding people, activities, and environment. Conversely, those seated inside can whisper, lean on one another, or daydream in a more intimate setting. The inward sloping roof is composed of wind-driven panels that ripple in the breeze, creating a dynamic roof surface that connects people and space with the natural environment. This design fosters a unique dialogue with nature. At sunset, the roof reflects the orange sky, casting warm, dancing light over the eaves where people gather beneath.
Project Information
△ Base schematic diagram
△ General layout plan
△ Plan view
△ Schematic diagram of non-motorized vehicle circulation
△ Analysis chart
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Structural detail drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Perspective view
Project Details
Architect: A Building
Area: 24 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Existence of Architecture
Principal Architect: Zhang Tang
Design Team: Zhang Tang, Ying Xiaodan
Commissioned by: People’s Government of Baodun Town, Xinjin District, Chengdu City
Construction Contractor: Sichuan Shengtian Yijing Architectural Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd
Location: Chengdu
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