Yucun Impression is situated in Yucun, Anji, Zhejiang, the birthplace of the “Two Mountains” philosophy—where green mountains and clear waters are valued as highly as gold and silver. The project preserves two historic factory buildings that stand as witnesses to Yucun’s transformation from an industrial hub to an ecological countryside. Officially completed in June 2022, the Yucun Impression Youth Library now serves as a multifunctional cultural hub, becoming the most lively and creative space in the rural community.
The “Yucun Impression” project revitalizes rural industrial heritage by integrating these historic buildings into the ecological development of the countryside. This approach reflects the open and inclusive mindset of China’s rural revitalization strategy. The global partnership program has attracted numerous young entrepreneurs, fostering cultural exchanges within rural areas. Consequently, rural public buildings now require more versatile functions and inclusive cultural values.
This architectural renewal emphasizes preserving regional collective memories by creating places that connect to the countryside’s history. The layout of the original factory buildings is echoed by planting crops on-site, while the embankment roads trace the former factory transport routes. Visitors can explore the embankment road to rediscover Yucun’s industrial past.
The building follows a “preserve and utilize” strategy, maintaining the original volume and window designs to retain its historic character. The upper enclosure has been opened up to enhance transparency and create a harmonious connection with the surrounding green mountains and waters. By combining innovative local materials such as bamboo formwork concrete and bamboo enclosure, the design embodies the integration of collective memory from the site to the building itself.
The design creates a continuous open public space within the building, breaking away from the traditional single-function rural bookstore. This enhances the multifunctional use of the interior spaces. Sunken courtyards add to the building’s utility, while a two-story connecting corridor links the two separate structures, creating a seamless flow and resolving site elevation differences. Ultimately, this renovated building serves as a rural cultural center combining reading, exhibitions, and publishing, welcoming villagers, youth, and visitors alike.
Yucun Impression pioneers the use of various low-carbon materials and technologies to achieve carbon neutrality in rural buildings. Through practical application, it explores viable carbon-neutral building solutions tailored for rural environments.
Project Drawings
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Du Chunyu’s team, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Area: 1,623 m²
Year: 2022
Photographer: Wu Qingshan
Manufacturer: CHNT
Design Team: Du Chunyu, Jin Lingjun, Yang Ji, Zhang Jie, Wang Yuanyuan, Xu Ye
Location: Anji
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