The entrance to a village serves not only as a gateway but also as an iconic space that holds collective memories for its community. In Dalingen Village, Songyang County, an aging public toilet has long occupied the village entrance, situated beside a water feature. We were invited to redesign this facility, aiming not only to enhance the quality of the restroom space but also to capture and shape the local spirit at the village’s threshold.
Traditional toilets often feature enclosed, isolated designs. Here, we challenged this norm by dividing the space into two distinct yet connected zones: the “real” and the “virtual.” The “real” area refers to the enclosed toilet units, ensuring privacy. Meanwhile, the “virtual” zone serves as the washing area, designed with a semi-enclosed interface that both separates and connects interior and exterior spaces. This openness allows natural light and air to flow through, fostering a harmonious interaction with the surrounding environment.
Inspired by the image of holding a pipa, the design features a partially covered, masked façade that conceals the roughness within. This conceptual “mask” disrupts the traditionally closed nature of public toilets by using woven bamboo poles to form breathable curtain walls. This technique blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, creating a space that feels both separate and connected simultaneously.
On the nearby water platform, a floating light box is installed, anchored to the original riverbank retaining wall. This “box” is suspended over a continuous platform by a steel cantilever, giving it a delicate, weightless appearance as if it’s gently lifted above the ground. The structure integrates seamlessly with nature, reflecting on the water’s surface. At night, the box emits a soft glow, resembling a lighthouse that watches over the tranquil village.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Plan and section views
△ Exploded diagram
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Aerobic Architecture, designed by Yuan Kun
Area: 47 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Cai Wancheng
Principal Architect: Cai Wancheng
Design Team: Cai Wancheng
Client: Dalingen Village, Songyang
Location: Lishui
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