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Village Hall: A Modern Interpretation of Community Space with Structural Innovation and Social Purpose

Village Hall, designed by Youpei Hu and team, stands as a new landmark in Xiangtang Village, Pukou District, Nanjing, China. Drawing inspiration from the traditional 'Ting Tang'-the main hall in Chinese homes for communal activities-the building serves as a multifunctional center for meetings, exhibitions, and social gatherings. Completed in 2023, the 1,370-square-meter structure intentionally departs from vernacular styles, instead embracing modern materials and a bold architectural language that fosters both formal and informal interactions among villagers and tourists.

The hallmark of Village Hall is its expansive, floating steel roof, which unifies diverse spaces beneath it much like a giant umbrella. Achieving this sense of lightness and openness required significant structural innovation. The design team employed a hybrid system that mimics umbrella cantilevers, using weathering steel, concrete, and slender steel members to overcome large spans and cantilevers while maintaining a delicate, airy appearance. Advanced digital tools such as Grasshopper and Karamba3D were utilized to analyze forces and optimize the roof's complex, asymmetric form during the design phase.

Village Hall's flexible interior accommodates a range of public functions, from daily meetings and exhibitions to receptions and community events. By providing generous open areas and a welcoming atmosphere, the building encourages social interaction and strengthens village identity. The project's technical excellence, creative vision, and social impact have been recognized with the Silver A' Design Award, celebrating its outstanding contribution to contemporary rural architecture and community life.

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