Building on tradition

Village's maintenance compound is constructed according to ancient aesthetics

The cluster of buildings appears like the real-life rendering of a hamlet from a Chinese ink painting, with white exterior walls and swooping dark eaves, hedged in among the Hangzhou Asian Games Village's thicket of modern high rises.

Its ancient aesthetic, however, almost seems to conceal its contemporary functionality, as it serves the very practical purpose of maintenance of the village's equipment, amenities and facilities.

After the Asiad, the complex will be repurposed as a kindergarten.

The project's lead architect, Liao Xiaohua, described designing the compound as a career highlight.

He said his goal was to craft a solution to achieve a "triple win": adhering to design regulations and functional requirements, using the Asian Games to showcase China to international visitors, and creating a distinctive space for children's development that reflects elements of the Jiangnan region, south of the Yangzte River.

The complex is strategically positioned within the Athletes' Village and serves as a prominent entrance to the compound. It's intended to visually stand out from its surroundings, Liao explained.

"The Asian Games are a global showcase for China and Hangzhou. It leaves an impression on athletes who encounter these traditional-style structures while strolling through the Games Village," he said.

Liao summarized the design concept as "strolling through a Jiangnan village".

"Through the buildings' purposeful arrangement, we sought to emulate the natural growth seen in Jiangnan villages that have sprung up organically. While the layout may seem haphazard, it is, in fact, underpinned by a precise intentional logic."

And this concept likewise extends to its subsequent use as a kindergarten, he said.

"We want children to experience traditional life as they grow and learn in the future ... Our aim is for the kids to absorb the richness of traditional culture."

The international zone is centrally located amid the athletes', technical officials' and media villages, and is the hub of public activities in the Games Village. After the Asiad, it will become a cultural, education and sports center.

The exteriors of some buildings in the international zone depict interpretations of the celebrated ancient scroll painting, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.

The lead designer of the Qianjiang Century City management committee's Asian Games Village international zone project, Gao Pan, adopted a design principle rooted in Chinese tradition, inspired by Hangzhou's unique "half mountains, half city" layout and guided by the theme of sports to craft a true "city of vitality".

An elevated running track seamlessly threads for two kilometers along the ground, buildings and rooftops to offer views and experiences that epitomize a fitness-and-leisure park.

"We want the entire space to be very open, which emphasizes the importance of public participation," Gao said.

"Our design strategy connects different parts to create a cohesive and unified whole."