Liru And Guo Dali Rural Library

Liru And Guo Dali Rural Library

Liru and Guo Dali Rural Library is an innovative architectural project in Xitang Village, Dongbei Town, Lianzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, that exemplifies the harmonious integration of modern design principles with traditional rural architecture. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning educational facility, completed in 2021, consists of two primary structures - the Liru book house and Guo Dali book house - surrounded by thoughtfully designed landscape elements. The project showcases an ingenious approach to spatial organization through its overlapped double-layer enclosure structures, incorporating traditional Lingnan architectural principles such as the cold lane concept for natural ventilation. The design brilliantly addresses multiple functional requirements within a limited footprint, serving as both an exhibition space and a community hub for reading, leisure, and cultural activities. The architecture employs a sophisticated material palette that includes local elements such as traditional pottery tiles, Chinese fir strips, fair-faced concrete, and glass, creating a compelling dialogue between heritage and innovation. The building's environmental consciousness is evident in its passive energy-saving features, including strategic sun shading and natural ventilation systems. The project's participatory design process involved extensive collaboration between designers and local villagers, resulting in a space that authentically serves its community while advancing rural public architecture. The facility's success is demonstrated through its widespread adoption by local residents and its attraction of visitors from neighboring regions, establishing itself as a significant educational history research base in South China.

rural architecture sustainable design cultural preservation community engagement educational facility passive ventilation

— Adam Dawson