Ruralation Shenaoli Library, Tonglu

Entrance Square

Ruralation Shenaoli Library is the first completed work of 'Eshan Practice', located in the ancient village Shenao, Jiangan, Tonglu, Hangzhou. The village is developed along with the multiplying of the Shentu family, and has a storied history of more than 1900 years. This ancient village is adjacent to the country town Tonglu, which is just half an hour's drive from Hangzhou. The unique underground spring and underdrains in the village have been well-conserved till now, as well as more than 40 historic buildings constructed during Ming or Qing Dynasty.

Construction

Ruralation Shenaoli Bookstore contains the community library which is open to the villagers, the humanity and folkways exhibition space, and the vernacular cultural creative products store. The rich functions and space together make the bookstore an ideal space for entertainment among tourists, recreation among businessmen and communication among villagers; and a soul salon in which one can experience the memory of hometown and the sense of belonging to the community.

Artrium

Design Team: Zhang Lei, Ma Haiyi, Wu Guanzhong, Ren Zhuqing, Du Yue, Feng Qi
Collaborator: ADI-NJU
Floor Areas: 733.25 m2
Design: 2014
Completion: 2015.10
Photographer: Yao Li, Wang Kai

Images Source: AZL Architects