Dong Village Architecture: Exploring the Beauty of Blue Square by Atelier Guo

Discover the mesmerizing blend of tradition and innovation in Dong Village architecture through the lens of Atelier Guo's remarkable project, Blue Square. Situated in the heart of QIANDONGNAN MIAO AND DONG AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURE, CHINA, Blue Square stands as a testament to the architect Liaohui Guo's vision for enhanced public spaces.

Unveiling Blue Square

Blue Square, a 70 m² architectural marvel completed in 2021, is a vibrant open space nestled within the intricate fabric of Dali Dong Village. Serving as a communal gathering spot and hosting feasts during significant events, this project seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, reshaping the village's public area while preserving its essence.

Structural Ingenuity

Atelier Guo employed a steel and wood system to construct Blue Square, paying homage to traditional Dong architectural principles. The bundled columns, formed by four timbers clamped to cruciform steel nodes, strike a delicate balance between horizontal and vertical proportions. The design mirrors the adjacent Dong village granaries, featuring a frame-like state with shallow eaves reminiscent of local drying racks.

Canopy and Shelter

The project's canopy cover, akin to a central church, introduces a human-scale shelter for shade and rain avoidance. Hanging indigo-dyed fabric becomes a variable in the space, further accentuating the square's central importance.

Various Forms of Blue

Dong village, renowned for its indigo dyeing industry, influences the project's thematic elements. The prevalent blue color, derived from traditional dyeing processes, adorns steel, wood, and fabric. Indigo-dyed wooden columns create tension with raw wooden counterparts, while rust-resistant treatment on steel plates mimics the texture of blue woven fabric.

Square Marking and Design Goals

As the eave-like steel components weather over time, the simple square mark from the initial sketches resurfaces. Blue Square's metallic linear outlines, shining brightly against ink-colored roof tiles, fulfill the original design goal: to create a lasting square marking in the historical village.

Blue Square by Atelier Guo stands as an architectural masterpiece, blending traditional Dong Village influences with innovative design concepts. Explore the rich history and craftsmanship of Dong Village architecture through this transformative project that has become an integral part of the village's communal life.

All photographs are work of Qingshan Wu