In Aiyuan town, Siyang county, East China's Jiangsu province, a circular wooden structure rises gently from the rural landscape. Built with the collective participation of local residents, the structure serves as both a gathering space and a symbol of community collaboration.
The project reflects architect Chen Yutao's exploration of rural architecture that emphasizes local context and public participation. As many rural areas undergo standardized development and visually driven "revitalization", Chen advocates an approach that reconnects architecture with local culture, materials and everyday life.
Born in Southwest China's Sichuan province, Chen has practiced architecture in both China and the United States. Drawing on this cross-cultural experience, he focuses on the cultural and social roles of rural architecture through both built projects and research. His design approach highlights regional analysis, material logic and community involvement, viewing architecture not only as form but also as a shared space shaped by its users.
Chen believes rural architecture can remain flexible and adaptive, closely integrated with its natural surroundings. In this vision, buildings act as a bridge linking people, landscape and daily life.
One example is the Climbing Amphitheatre in Aiyuan town. Inspired by the simple concept of a rural ladder, the circular wooden structure reinterprets a familiar agricultural tool as a multifunctional public space. Rather than separating stage and seating, the design allows people to climb, sit and gather freely, encouraging interaction and participation.
Since its completion, the project has received several international design honors, including the Silver prize at the International Design Awards, Gold at the MUSE Design Awards and Platinum at the London Design Awards.
Chen currently works at the international architecture firm HKS, contributing to large-scale public projects. He sees rural and urban design not as separate fields but as interconnected parts of a broader architectural practice.
"Regardless of scale, architecture designed for people should always begin with people," Chen said.
