"Climbing the Ladder, Party Amphitheatre" in Aiyuan Town, Jiangsu, reinterprets the traditional farming ladder as a symbol of communal engagement and cultural continuity. Through a modular system of timber frames, ladders, and tension straps, villagers actively assemble and dismantle the temporary theater. As a mobile, participatory venue for performances, films, and gatherings, it enhances social interaction, revitalizes the orchard, and integrates harmoniously with the rural landscape.
Designed by Yutao Chen
Recognized by A' Design Award.
Yutao Chen is an architectural designer and computational design specialist whose work bridges advanced digital methodologies with built architectural practice. His work focuses on integrating parametric systems, material research, and performance-driven design into complex architectural and urban contexts. Through professional practice, independent research, and collaborative work, he contributes to the development of contemporary design workflows that expand how architecture is conceived, evaluated, and delivered. His approach emphasizes clarity of structure, rigor in process, and the thoughtful application of emerging technologies to address cultural, environmental, and spatial challenges.
Yutao Chen has A++ Rating, valid through 2026. A++ stands for Noteworthy Rating. DBI Awards the A++ Rating to entities delivering noteworthy design efforts that showcase strong innovation, sound execution, and a clear alignment with project objectives. This rating underscores a capacity to produce meaningful creative outputs that address user needs while maintaining a high standard of quality. This certificate is awarded following a rigorous evaluation process led by an esteemed jury panel made up of journalists, academics, design professionals, and entrepreneurs worldwide. The assessment uses a blind peer-review methodology to ensure impartiality, with entries evaluated according to established guidelines and scored uniformly. Through this process, DBI highlights and honors noteworthy achievements in innovation, design quality, and creative capacity.
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