XNX01 Xianniangxi Village Square 2018

The community participatory design and making project engaged a large number of villagers in the making of a village square in Xianniangxi village. The square is used as a gathering place for social activities. After discussion the villagers cleared and prepared the chosen space and divided the area into 1.5m squares. As well the villagers gathered unused masonry and collected rover stones. Small teams of villagers and visitors were given the responsibility to make their own pattern and story for their 1.5m square using recycled bricks, tiles and river stones. Individual stories and patterns collectively make the square, and at the same time help to clean up the village.

Participatory design meeting with the locals.
Villagers paving the proposed Village Square.
A village child scavenging bricks from demolished buildings for paving bricks.
Experimenting paving patterns with pebbles and stones.
Xianniangxi Village Square completion.
Villagers celebrating the opening of village square with bonfire.