ladders turn into circular climbing amphitheater in rural china

Climbing Amphitheater reimagines ladders as rural architecture

In Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China, Aiyuan Town is defined by its centuries-old pear orchards, where ladders are central to seasonal harvesting. Each spring, villagers carry these tools into the fields to collect fruit, a tradition passed down through generations. The Climbing Amphitheater reimagines the ladder beyond its agricultural role, transforming it into the structural foundation of a community gathering space. The amphitheater is designed as a mobile, assembly-based structure built collectively by local residents. Families bring tools and timber to construct or dismantle the circular framework, turning the act of building into a communal practice. This process strengthens ties within the village while giving a functional object new social and cultural meaning.

Constructed primarily from pear wood treated for durability, the structure integrates both traditional and contemporary techniques. The framework consists of wooden bases, triangular supports, ladders, steel-wood joints, and tension straps. Each ladder retains its agricultural identity through angled rungs while contributing to a larger architectural rhythm. Mortise-and-tenon joinery combined with modern adhesives ensures structural stability, reflecting a synthesis of vernacular craftsmanship and modern design.

all images courtesy of Yutao Chen and Yiwen Gu

transforming a farming tool into a communal gathering space

During the farming season, the amphitheater remains embedded in the orchard landscape, blending with the environment. Outside of harvest, it becomes a venue for gatherings, performances, and celebrations. At night, light and sound transform the space into a stage for collective activity, linking routine agricultural life with cultural expression.

By integrating farming tools into its architectural form, the Climbing Amphitheater, designed by Yutao Chen and Yiwen Gu, establishes a dialogue between memory, tradition, and contemporary rural life. It reinforces the relationship between people and place, demonstrating how modest, locally driven design can revitalize community identity and foster new forms of shared experience.

Climbing Amphitheater reinterprets ladders as an architectural framework