From 'neo-vernacular' to 'semi-vernacular

A case study of vernacular architecture representation and adaptation in rural Chinese village revitalization

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5700528
AutoresXiaoxin Zhao (0000-0002-8610-3603, The University of Queensland, autor correspondente), Kelly Greenop (0000-0003-2145-5277, The University of Queensland)
Ano2019
Volume25
Fascículo11
Páginas1128-1147
Data de publicação2019-11-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Heritage Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1352-7258 • E-ISSN: 1470-3610
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13527258.2019.1570544
OpenAlexW2911380768
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências citadas10

Vernacular architecture can be regarded as heritage places. Recently, the need to protect vernacular heritage in China has been reflected through government policy changes, for example the ‘beautiful countryside’ program which aims to develop rural villages since 2005. However, a conflict between conserving the tangible fabric and the intangible heritage of the vernacular place can become pronounced, as villagers have desires for a modern lifestyle, and maintaining the physical building fabric. Vernacular villages require sustainable development alongside conservation of both tangible and intangible heritage significance. A key factor in keeping a village alive is continuing its utilization by a local community. This paper introduces the terms ‘neo-vernacular’ (buildings with a vernacular appearance with contemporary methods and materials) and ‘semi-vernacular’ (reusing or renovating vernacular buildings in combination with modern and traditional building techniques) to distinguish two approaches to vernacular villages conservation. We analyse the distinctions between the works of Amateur Architecture Studio (AAS) and Atelier Zhang Lei (AZL) to demonstrate the neo-vernacular and semi-vernacular approaches respectively through photo-comparison diagrams, and reviewing comments from local villagers, architectural students, and scholars. In the discussion, we propose that the semi-vernacular adaptation offers a new approach worth pursuing in China’s rapidly changing rural landscapes

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · China · Cultural heritage · Geography · Literature · Vernacular · Vernacular architecture · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · History · Sustainable Urban and Rural Development