Research on the Conservation and Development Strategies of Traditional Villages

Situated at the border between Zhangjiajie City and Changde City in Hunan Province，Cili County is home to over 20 traditional villages. These villages are characterized by wooden stilted structures crafted using mortise and tenon joints, while traditional rural architecture constructed from a variety of materials like earth, wood, bamboo, stone, and brick is also prevalent. However, due to limited transportation and the outflow of labor, many villages face the issue of depopulation, leading to their hollowing out, and the once-valuable traditional dwellings are gradually falling into disrepair.

To better protect and revitalize these traditional rural buildings, the Fund has initiated a research project on the conservation and development strategies of traditional villages, with the support of the local government. Based on field research, this project aims to explore suitable development strategies for four natural villages: Jinji Dong Village, Dongxi Village, Yueliangyan Village, and Laopeng Village. Following the principles of "rural innovation" and "sustainable construction," the project will focus on improving the living environment in these villages, with the hope of catalyzing their overall development.

Location：Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan

Partner(s)：

Project objectives

Project Strategy

Given the abundant yet dispersed traditional dwellings across the county, this project prioritizes housing safety and adheres to the principles of sustainable development. It adopts a collaborative approach involving local residents, government authorities, universities, and other stakeholders. The initiative aims to gradually renovate, rebuild, or adapt traditional wooden stilted houses, working from individual cases to broader areas. Through a combination of research and practical implementation, the project seeks to formulate and implement strategies for rejuvenating old dwellings, infusing them with new vitality.

Progress

In August 2023, the Fund collaborated with a team from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Kunming University of Science and Technology to conduct a field surveying internship in Dongxi and Jinjidong villages. The aim was to map traditional residences by combining practical experience with university coursework. Detailed surveys were conducted on eight houses during this activity. Surveying work in other villages will be undertaken in the near future.

1. Research on the Protection and Development Strategies of Traditional Villages in Guangfuqiao Town, Laopeng Village

In 2024, the project team started renovating two traditional wooden houses in Laopeng Village. The aim is to improve the comfort of the living spaces while maintaining the traditional architectural style, ensuring that the buildings seamlessly integrate with the local environment.

2. Renovation of Traditional Wooden Courtyard Houses in Datian Village, Dongxi Township

The courtyard in Datian Village was built in 1940, but due to years of disrepair, the wooden structure now poses safety concerns. The team is currently refining the design plan while respecting the original layout and local cultural traditions. The aim is to ensure that the renovated houses are not only safer and more comfortable but also better equipped to meet the needs of elderly residents and the community as a whole.

3. Research on Conservation and Development Strategies for Traditional Villages in Dongxi Village, Dongxi Township

This project collaborates with the Contemporary Rural Construction Research Center of Hunan University’s School of Architecture and Planning to carry out restoration, space upgrades, elderly-friendly renovations, and accessibility design for traditional wooden structures. In 2024, the team completed their research and is currently organizing renovation strategies for two wooden houses, as well as developing initial design plans.

4. Improving the Livability of Traditional Wooden Houses in Sangmuwan, Jinjidong Village, Jinyan Tujia Township

Sangmuwan features a collection of traditional Tujia stilt houses, but these wooden structures are increasingly unable to meet modern living standards. Our team is actively collaborating with villagers to discuss and refine design plans for several homes. The objective is to improve the layout while maintaining the original architectural character and functionality, as well as enhancing the houses' waterproofing, insulation, and energy efficiency.

Project and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Projects	UN Sustainable Development Goals	SDG Targets	Overarching Efforts
Research on the Conservation and Development Strategies of Traditional Villages	No Poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere	1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters 1.B Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions	1. In terms of addressing climate change and meeting modern living needs, the wooden buildings in the project area need improvement in performance. This project aims to enhance the indoor living environment by optimizing the functional layout, materials, and thermal performance of traditional wooden structures. Additionally, by simplifying traditional construction techniques, we hope to facilitate better preservation and transmission of these skills. 2. We encourage villagers to actively participate in the construction process. Through involvement in building and learning new techniques, they can earn income and acquire new skills.
	Good Health and Well-Being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages	3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.	The project prioritizes green, locally-sourced building materials to minimize the environmental impact of construction.
	Clean Water and Sanitation Ensure access to water and sanitation for all	6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all 6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally 6.A By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies 6.B Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management	1. The plan is to gradually upgrade the village's essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and internet access. Working with government funding, the project aims to provide villagers with convenient utility networks. 2. There's also a plan to separate rainwater from sewage in the village. This will boost the potential for rainwater collection and reuse.
	Decent Work and Economic Growth Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all	8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value 8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training 8.8 Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment	The project aims to nurture local traditional craftsmen, help improve livelihood skills, and create more job opportunities.
	Sustainable Cities and Communities Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable	11.A Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning 11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage 11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities	1.Conduct summer surveys and mapping activities in traditional villages, offering practical opportunities for university students to engage in fieldwork. 2.Restore traditional wooden stilt houses in accordance with their architectural traits, thereby creating communal spaces for rural communities and encouraging villagers' involvement in community development.