Folk Art Village
Xi`an University of Architecture and Technology
Department of Architecture
Architecture Studio - Winter semester 2014-2015
Professor Li Xiao
Shuhan Liu | Yao Ding | Zhaoxi Zhang
Awards: Best Student’s Works of Exchange Programs of Architecture Schools in China
Transforming a neglected urban village into a cultural landscape
To demolish or not to demolish is the question. How can urban villages survive in the rapid urban development? The urban village next to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an is an important part of the collective memory for older people, but is likely to be seen as a wasteland by younger people because of its substandard environment, outdated facilities and lack of community vibrancy. There is a need to resolve the conflicts between people’s demands and physical space, and to highlight the value of the village to rekindle residents’ pride and sense of belonging. In our design, we have a dream that the village will become a container for various lifestyle, a cultural landmark and a symbol for the transformation of the urban village.
Flexible boxes
as the containers
for "culture"
From interviews with local people, we found that traditional festivals, cuisine and folk arts (e.g. paper-cutting, calligraphy and opera) are well preserved by the older people living in the village. However, these “cultural genes” rooted in the villages may disappear after the elderly people pass away because young people are not interested in them. Therefore, in this design, we aimed to explore the history, culture and art elements generated by the village and to use the roof space to create spaces for inspiring and attractive exhibitions and workshops. This process not only involves significant physical, social and economic changes to the existing village, but also provides the city with a unique cultural landscape.
