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ORCID

N/A

Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Architecture

Degree Type

Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)

Year Degree Awarded

2017

Month Degree Awarded

May

Abstract

Due to the fast-pace of urban development, there is a large demand for labor in big cities in China. Also, because of a huge income gap between countryside and cities, an increasing number of youths in rural areas have chosen to leave their homes and transfer to the cities causing a rapid decline of population and the vacancy of properties. This phenomenon is referred to as “Hollow Village”. Especially in case of some remote historic villages, due to labor turnover, villages which has precious historic and culture value are abandoned and stopped from development. Only children and elders are left in those villages without prospects.

Ling is among those backward areas. It has held a vital place in Huizhou culture during the history of Chinese rural settlements and contains a few ancient villages which share some common but features while being distinctive. However, with the lag of population and development, it is gradually losing its style and forgotten by moderns. This district needs to be preserved and developed while its feature is protected.

This thesis will analyze Ling’s current living conditions, tracing to its cultural and social changes through history and seeking to find architectural solutions, also by offering strategies that can lead to the revitalization of the place, while simultaneously creating some economic stimulations. The thesis aims to developing people’s sense of belonging and identity towards such villages, in the hope of revving as a prototype for other remote villages in China.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/10098694

First Advisor

Kathleen Lugosch

Second Advisor

Pari Riaha

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