LIJIANG NATURE CENTER - SYNTHESIS OF NATURE AND VERNACULAR CULTURE

Abstract

The thesis explores the general erosion and rarification of vernacular culture in Lijiang, upon the introduction of tourism and commercialization. The synthesis between a nature and culture program is derived from the rich local indigenous identity where there exist, an intrinsic bond, architecturally and religiously as well as an ethnical respect towards nature.

A site at the most remote village (Yuhu Cun) of the Lijiang prefecture became imminent to the thesis research. Located at the foot of the mountain, the foreign program of tourism is the least evident in the region and the element of nature is at its most dominant.

A proposed eco-tourism program (nature interpretative center) serves the 2 way function of revitalizing the ailing economy of the village in the site yet giving reasons for the conservation of the multiple species of rhododendron flowers, high altitude alpine plants and centuries old pine trees. This forms a correlation with a cultural archive program taking the role of a time capsule in order to capture the progress and memories of the village. The archives juxtapose against the modernization of the village and her people.

The idea of natural and cultural sustainability is not new. Maintenance however is not always effective and preservation in a non analytical fashion is short termed. This design thesis seeks to investigate the progress of both natural and cultural resources in the context of Lijiang, at the rate of global modernization, under the demands of contemporary economic and social conditions, while maintaining conscious and necessary preservation of identity, culture and resources which suits modern needs.

The framework of the thesis design is to identify key elements of a site rich with history, culture and scenic landscape, in order to set up a logical layout for the nature center. Built forms and spatial qualities are derived from a re-interpretation of the traditional courtyard dwellings found in abundance in Lijiang.

Where it was once used primarily for housing, the new contemporary program of archiving and exhibition requires an inventive re-look at the materials, structure, building circulation and anthropometrics of the original vernacular courtyard.