After the three and a half weeks we spent in Chinese village of Wuzishen (Nanling forest), one of the outcomes is my proposal for architectural changes to the streets of ping-fang houses in which the retired forest workers live. These are set to be demolished in the next 3 years and tower blocks will be build to house the residents. However the ping-fangs are unique houses much loved by those who live in them, built in 1958 during Mao's 'great leap forward' they are set on communal streets that splits the sleeping area and lounge from the kitchens and bathrooms. This ensures constant to-ing and fro-ing. interaction with neighbors and a sense of community.   

The challenge is to create a far more holistic re-development scheme using the existing buildings that looks and smells like progress, modernises some of the very basic kitchens and bathrooms and attracts a younger generation to the housing, it should maintain the existing unique character and feel of the Ping-fangs. It would also need something to attract visitors, helping unite the division between the incoming tourist wealth (for the nature park) and the village.

Click here for a movie that outlines the proposal so far for Mr Chen from the Nanling eco-resort company who seemed interested in helping to build a prototype/ show flat.

Caption: discussing poposed architectural changes in the village market.