Dedicated conservation of cultural fabric

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Main elevation after restoration in 2010.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Main elevation before restoration in 2003.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Wooden brackets before restoration in 2003.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Wooden brackets after restoration in 2010.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Wooden beams before restoration in 2003.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Wooden beams after restoration in 2010.

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    Project update 2011 - Design for a Clan Settlement's Regeneration, Hangzhou, China: Restoration of the entrance of Shenjian Yard of Changhe Town, Hangzhou.

Since the project received the Holcim Awards Gold 2005 for Asia Pacific, locals have started to undertake the detailed conservation and rehabilitation work for the single buildings and courtyards one-by-one. The images show an example from the cultural fabric of the settlement – Shenjian Tang, a famous courtyard in the settlement. Due to the exacting nature of the conservation work, progress is gradual. The heritage buildings are restored with integrity including detail such as wooden beams and brackets.

Last updated: April 26, 2011 Hangzhou, China

Project background

This urban conservation and regeneration project is working with the historic fabric of an existing neighborhood. Rather than demolishing the old substance, thus complying with so-called tabula rasa urbanism, the project combines preservation, remodeling, and new construction to meet contemporary lifestyle demands. Part of the undertaking also involves the introduction of public functions to existing landmark buildings. The proposal demonstrates how old and new can coexist, countering the modern dictum to erase the past.