Page 82 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural landscape design and protection

of CPC report, General Secretary Jinping Xi stressed following characteristics: (i) It represents a typical case
the imperative to expedite the establishment of a robust of human settlement in a unique environment (Gullino
agricultural nation (Wang & Zhuo, 2018). Simultaneously, & Larcher, 2013); (ii) it stands out as an exemplary
he underscored the need to vigorously promote the instance of architecture, architectural groups, technology
revitalization of rural industries, talents, culture, ecology, as a whole, or landscapes (Yu et al., 2016); and (iii) it
and organizations to facilitate the comprehensive possesses distinct regional features, showcasing a unique
development of the countryside (Long et al., 2019). traditional culture that remains active on the global stage
Cultural landscapes play a pivotal role in preserving ethnic (Fairclough, 2019). In China, minority cultural landscapes
identities and fostering cultural development. Therefore, stand apart by fostering cultural landscapes with distinct
rural revitalization must prioritize the safeguarding national characteristics, with the traditional villages of the
of village cultural landscapes (Battis-Schinker et al., Yi ethnic group in Shuangbai County, Yunnan province,
2021; Du, 2020). China is home to a myriad of ethnic serving as notable illustrations (Hornsby & Vigers, 2012).
minorities, encompassing a total of 56 ethnic groups Among these, Tupa houses are the predominant and
(Gustafsson & Ding, 2009; Mackerras, 2003; 2016). The Yi, distinctive Yi-style buildings, often erected in picturesque
as the seventh-largest ethnic minority in China, possesses locations amidst mountains and water bodies. Strategically
abundant ethnic and cultural resources and boasts a rich positioned according to the natural flow of water and
cultural history (Gu, 2001; Harrell, 1990; Heberer, 2005). the contours of the terrain, these structures grace gentle
The protection of the Yi cultural landscape serves as the slopes, optimally positioned to harness the benefits of
fundamental guarantee and necessary pre-condition for sunlight, wind, and water for efficient traffic flow. The
the revitalization of Yi villages (Du, 2021). This study construction of an earth palm house involves using locally
proposes a corresponding design and optimization plan sourced materials with stone blocks forming the wall
addressing the current situation of Lifang village, a Yi foundation, whereas billets or locally sourced red soil,
village, and the challenges inherent in subsequent design known for its adhesive and durable properties, constitute
and protection phases. The objective is to promote the the walls, reinforced with beams. Dye is applied using
further development of Lifang village. bamboo, branches, thatch, or straw, overlaid with a thin
layer of mud, followed by the application of fine soil and
The term “landscape” originated within the field of water to achieve solidity and smoothness, culminating
geography and has subsequently branched into various in a platform roof (Xu et al., 2005). Crafted from local
disciplines such as landscape ecology, sociology, natural materials, these structures are characterized by their ease
philosophy, and psychology (Antrop & Van Eetvelde, 2017; of construction and ability to provide warmth in winter
Bender, 2002; 2006; Palang et al., 2007; and Rose, 2002). and coolness in summer, ensuring comfort and pleasure.
It represents the interrelationship between humans and Regrettably, the accelerated pace of social development
the natural environment (Bourdeau, 2004; Schultz, 2002; and urbanization has led to the gradual erosion and
Stenseke, 2016; and Taylor, 2013). Scholars argue that disappearance of these architectural embodiments of
landscapes emerge from human interventions in nature, traditional cultural characteristics of ethnic minorities.
particularly evident when establishing living spaces amidst The loss and disappearance of these structures represent an
natural settings. Furthermore, they contend that landscapes immeasurable setback to the traditional culture of villages.
are environments shaped by human behaviors toward the
natural environment (Jiménez-García et al., 2020; Thomas, Tourism serves as a key factor impacting landscapes
2001). Throughout the creative process, individuals often (Sánchez et al., 2020; Timothy, 2014). On the one hand,
modify the natural environment in accordance with it draws attention to cultural heritage, bolstering its
specific cultural norms, thereby crafting diverse landscapes preservation and transmission. Tourism, as a global
imbued with distinct visions (Atik et al., 2015; Turner, 2005; phenomenon, exerts influence on landscapes through
the development of infrastructure and heritage reserves,
Zhao et al., 2023). These landscapes symbolize unique integrating tourism seamlessly into the daily lives of
cultural symbols and labels. Geographic areas reflecting people in these landscapes (Eadington & Redman, 1991;
the interaction of human culture, history, and environment Prince, 2018). On the other hand, the industrialization
within a given region are commonly referred to as cultural of tourism, characterized by the influx of tourists for
landscapes. These areas typically incorporate elements such sightseeing and recreational activities, can accelerate
as natural features, human-made structures, traditional the degradation of cultural heritage. Human-induced
practices, religious rituals, and social habits (Prince, 2018).
situations, such as fires, can precipitate irreparable loss
The heritage of rural cultural landscapes shares certain (Atik et al., 2015). The overdevelopment of tourism can
cultural commonalities, which can be summarized in the damage local ecosystems, causing issues such as cultural

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2891