Page 162 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Standards for rural residential façades and areas

and ensures esthetic harmony with existing buildings. quantitative methods to achieve more comprehensive data
When combined with modern construction methods, collection. For instance, semi-structured interviews could
these materials enhance durability and functionality while help gather more effective insights from older participants.
maintaining the authentic character of rural architecture. Another key area for future exploration lies in the
Actively engaging local crafts workers and builders, who preservation of traditional decorative patterns, such as
possess expertise in these materials, should be prioritized murals, carvings, and “kissing beasts” (animal motifs used
in both the construction and research efforts. Such in rooftop construction). For rural housing, determining
collaboration not only preserves traditional artisanry but how to adapt and present these traditional elements in
also facilitates the incorporation of innovative solutions for modern contexts remains a crucial challenge for designers.
the future.
Safeguarding these patterns and crafts is essential,
(iii). Dynamic management mechanisms requiring their adaptation to evolving times to ensure
Post-construction, rural housing should be maintained they are showcased in ways that honor tradition while
through dynamic management systems that continuously enhancing their relevance and appeal in contemporary
identify and address emerging issues. Effective rural housing design. Establishing a bottom-up feedback mechanism,
management must adapt to changing environmental grounded in existing practices and research, would
conditions (such as extreme weather or climate change) complement top-down efforts to preserve the vernacular
as well as demographic changes (such as population character of rural façades. Such an approach would
aging). This adaptability may involve upgrading insulation facilitate the targeted allocation of policies and funding,
systems to improve energy efficiency during both summer thereby increasing the efficiency of rural development and
and winter, or installing accessible facilities in areas with a preservation. Moreover, it would provide both theoretical
high concentration of elderly residents. and technical support for the practical study of rural living
environments.
Establishing a feedback loop – through ongoing assessment
of maintenance efforts and collection of resident input – ensures Acknowledgments
continuous optimization of the system. This iterative process None.
helps maintain rural homes as livable, functional spaces aligned
with the community’s evolving needs and vision. Funding

5. Conclusion None.
This study offers valuable insights from a user Conflict of interest
perspective for landscape designers, architects, and other
professionals, presenting fresh approaches to rural housing The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
and environmental improvements within the broader Author contributions
framework of rural revitalization. By understanding these
user-centered aspects, rural decision-makers can better Conceptualization: All authors
integrate user needs into planning processes. In addition, Formal analysis: All authors
this research contributes to the practical discourse on rural Investigation: All authors
cultural landscapes, advocating for a balanced approach to Methodology: All authors
sustainable rural landscape planning. Writing – original draft: Sucheng Yao
However, the study has certain limitations: Writing – review & editing: Kanjanee Budthimedhee
(i). Limited representation of elderly respondents: The Ethics approval and consent to participate
proportion of respondents aged 65 and older is low.
Challenges such as literacy barriers and a reluctance Permission to participate in the study was obtained from
to complete paper surveys hindered the collection of each subject verbally.
effective data from elderly individuals during field
visits. Consent for publication
(ii). Subjectivity in quantitative survey indexes: The survey Not applicable.
methodology retains an element of subjectivity, which
may affect the reliability of results. Availability of data
To address these issues, future research could adopt Data will be made available from the corresponding author
a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and on reasonable request.

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 14 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.5719