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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Hakka settlement in the middle ground

Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), encompassing not only the social structure has evolved, enabling the integration
rural buildings, settlements, and vernacular architecture of production, commercial, and living spaces within
but also the technical and practical knowledge associated modern housing. Although the exteriors of these houses
with them (ICOMOS, 2017). In the Middle Ground, are constructed with modern materials and styles, traces
although many old dwellings have been abandoned, the of agricultural lifestyle can still be found in the interior
local community remains alive, unlike in “hollow villages.” spaces. Moreover, traditional commercial spaces have
Instead of conserving traditional villages and houses as gradually transformed from streets into more modern and
static heritage, encouraging local community engagement efficient permanent markets and department stores, selling
with their inherent local knowledge and experience might industrial goods from the Pearl River Delta. This transition
provide a more effective approach for architects working has further integrated the Middle Ground into the broader
in rural areas. process of Chinese urbanization.
De Carlo (2005, p. 13) famously remarked, “Architecture Clearly, this transformation of the Middle Ground
is too important to be left to architects,” advocating for poses a potential risk to its distinct cultural identity.
a considered form of architecture that involves active Without concerted efforts to address this trend, there is a
community participation in shaping and transforming risk that the Middle Ground will lose its uniqueness and
their environments. This approach establishes an “open” blend into a homogeneous concept of “placelessness,”
form of planning that adapts to the demands of local people. lacking inherent cultural characteristics, as identified by
Through multiple and continuous participation, and by Relph (1976). As the Middle Ground gradually loses its
stimulating public interest in architecture, an organic defining features, the distinctive identity of the Hakka
system can be developed that avoids public indifference. people also becomes increasingly blurred. Nairn (1965)
The key to the success of this approach is the process itself. aptly notes that the innate human desire for connection to,
It begins with identifying the local community’s needs, and recognition within, one’s environment is fundamental.
passes through the design of formal and organizational Preserving this unique identity poses a significant
hypotheses, and continues into the “in-use” phase. It challenge. This study highlights that the Middle Ground is
is imperative that this process continues even after the rich in both tangible and intangible heritage, which serve
prototype is completed, with ongoing feedback to adjust as invaluable assets for identity preservation. Heritage
and calibrate the proposal. This community engagement is not merely a representation of the past; it holds the
can foster a collective sense of belonging, which can potential to be adapted for contemporary use. By bridging
unconsciously enhance the authentic sense of place. the past with the present and envisioning its role in the
This authentic sense of place is critically needed in the future, heritage can play a pivotal role in China’s rural
fragmented and volatile Middle Ground nowadays.
modernization efforts. We have coined the term “Living
6. Conclusion Heritage” to describe the transformation of new forms of
rapid urbanization by building connections with heritage
This study identifies a hybrid architectural landscape that go beyond preservation and encourage the community
termed the “Middle Ground,” which integrates vernacular to actively participate in shaping its contemporary identity.
and modern elements within peri-urban areas. Through an
analysis of four traditional Hakka villages located on the A sense of place is not merely the product of conceptual
outskirts of the Pearl River Delta, the research illustrates designs outlined on plans and maps but rather emerges from
the transition of village structures, residences, and markets personal encounters and interactions, as noted by Relph
from traditional settings to contemporary environments. (1976). Similarly, identity is not only shaped by individual
Like many other traditional Chinese settlements, these experiences but also expressed and felt within communal
villages boast extensive histories and rural origins affiliations, as Douglas (1997) discussed. Thus, fostering
influenced by agricultural practices and clan traditions, community involvement by directly engaging the public in
which have shaped their unique architectural styles and the development of a new social framework holds the key
village layouts. Compared to traditional collective Hakka to establishing crucial connections between heritage and
villages, the emergence of concrete housing has led to the Middle Ground. Architectural prototypes, as vessels of
a spatial separation between residential and communal knowledge, can facilitate this realignment and encourage
spaces in the Hakka village. The old village, now serving positive transformations between rural traditions and the
as a communal space for traditional rituals, is surrounded inevitable socioeconomic restructuring, achieved through
by new housing developments and has expanded from its the fusion of heritage and technology. Moreover, when
traditional nucleated settlement, evolving into a new linear coupled with community engagement, these prototypes
settlement along the emerging highway. Simultaneously, have the potential to evoke a sense of place, foster civic

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 14 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3649