Endangered architecture: The resuscitation of the last Li village

Abstract

Hainan Island is world-famous for its unique tropical natural environment, magnificent marine resources and friendly people. The Li people are the largest minority ethnic group who live off the southern coast of mainland China on Hainan Island. The developing world is currently witnessing a great ‘final migration’ of people from rural to urban areas. With the rapid social changes and urbanisation in recent years, the cultures, traditions and architecture of ethnic minorities on Hainan Island have come under severe threat and, in some cases, face extinction. This thesis will research and analyse architecture’s role in the continuity of Abstract the Li ethnic minority and propose to maintain the Li culture within local conditions. The thesis will reform the original village and build a visitor centre and weaving studio as part of a renewal strategy for the last Li village and to save the minority’s unique architecture from extinction. The village will not only provide services to tourists and bring significant financial benefits and economic opportunities for the village and its people, but also raise the local Li community’s awareness of their own cultural heritage, promote their sense of pride and confidence, and achieve the goal of protecting the culture for the millennium.