white clouds village culture center

Kong Xiangwei design studio

Short description

In the mystic landscapes of western Yunnan, the cloud-perched village of Yanzitou, Nanzian
County, Dali—home to six ethnic groups (Han, Yi, Bai, Dai, Li, and Hani)—embodies a century-
old cultural tapestry woven by 71 households and 318 ancient trees. This forgotten village has
chosen ruins as its canvas and innovation as its brush, transforming derelict courtyards into a
tea-tourism complex and cultural hub, redefining rural revitalization.
Architects confronted three challenges: a 45-day construction timeline, stringent cost control,
and low-tech local labor. Adopting an "on-site construction" methodology, the studio
conducted a surrealist architectural experiment in this remote setting.
Seven-Dimensional Paradigm Shift in Vernacular Architecture
1. Ruins Reimagined: Preserved barns, gates, and sheds anchor the new structure,
creating a spatiotemporal montage where old and new coexist.
2. Elastic Growth: Modular systems and reversible joints allow DNA-like adaptability,
enabling spontaneous expansions (e.g., added tea rooms) and seasonal
transformations.
3. Improvisational Theater: Steel bars as calligraphic strokes in space, with
curvatures guided by bodily intuition.
4. Lightness Revolution: Ultra-thin concrete (6–8 cm), polycarbonate domes, and
ethnic-inspired steel patterns redefine affordability and cultural resonance.
5. Handmade Imperfection: Welding scars and rough textures celebrate anti-
industrial craftsmanship.
6. Landscape Apparatus: Framed vistas, acoustic reflections, and solar alignments
connect architecture to nature.
7. Climate Dialogue: Low-tech strategies—ventilation channels, light diffusion, and
rainwater choreography—respond to local microclimates.

The project intends to create a space linking cultural memory and modern functionality. By involving six ethnic groups in construction, it revitalizes ruins into an artistic center, promoting cultural preservation, community unity, and economic growth. It also explores the viability of low-cost, low-tech approaches in rural architecture.
This project is more than a physical space. It symbolizes cultural rebirth, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in rural areas with its unique blend of materials, construction methods, and artistic elements.