This wooden structure is designed to provide a public space for villagers. [Photo by Mume Design/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Rural architecture from Guizhou province made its debut recently at an exhibition in Paris, France — 2020 Paris Design Week — showing traditional building techniques with modern functions.
The Guizhou project, designed by architectural firm Mume Design, turned three rural villages into creative places through the renovation of local wooden structures.
By working with local builders, villagers, craftsmen and masters, young architects from Mume Design devoted themselves to reinterpreting the traditional dwellings and making a connection between urban and rural design.
The exhibition in Paris has eight different themes and attracted 250 exhibitors. Mume's project falls under the "pioneer" theme because the organizer believed "it enables European audiences to recognize new Chinese planning methods.
Visitors examine exhibits at 2020 Paris Design Week. [Photo by Mume Design/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The exhibition showcased the transformation process and current status of Maogong town, Huanggang Dong village and Baiyan Miao village through pictures, text and videos.
"If you want to revive the vitality of ancient villages, it is not enough to rely on buildings. Your design should be based on the lifestyles and customs of local residents," said Chen Guodong, founder of Mume Design. "It may be the reason our project can be exhibited at Design Week in Paris."
Bio-toilets designed by architectural firm Mume Design are based on local residents' lifestyles and customs in Guizhou province. [Photo by Mume Design/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Rural architecture and planning from Guizhou province is exhibited at the 2020 Paris Design Week. [Photo by Mume Design/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
