The Duling Educational and Cultural Centre, nestled in the rural village of Duling in Guangxi, China, is a thoughtful blend of sustainable architecture and cultural reverence. Realized by students from the University of Hong Kong’s Project Mingde, the initiative addresses vital needs for education and public health in this Hakka community. Designed with a balance of practical function and respect for tradition, the center is not only an educational space but a cultural one, crafted to reflect and support the life of the 3,000 residents who call this village home.
Transforming Rain into a Resource
One of Duling’s paradoxical challenges is its abundance of rainfall alongside a shortage of fresh water, as villagers have traditionally relied on limited well water supplies. This issue, which raised hygiene and health concerns, especially among children, inspired a unique solution within the project’s design. The architectural concept embraces the region’s climate, channeling rainwater to a lotus pond that serves both practical and symbolic purposes. This pond not only provides a reservoir of clean water but integrates a key element of Hakka cultural heritage into the building’s layout, where water symbolizes wisdom and learning. Collected rainwater is filtered through an underground system and then pumped into the building for community use, turning a basic need into a sustainable cycle.
A Space for Learning and Connection
The Duling Educational and Cultural Centre is designed to foster a sense of community by offering spaces that are flexible and inviting. Renovations to the existing school building focused on structural integrity and adding a protective roof, ensuring that the space remains a welcoming environment for children to learn and play. In the new kindergarten and cultural center, classrooms flow into open, airy spaces that connect seamlessly with the outdoors. This openness allows natural airflow to move through the building, enhancing thermal comfort and reducing the need for mechanical ventilation. By prioritizing the community’s everyday needs, the project creates a space that feels integrated with its surroundings, inviting villagers of all ages to gather, learn, and share.
Honoring Cultural Roots in a Modern Context
Throughout the design process, the architects drew from Hakka cultural symbols, ensuring the center reflects and respects the community’s values.
Central to this cultural expression is the lotus pond, a meaningful Hakka symbol of education and growth. The cascading, tiered roofline mirrors the mountainous landscape and directs rain into this pond, seamlessly blending function with cultural meaning. The interior spaces are adaptable and open, creating a setting that encourages community interaction and reflects the flexible, communal lifestyle of rural Duling. This harmonious approach balances tradition with contemporary needs, using design to connect the past with the present.
Fostering Resilience and Community Bonds
Beyond its physical structure, the Duling Educational and Cultural Centre stands as a symbol of resilience and unity for this Hakka village. The project reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development, not only through its use of rainwater but in its emphasis on culturally respectful design. By focusing on the human aspect of architecture, the project underscores how built environments can strengthen community bonds, foster mutual respect, and encourage lifelong learning. This thoughtful design approach showcases how, even in rural settings, architecture can bridge cultural and geographical divides, creating spaces that both honor heritage and embrace progress.
| Project Name | Duling Educational and Cultural Centre |
|---|---|
| Location | Duling Village, Guangxi, China |
| Completion Year | 2024 |
| Gross Built Area | 500 sq. m. |
| Program | Educational and Cultural Centre |
| Lead Architect | Elisabeth Lee |
| Photography | Jin Weiqi (Macau University of Science and Technology) |
| Project Platform | Project Mingde, The University of Hong Kong |
