Innovative Rammed Earth Construction Approach to Sustainable Rural Development in Southwest China

Li Wan (), Edward Ng, Xiaoxue Liu, Lai Zhou, Fang Tian and Xinan Chi
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Li Wan: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Edward Ng: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Xiaoxue Liu: TOTAL Atelier, Hong Kong 999077, China
Lai Zhou: TOTAL Atelier, Hong Kong 999077, China
Fang Tian: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Xinan Chi: School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: Raw earth is the main material used in traditional architecture in Southwest rural China because it is inexpensive, accessible and exhibits remarkable thermal performance. However, local residents stopped implementing traditional rammed earth building technology because of several limitations. An innovative rammed earth construction approach suitable for Southwest rural China has been developed by One University One Village (1U1V) Team. The “local material, local technology, local labour” principle and the “high-science-low-technology” strategy has been used to improve the safety, quality and dignity of the living environment without adding substantial environmental load (negative aspects of environmental impact). The Terra Centre has been built in Kunming as the working base to research, promote, train and knowledge transfer. This holistic strategy creatively mended the long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainable development of poor rural areas and contributed to the local endogenous development significantly. It also responds to multiple targets of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: sustainable architecture; endogenous development; Sustainable Development Goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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