2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Qianyang Ancient Town (4A) Phase I Renovation Project

Entrant

Hunan Provincial Academy of Building Research Co., Ltd.

Category

Architectural Design - Renovation 

Client's Name

Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, TV, and Sports of Hongjiang, Huaihua, Hunan

Country / Region

China

This project focuses on the conservation and revitalization of historic buildings in a provincial-level ancient city, which is renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty street networks and two National Priority Protected Cultural Heritage Sites. The conservation strategy emphasizes minimal intervention, respect for historical integrity, and the continuity of the city’s architectural character. Digital technologies, such as UAV oblique photography and 3D laser scanning, are utilized to collect high-precision data on the city’s street layout and architectural components, establishing a 3D model and an architectural database that serve as the foundation for condition assessment, restoration design, and architectural evaluation.
The project implements a categorized and graded conservation system, applying different treatment strategies for heritage buildings, traditional-style structures, and modern elements. Strict adherence to conservation standards ensures that original materials and craftsmanship are preserved. The renovation addresses building pathologies like weathered brick, decayed wood, and hollow plaster by using specialized technical measures, including repointing, brickwork repair, and anti-weathering treatments. The conservation area covers 14,390.3 square meters of building facades and core streets, focusing on restoring damaged components, removing incompatible additions, and ensuring continuity in the urban fabric.
The adaptive reuse of buildings focuses on enhancing their functionality for accommodation, commerce, and tourism services, with minimal alterations to the original structures. Unauthorized additions are demolished, and spaces are reconfigured to optimize usage. The surrounding environment is enhanced with traditional materials, including stone slab paving and local vegetation, creating an atmosphere that complements the architectural style. Additionally, infrastructure improvements, such as fire safety, drainage, and lighting, are made while maintaining the street's historical appearance.
By integrating modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, the project successfully preserves the historical value of the city while improving its capacity for cultural tourism. The approach provides a model for similar conservation projects, offering a sustainable method for balancing heritage preservation with development goals. This project demonstrates the potential for revitalizing historic cities through thoughtful conservation and adaptive reuse, ensuring both the protection of cultural heritage and the enhancement of urban functionality.

Credits

Chief Designer
Xianghua Zhou
Chief Designer
Qingqing Yan
Chief Designer
Long Hu
Assistant Designer
Hao Wu
Assistant Designer
Shuzheng Li
Assistant Designer
Jinglong Xiao
Assistant Designer
Yong Wan
Assistant Designer
Liangzhi Yi
Assistant Designer
Yong Li
Assistant Designer
Biao Jiang
Assistant Designer
Gao Tong
Assistant Designer
Xian Zhou
Assistant Designer
Zhihao Zhou
Assistant Designer
Jiali Lu
Assistant Designer
Yun Song
Photographer
Haohao Xu
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