Beijing-based NEXT architects, the Dutch Institute for heritage and marketing (IVEM), Smartland Architects, Total Design and a group of local artists have crafted a revitalization plan for the historic village of Dafang in China's Jiangxi Province.

As part of an effort to reinvigorate the 102 abandoned villages currently located within the province, the project looks to bring renewed commercial and residential activity to the district via arts-focused adaptive reuse.

"Rural revitalization is one of China's key future developments. We believe this asks for the design of balance between old and new, living and visiting, history and future," explains John van de Water, partner at NEXT architects Beijing.

Following a vision that brings multiple interventions to the site, including new additions to existing buildings, new pedestrian and lookout structures, and modern replacements and restorations for certain existing infrastructural elements, the design team is able to devise new ways of imbuing the vacant village with the potential for reconsideration. 

The architects write, "The whole village, including its architecture and landscape, becomes an interactive environment constantly able to re-invent itself. As a result, a new generation of visitors and inhabitants will be attracted and inspired." 

Specific additions include replacing existing masonry roof tiles with glass recreations, adding a new Chinese "dragon column"-inspired lookout tower, as well as the addition of a new village museum, library, and artist studios.