The Preliminary Study on the Design of Rural Public Space in Rapid Urbanization Sichuan, China: A Case in Zhaoyan Village

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation in China has disrupted traditional rural lifestyles and transformed spatial structures, leading to the decline of traditional public spaces without the emergence of suitable modern alternatives. Often, rural planning projects replicate urban models, resulting in spaces that fail to meet villagers’ daily needs. This paper presents a case study of Zhaoyan Village in Dazhou, Sichuan Province, where a rural planning project in 2009 focused on redesigning two central public spaces. Based on pre- and post-construction investigations, the study develops design strategies that align with the realities of contemporary rural China. Drawing on insights from sociology, architecture, and urban planning, it proposes principles for rural public space design: understanding and respecting peasant lifestyles, and building upon existing functional spaces to create meaningful and adaptable environments.