This community service project is in Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it exemplifies the development of regional architecture in the face of rapid globalisation and urbanism. Arranged in three blocks the built form creates two courtyards, one of which is for the community as is the library giving this low income society a spiritual centre. The architecture looks at the local vernacular from an environmental, social and conservation perspective using traditional materials and techniques in a contemporary language. Constructed by locals, it has educated them in earthquake-resistant building techniques. It responds to climate and community and as such is sustainable in the broadest sense.

Source:

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.