The Rural Memory Museum in Fengwu Village represents an innovative approach to rural revitalization through architectural intervention. For this project, IARA Design and Research Office blended contemporary design with traditional vernacular to create a meaningful public space.

Situated in Yixian County, an area renowned for its well-preserved ancient villages, the Rural Memory Museum addresses the challenges faced by less historically significant rural communities through thoughtful spatial design rather than mere preservation. The museum’s dual function as both a cultural repository and active community hub demonstrates how architecture can serve practical daily needs while fostering collective identity. By reconstructing the footprint of a vanished building called ‘Yingfengli’ using locally inspired materials and techniques, the design maintains continuity with the village’s past while introducing modern functionality that responds to current social needs.

Image Credit: Yi Huang