THE STUDY OF DAUR SETTLEMENT SPACE TO DESIGN THE CULTURAL MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION: CASE STUDY OF DAUR ERMENQIN VILLAGE

Abstract

In 2023, Ermenqin Village in Heilongjiang Province was listed as one of China’s sixth batch of key protected ethnic minority villages. The local government built a museum and homestays featuring Daur architectural styles. However, due to insufficient cultural content development and high heating costs, these facilities have not been sustainably operated, revealing a gap between policy implementation and cultural sustainability.

This study takes Ermenqin Village as a case to explore the sustainable development and cultural preservation model of Daur settlements. The research aims to: (1) extract the cultural wisdom embedded in traditional Daur settlement spaces; (2) construct a cultural model that connects dwelling, rituals, and daily life order to promote cultural inheritance and continuity; and (3) propose a sustainable development framework that meets the development needs of Ermenqin Village.

A mixed-methods approach was adopted. The qualitative methods include in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and literature analysis, while the quantitative methods involve surveys and data analysis. Three design experiments were conducted: Developing the “Cultural Recognition–Dissemination–Development (CRD)” model summarizing Daur settlement wisdom; Constructing a physical settlement model and an online digital exhibition hall; And proposing a sustainable development model integrating cultural, social, and economic dimensions.

These findings highlight that digital communication can effectively enhance the public visibility of Daur culture and promote the economic development of Ermenqin Village. From a theoretical perspective, this study provides a sustainable cultural model for the protection of ethnic settlements. From a practical perspective, it provides a feasible path for the development of ethnic minority villages under the background of the national policies on rural revitalization and cultural protection.

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