Safeguarding the Memory of Cultural Heritage: Protection and Restoration Strategies for Dong Village Settlement Architecture

Abstract

The architectural settlements of the Dong people are the core representatives of China’s Dong culture. The unique architectural forms created by the Dong people, such as stilted houses, drum towers, and wind-and-rain bridges, demonstrate the wisdom of the Dong people in adapting to mountainous environments and their exquisite construction techniques. However, with the acceleration of urbanization and the impact of tourism development, Dong village architecture is facing multiple challenges, including settlement hollowing-out, the discontinuity of traditional craftsmanship, and the destruction of authenticity. This study proposes a series of protection and restoration strategies by integrating relevant domestic and international theories and practical experiences based on the formal characteristics, cultural value, and current issues of Dong village settlement architecture. It emphasizes the principle of holistic protection, advocates for the combination of authentic restoration and adaptive renewal, and aims to achieve the inheritance of cultural heritage through means such as digital technology, community participation mechanisms, and cross-regional collaborative protection. Furthermore, this study explores the path toward balancing traditional architecture with modern needs, intending to provide theoretical support and a practical reference for the sustainable protection of Dong village settlement architecture and the continuation of cultural memory.