Fujian Tulous, China
Masterpiece of Rammed Earth Architecture
Above, an unrestored wooden carving at Shengwu Lou.
The building already has a structural conservation plan underway. However, the most significant part of the building, its decorative elements, is still in need of a specialized conservation plan. This will include a thorough and systematic documentation of all the decorative elements, scientific analysis and research, and conservation recommendations.
Shengwu lou needs a conservation master plan and a regional development plan to help improve the unplanned development and pollution of the natural surroundings (e.g. trash accumulation in Lu Stream). The plans can help to better define the relationship between the various sites in the immediate surroundings, especially those owned by the Ye clan and along the Lu Stream. The plans may also explore the relationship between Shengwu lou and other more obscure tulou in Luxi Township, and with the Tianluokeng and Chuxi tulous clusters in Nanjing and Chuxi.
More extensive maps are needed. The development of a Master Conservation Plan requires architectural drawings and maps of and around Shengwu Lou. Maps of proposed protection and buffer zones will also assist in the protection of the site.
