Technology Adaptation under Heritage Constraints: A Study on the Structural Renewal Mechanism of Stone Tower Dwellings at Songgang Tianjie

Authors

  • Yifan Zhao School of Architecture and Design, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610225, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/FE.9024

Keywords:

Stone Tower Dwellings, Structural Renewal, Technology Adaptation, Adaptive Reuse, Songgang Tianjie

Abstract

Converting traditional Tibetan and Qiang stone tower dwellings in western Sichuan into homestays exposes a conflict between traditional structural systems and modern functional requirements. Existing studies focus mainly on value assessment or technology enumeration, lacking a systematic account of technology selection logic. Using the stone tower dwelling relics at Songgang Tianjie, Barkam, Sichuan, as a case, this paper employs fieldwork, architectural surveying and mapping, and technical analysis to propose a triple-constraint model of “heritage conservation-structural safety-construction implementation” and to construct a technology adaptation mechanism for structural renewal. The core contradiction is the rigid constraint that walls cannot be demolished or altered despite spatial expansion needs; the solution combines original-structure-preserving reinforcement with lightweight extension continuing the relic form. The Songgang Tianjie homestay renovation verifies this mechanism and offers a reference technical path for similar relics in western Sichuan.

References

[1] Ji, F.Z. (2000) Architecture of the Qiang Ethnic Group in China. Southwest Jiaotong University Press, Chengdu.

[2] Chen, Y.D. (2007) Architecture of the Tibetan Ethnic Group in China. China Architecture & Building Press, Beijing.

[3] Xu, H., Du, N.N., Yu, Z.X., et al. (2019) Seismic Collapse Resistance of Stone Masonry Residential Buildings in the Tibetan and Qiang Areas of Western Sichuan. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 54(5), 1021-1029.

[4] Xu, T.H., Guo, Z.X., Chai, Z.L., et al. (2016) Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Stone Masonry Walls Strengthened with Steel Wire Mesh and Modified Mortar. Journal of Building Structures, 37(12), 120-125.

[5] Mo, Y., Yang, B.S., Bao, Z.H., et al. (2025) Seismic Performance of Rubble Stone Walls in Tibetan and Qiang Dwellings Confined by a Steel Reinforcement Skeleton System. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 60(3), 569-579+598.

[6] ICOMOS (2003) Principles for the Analysis, Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage.

[7] Zheng, Y. and Zhang, Q. (2015) A Preliminary Study on Architectural Heritage Conservation Strategies in China under the Development Trend of World Heritage Conservation: Based on a Study of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards. Architectural Journal, (5), 33-37.

[8] Qi, Y.C., Zhang, X.G., Wu, Y., et al. (2015) From Film Scenes to Heritage Conservation: Preservation and Revitalization of Hong Kong Heritage Buildings from Wing Lee Street. Architectural Journal, (5), 38-43.

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Published

2026-09-30

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Technology Adaptation under Heritage Constraints: A Study on the Structural Renewal Mechanism of Stone Tower Dwellings at Songgang Tianjie. (2026). Frontiers in Engineering, 2(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.63313/FE.9024