"The Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages offer a sense of ease and comfort, and they have also changed the pace of my life and work style," noted Liu Weibing, a famous Sichuan - born Chinese architect, at an academic annual conference.

From November 2nd to 5th, the New - Era Rural Revitalization Summit (Changsha) and the 21st Academic Annual Conference of the Chinese National Architecture Research Association, co - hosted by the Chinese National Architecture Research Association and the Changsha Municipal People's Government, were held in Changsha, Hunan Province. At the "2018 National Excellent Architectural Planning and Design Exhibition for Characteristic Towns and Beautiful Countryside" held during the conference, the "Series of Organic Renovation and Renewal of Sichuan Forest - Cluster Settlements" submitted by Sichuan David Architectural Design under the leadership of Liu Weibing ranked first.

As an advocate of rural architectural design initiatives in China, Liu Weibing has been invited to deliver speeches at events such as the UN World Urban Forum and the China Beautiful Countryside Forum. His works have also won numerous awards, including the Global Human Settlements Planning and Design Award and the Outstanding Contribution Award to China's National Architecture Industry. Unlike most rural design practices, the team led by Liu Weibing does not work in cities but has set up David Rural Construction Studios in rural areas, which have gained recognition and participation from local villagers.



During the conference, Liu Weibing emphasized that the Forest - Cluster Villages are living fossils of the typical traditional culture of combining farming and scholarship, and this residential tradition constitutes the real foundation of Chengdu's ecological livability. "Setting up rural construction studios in farmyard courtyards allows us to stay grounded and engage in dialogue with the old buildings rooted in the soil," he said. When discussing the innovation of the villages, he added, "It's like grafting fruit trees. You must first keep the original thick branches and old trunks alive; only then can the new fruits have a good taste."

"Nothing tastes better than tea - soaked rice, and nothing looks more elegant than plain and simple attire," Liu Weibing quoted an old saying from Chengdu residents to describe the rural aesthetic orientation of the Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages. He also pointed out that the term "Forest - Cluster Village" itself is a local dialect in Chengdu, and the life in these villages embodies the true rural essence of Western Sichuan as well as the unique accumulation of ancient Shu culture in Chengdu.

"Each region often boasts a typical form of traditional residential settlement, such as the tulou buildings in Fujian and cave dwellings in northern Shaanxi. History has shaped these landmark residential buildings in various regions," Liu Weibing said. Nowadays, Chengdu is positioned as a beautiful, livable park city, and more importantly, it is a city of leisure and enjoyment. "A region nurtures its people with its unique environment, and the Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages have fostered the inherent sense of contentment among Chengdu residents." The pursuit of a relaxed and comfortable life reflects Chengdu's leisurely cultural atmosphere, which is the distinctive charm of this city.
Liu Weibing holds that the life in the Forest - Cluster Villages represents the most touching childhood memories for many Chengdu residents. It also serves as a carrier of ancient Shu culture and a regional architectural model that local architects should explore in depth. He calls for the preservation of more Forest - Cluster Villages with rich stories amid urban innovation. "There is an urgent need to attach great importance to an essential local element in the construction of ecological and livable parks, that is, the Forest - Cluster Villages. Without these villages, the charm of Shu culture will vanish. The allure of a city lies in its unique characteristics, which stem from the long - accumulated historical heritage. Therefore, we must grant the Forest - Cluster Villages the right to 'preserve the place while embracing changes' in the process of urban renewal."

Since the post - Wenchuan Earthquake village reconstruction, Liu Weibing has been leading his team in rural construction in Chengdu. He is often asked why he focuses on rural areas. He always replies that the agricultural heritage of Shu not only belongs to Chengdu, but the Forest - Cluster Villages and the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project still hold practical significance for the sustainable development of human civilization.

Liu Weibing believes that the establishment of David Rural Construction Studios in rural areas enables the team to connect with the land and listen to the local voices, thereby facilitating the revival of the Forest - Cluster Villages rooted in real life. People often refer to the Chengdu Plain as the "Land of Abundance". As early as over 4,000 years ago, the ancient Shu ancestors switched from cultivating dry - land crops to growing rice, and rice has since become their staple food. Liu Weibing explained, "The water from the self - flowing irrigation system of the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project nourishes vast stretches of paddy fields. Villagers on the Chengdu Plain live in scattered settlements near their farmland following the farming routine. From an aerial view, the clusters of Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages with curling cooking smoke scattered across the spider - web - like network of paddy fields and irrigation canals are clearly visible."

As an architect, Liu Weibing has a special fondness for rural dwellings. He deems it crucial to examine the Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages from a comprehensive perspective. He maintains that Chengdu's long and rich humanistic and historical heritage has provided him with abundant inspiration in this regard. "Seeking Dao on Qingcheng Mountain". At the edge of the Chengdu Plain lies this sacred mountain. One can easily switch between mundane life and spiritual practice without long - distance travel. "You can leave Tianfu Square in the city center and reach Heavenly Master Cave on this famous Taoist mountain in just half a day. Along the way, you will see clusters of Sichuan Forest - Cluster Villages with curling smoke rising from kitchen chimneys scattered across the fertile plains. Practicing Dao is similar to farming. I believe the Forest - Cluster Villages are ideal places to experience the concept of 'harmony between humans and nature' in daily life," Liu Weibing said. "Such an atmosphere in Chengdu has shaped a life philosophy of tranquility and leisure." (By Cui Ju)